1980
Anthony
J. Porto starts The Laminate Company, Inc. specializing in the fabrication of
laminate countertops. A company of three
employees, based in Tyson’s Corner, VA, TLC, Inc. focuses on selling its product to
kitchen cabinet wholesalers, dealers, and residential homebuilders.
1981
The
Laminate Company incorporates database software to enhance production and
delivery scheduling, beginning the company’s focus on database systems as a way
to operate more efficiently.
1984
The
Laminate Company expands its product line to include a custom laminate cabinet
division, as well as its customer base, supplying general contractors serving
the commercial construction market.
1985
Now
employing 20 people, Signature becomes a distributor for Virginia Marble Co., a
manufacturer of cultured marble vanity tops.
Reflecting a growing emphasis on timely delivery, the company adds a
customer service department and additional trucking capacity to handle the
growth.
1986
The
three hallmarks of the company’s business evolve. First, the company makes a decision to supply
the homebuilder market on a direct
basis, instead of using wholesalers and dealers. Second, the company becomes a cabinet distributor for American
Woodmark Corporation, the third largest cabinet manufacturer in the
country. Third, Signature implements an installation program, offering turnkey
service to the builders to differentiate itself from the competition. In addition to moving its corporate location
from Tyson’s Corner to Sterling,
VA, the company also introduces
its new trade name, Signature Kitchens.
1987
Signature
Kitchens invests in inventory control software, digitizing another facet of the
business.
1989
Signature
increases its employee base to 65, as well as opening a retail showroom in
Tyson’s Corner in order to penetrate the remodeling sector.
1990
A
second retail store is opened in Manassas,
VA.
1991
As
the recession begins to take its toll on the market; John Lombardozzi purchases
50% interest in the company and becomes the CEO for the organization.
1995
John
Lombardozzi acquires the remainder of the stock and becomes the sole owner of
Signature Kitchens.
1996
Shareholder,
John Lombardozzi acquires a small manufacturing business called RJC Industries
Inc (dba: American Stair Products) Located in Chambersburg, PA. RJC had acquired the assets of American Stair
Products Inc and Armstrong Cabinetry which became trade names of the
business. The strategy was a turn-around
and to leverage the Signature Kitchens customer base to increase revenue.
1997
Signature
Kitchens acquires three small competitors, expanding its geographic base to
Baltimore, MD. It also begins its
relationship with the Cardell Cabinetry product line.
1998
Signature
Kitchens moves its corporate headquarters from Sterling,
VA to Haymarket,
VA.
1999-2004
Signature
Companies devises a Vision Statement, comprising of both a Mission Statement
and Guiding Principles of Work & Culture, in order to codify the values of
the company. The company also achieves
NAHB/NHQ certification, becoming the first distributor in the Washington DC
Metro area, and the second nationwide, to be granted certification, ensuring
that its focus on quality products and service is monitored by a national
organization. NHQ Certification
demonstrates Signature’s focus on becoming the Best Turn-Key Supplier in the
Mid-Atlantic Region.
2002-2005
The
company aggressively grows, doubling both sales and employee base, ending the
year 2005 with 225 employees.
2006
To
celebrate the beginning of its twenty-fifth anniversary, Signature Companies
develops a customer website allowing customers access to their production,
delivery, and service schedules, as well as financial documents. Enhancements are made to Signature’s service
program to make it institutionalized.
The company kicks off an internal program to promote the idea that the
company is made of 225 employees working towards one goal.
2007
Signature introduces Low
Cost Custom Built Ins for the production home builder. The product becomes a success and is
introduced in many house types as a standard feature
2008 - 2009
A retail and remodel
division, WoodCrafters is formed. A new
website and literature is created.
Signature introduces ReCraft for Cabinetry and Stairways, products that
are designed and manufactured for homeowners.
2011
Signature pieces are
introduced, custom items that are built by our shop to match a production line
cabinet, that help enhance the kitchen and bath designs. The new look resulted in more builder sales
and design awards giving Signature credibility for designs and manufactured
pieces. WoodCrafter wins the NARI Remodel of the year award.
Exciting new manufactured
products including pre-assembled iron, glass and cable rails, improvements to
the ultimate treads and custom cabinetry pieces help to move Signature into a
role as a trend setter for our industry.
2012-2015
Manufactured
items; including the ultimate tread, pre-assembled metal rails, a cable rail
system and Signature pieces continue to grow.
A fresh new look is created for the Kitchen Business as part of the
renovation of the Haymarket Showroom.
Signature Pieces are in 8 out of 10 kitchens shipped. Manufacturing
facilities are enhanced with new equipment including a flat line finishing
system, CNC and custom rail assemble machinery help to automate manufacturing,
resulting in more consistent products.
Internal Systems are enhanced to keep up with the growing demand for
higher volume sales in manufactured items.
