Not long ago, Paul Campanella had the opportunity to go back and address students at Delcastle Technical High School, where he graduated a few decades before. He looked at his audience and reminded them that no matter what people may say about them, just about anything is possible.
“I told them that I was in the same chairs as they are now, and here I am today with my own business that employs 28 people,” Campanella said.
His is indeed a classic story of entrepreneurial success. In 1986, Campanella sold his truck to raise a little capital to rent a few service bays in a local garage and began working on cars and trucks. He devoted seven days a week to the business for the first seven months, at which time he hired his first employee.
Business Briefing
Locations:
1703 Augustine Road, Augustine Cut-Off, Wilmington, Del. 19803
2379 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Del. 19808
Founded: 1986
Industry: Auto repair
Generations: 2
Website: www.campanellas.com
Facebook: Paul Campanella’s Auto and Tire Center
Today Campanella’s has two facilities, with his son Anthony managing one of the shops. The business is known not only for its superior work, but also for loyalty to its customers. That’s why people keep returning.
“We sell an experience,” Campanella said. “It’s all about the best possible thing for the customer and the car.”
In addition to keeping its clients on the road, Campanella’s is extremely active in the community and provides assistance and financial support to charities like Ronald McDonald House, The Ministry of Caring, Sunday Breakfast Mission and several local schools. What started in the classrooms of Delcastle has become something special indeed.
