DiMatteo Group in Shelton Changes with the Times

Family-owned businesses are the backbone of the local and national economy yet their achievements are rarely recognized. Recently, however, the DiMatteo Group in Shelton was named one of 22 outstanding family-owned businesses in Fairfield and Westchester County by Westfair Inc., publishers of The Fairfield County Business Journal and The Westchester County Business Journal, at a recent awards ceremony attended by hundreds of business people from the region.

In fact, family businesses account for 50 percent of U.S. gross domestic product and generate 60 percent of the country’s employment. In addition, family businesses represent 78 percent of all new job creation and comprise 80 to 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America.

DiMatteo Group in Shelton is part of this family business trend. They have thrived and survived for nearly six decades because they have embraced change. John DiMatteo, President of DiMatteo noted, “Through the years our business has grown in proportion to our family. We were extremely honored to receive this prestigious recognition as we approach our 58th anniversary. We continue to expand and keep current with the latest business practices by maintaining an excellent work-life balance.”

Originally called the A.A. DiMatteo Insurance Service Center, the late Anthony DiMatteo founded the agency in Bridgeport in 1959 with four employees and then moved the office to Trumbull in 1993. DiMatteo Group quickly outgrew their second location and relocated to Bridgeport Avenue Shelton in 2003. They now employ a staff of 26.

The DiMatteo children took over the family business in 1993 from their father Anthony and “earned the right to own this business through hard work,” said Adeline DiMatteo of Shelton, Anthony’s widow.

DiMatteo Group specializes in insurance, employee benefits, income tax and financial services. Five family members hold leadership positions at the company, including: John and Kim DiMatteo of Bethany, Robert and Loretta Lesko of Shelton, and Rosemarie Esposito of Shelton.

DiMatteo Group recently made a few positive changes, including the renovation of their second floor office. “We gutted the second floor and have created a more modern space with rising desks, Ergonomic chairs, and a contemporary color scheme,” said Kim DiMatteo. “Everybody loves the new comfortable atmosphere because it fosters collaboration and creativity in a large open space. In addition, we started a popular summer work hours program and a fun committee that plans ongoing team building events. “

DiMatteo Group instituted a new telecommuting policy that has helped its employees work remotely, especially during inclement weather. They also created a work out section at the office to reduce stress and increase creativity.

John DiMatteo summed up everything: “We have successfully transitioned the business from our parents and founders to the second and now third generation. Overall, we are growing within the various industries and have become a desirable place to work. We regularly seek input from our seasoned team as well as from the millennials.”

No matter what, DiMatteo Group has always given back to the community. Throughout the year their company and family foundation are involved in a variety of ongoing philanthropic projects.

“Twelve years ago we established the DiMatteo Family Charitable Foundation and an annual golf tournament,” noted John DiMatteo. “The foundation was established as a tribute to our late father who was battling cancer at the time. Since then, we have contributed over $304,000 for various well-known local and national charities that fund research, education and finding a cure for diseases.” View www.dimatteogrp.com for more information.

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and tax planning services offered through DiMatteo Group are separate and unrelated to Commonwealth Financial Network.

*The Family Owned Business award recognizes local family businesses based on criteria such as: live and work in the county, number of years and generations in business as well as their community involvement and service. This award is not specific to financial services and does not imply an endorsement, recommendation, or otherwise reflect the performance of the advisor or any accounts

DiMatteo Group 79 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484