Founded in 1946 on Jackson Street, Lawrence MA, Joe Torrisi, a Lawrence native, led the company with the goal of being a premier building materials supplier focused on serving the professional builder and project-minded home-owners throughout the community. Mr. Torrisi was a general contractor who recognized the need for a new type of supplier as the construction industry was gaining momentum following World War II.
Acquiring land on Market Street for growth, and then moving their entire facility there in the mid 1960’s, a ‘first in the industry’ customer drive through coupled with an architectural millwork shop, quickly put the company in the forefront of the building products industry in the Northeast.
A second generation of the Torrisi family joined the company in 1963. Al Torrisi eventually took the reigns of the company in 1982 and continues today as President and CEO. Continuing the legacy started by his father, Al has had prominent roles in both trade and non-profit organizations where the senior Torrisi believed in giving back to those who helped support the company.
Today, with satellite yards and store facilities in Haverhill MA, Nashua NH, and Raymond NH that also includes a state of the art millwork manufacturing operation, the company continues to look for growth opportunities in expanding it’s customer base throughout the region.
In 2008, the company opened JACKSON KITCHEN DESIGNS – a beautiful showroom in North Andover MA, featuring the latest styles and trends for kitchens and other rooms where cabinetry is used. Six designers are available to design the kitchen of your dreams.
Today a third generation is poised to take over the company in the next several years. Al’s sons – Jay and Mark, along with Al's nephew Joe, each have 20 years of experience and have a close pulse on the industry, their customers, and staff. The four of them along with several other senior managers, continue to chart the direction of the company.
In spite of the severest housing downturn since the Great Depression, the company has managed to weather the storm along with 130 loyal staff and will continue to invest in resources that puts them at the forefront of the industry. Anticipating construction to slowly grow in 2010 and become stronger the following years, using technology and their experienced staff, the Torrisi family will continue to make major investments in all aspects of the business.