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Fizzano Brothers Concrete Products, Inc. began as a small family block business more than six decades ago. The consistent production of standard concrete masonry units by their Besser V3Rs allowed the company to develop an outstanding reputation for quality products and dependable service. The Fizzanos focused on producing the highest quality products in the area and solidifying long term relationships with customers.

Rocky Fizzano (seated) surrounded by Fizzano cousins Tom (left), John (middle) and Tony III (right).

When architectural concrete masonry units began to appear in the industry, the company immediately recognized the potential. A concentrated effort was made to educate professionals about the exciting design possibilities these units offered for their projects. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Fizzanos invested time and money cultivating this promising market. Interest, enthusiasm for and acceptance of split face concrete masonry units spread throughout the architectural community. As architectural units continued to gain popularity, the yard that was once completely filled with gray block became filled with cubes of different colors and textures of block.

Fizzano Brothers earned a reputation for providing distinctive units. Besser V3-12 Vibrapacs® were acquired to expand production capacity. By now, the second generation of Fizzanos had been involved in the company for many years. The Fizzanos approached production of architectural concrete masonry units very carefully. Attention was paid to product consistency, not only in color, but in texture and profile. Every step of the way Besser was there, not only sharing ways to optimize production efficiency but also to assure the highest level of quality control. The second generation learned firsthand about the ability of the Besser concrete products machines to adapt to the production of new products.

On Saturdays, as their fathers worked inside the office, Fizzano youngsters filled the yard with energy. As the cousins played amongst the architectural block their fathers produced, they were building relationships, gaining pride in the company and developing an appreciation for the products that have made the name Fizzano synonymous with quality.

Now, the six cousins, who once played together on Saturdays, are working together and have serious roles in running the business. They are focused on a single goal: perpetuating the Fizzano heritage. Each believes, as Rocky Fizzano stated, "Quality is first and foremost - it’s not how many block are made but how many good block you make."

Mike DelFra (left) and Ron Fizzano at the Crum Lynne location.

Fizzano Brothers Concrete Products, Inc. relies on five Besser concrete products machines to achieve the quality and production they have built their reputation upon. The plant in Crum Lynne uses two V3-12 Vibrapacs to produce an astonishing assortment of commercial grade concrete masonry units. A Dynapac® is the workhorse at the Trevose plant producing both regular concrete masonry units and Allan Block® retaining wall units. A V3-12 Vibrapac and a V3R at the Exton facility are kept busy running a dazzling array of architectural products. "The smooth operation of all our plants is critical to the success of our company," commented Rocky, "I wish that everything ran like a Besser."

Tony Fizzano III pointed out that, "Everything revolves around getting quality products to our customers. The business is not just dollars and cents. We want to keep the Fizzano family tradition going; we are very proud of what our grandfathers and fathers have accomplished." The pride and abilities that the cousins share make them a potent force in the concrete block industry.

Two Besser Vibrapac^® concrete products machines at Crum Lynne produce the line of commercial grade concrete masonry units.

The close knit family business environment works well for the Fizzanos. "We are guided by our company slogan, ‘better blocks for better building’," remarked Michael DelFra. Accomplishing this goal is made easier because of the relationship the family enjoys, "We are great relatives, great friends, and great business partners," added John M. Fizzano. Each person fills a specific role while staying focused on reaching the shared goal. Rocky Fizzano is vice president and plant manager at Exton; Tony Fizzano III is assistant plant manager at Trevose; John Michael Fizzano is assistant plant manager at Exton; Tom S. Fizzano is in sales; Ron Fizzano is plant manager and Michael DelFra is the dispatcher at Crum Lynne.

Each young man has both a strong educational background and experience in plant operations. Attendance at Blockmakers Workshops® in Alpena, Michigan, has always been part of the Fizzano training program. The Blockmakers experience was summed up by Tom, "We recognize the need to know how to make block; it is the foundation of what we do."

"The knowledge of the instructors impressed me," stated John, the most recent Fizzano graduate. "Bob Rohn (Blockmakers Workshop instructor) has seen Fizzanos come and go, he knows the importance that we place on education."

Recognizing changes in the industry, the Fizzano cousins have begun grinding and shot blasting concrete masonry units to provide additional textures for their architectural clientele. Staying on the cutting edge means staying in touch with the marketplace and continually looking for new units to add to the product line.

"Our strengths are our commitment to the success of our customers, the quality of our products and the well being of our company. Our alliance with Besser Company has always added to our success," explained Tom. The third generation of Fizzanos is building on these strengths, eagerly anticipating the future.

A Besser 80 cubic foot spiral blade mixer prepares concrete for the concrete products machines.

The cousins are determined to pass Fizzano Brothers Concrete Products, Inc. onto the fourth generation. Their young children are already following in their fathers’ footsteps - spending Saturday mornings playing in the yard and developing relationships that will continue the Fizzano heritage.