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Eight is Enough – For Now

By TYRA PACHECO
Standard-Times correspondent
May 27, 2007 6:00 AM

 

When Anthony Rapoza Sr. purchased a small motor repair center in 1977, he had no idea the company would one day employ every one of his eight sons, but 30 years later the family business is still growing strong.

Delta Electric Motor & Generator Co. Inc. is an electrical and mechanical sales and service facility for industrial motors, controls, pumps and reducers. The company started out servicing the fishing and textile industries. Today, Delta Electric also services hospitals, schools, wastewater plants, food processing facilities and manufacturing companies.

"We service everyone who has a motor," said Anthony Rapoza Jr., president of Delta Electric. "There is a lot of diversity in what we do. Motors are like people. They come in all different shapes and sizes."

Much of Delta's business is done on an emergency basis, repairing, rebuilding and, if necessary, totally remanufacturing motors. Keeping their customers up and running 24 hours a day requires teamwork, something their father instilled in them many years ago.

Tony was 23 years old when his father first considered buying the business. Mr. Rapoza took the five oldest brothers with him to look at the repair center. At that time, Mike was working as a machinist, Steve had a job repairing tools, Jim worked in electrical sales and Tony had worked with his father since he was 17.

"At 51, he was a little apprehensive," said Tony. "But he knew going in that we had a potential work force with experience."

That work force would grow to include uncles, nephews, sons and brothers-in-law over the years. Even Mary Rapoza, the mother of the eight brothers — plus their sister, Mary Lou — joined her boys for a few years.

"In the early days, she was my secretary," Tony said of his mother. "She was unbelievable.

Within the first four years, five of the brothers were working together. Slowly, the remaining three climbed on board, with Tom joining the team just a few months ago after working for several years in the printing industry.

Originally located on North Front Street in New Bedford, Delta Electric moved to Cove Street in the city before settling in Fairhaven in 1983. Ten years later, the company opened a second location in Cranston, R.I.

Even though the patriarch retired many years ago, his presence is still strong in the family business.

"My father just comes in and beats us up when he has to," Tony said with a laugh. "He whips us into shape."

Today, Jim and Tom both work in sales. Mike is the head of repair operations in Fairhaven, a role that John plays in Cranston. Steve and Paul work as technicians, and Ernie is the operations manager for the company.

"We have a lot of loyalty as a family and loyalty to our customers," said Tony. "We all get along. We all love what we're doing."

In addition to the eight Rapoza brothers, Delta employs 22 employees, many of whom have worked for the company since its inception. And, considering the brothers have 21 children, plus three more from their sister, the future of Delta Electric looks promising.

"As long as my youngest brother needs me, I'll be here," said Tony.

See this article on the Standard Times website

 

 

 

 

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