For three decades, Viking Construction has played a role in shaping the skylines of communities throughout Connecticut and New York by building hospitals, schools, apartments, dorms, manufacturing plants, assisted living facilities, office parks, and dozens of other structures that define the region. As the company celebrates its 30th anniversary and enters into its fourth generation as a family-owned business, it reflects on its beginnings, accomplishments, and impact on many communities.
Anthony Gaglio, Sr., started the company in 1991, building on his deep roots in the construction world. His family hails from the Mercedes who founded the Frank Mercede & Sons construction company in 1927, and his grandfather continued in the industry. In 1978, Anthony began working side-by-side with his grandfather who taught him old-world craftsmanship and values.
“From day one I wanted to build a great company that reflected what I learned from my grandfather and that focused on quality, relationships, and trust,” Anthony Gaglio, Sr., Viking’s president, said. “I really believe that is why we are thriving, 30 years later, simply doing what we love. I congratulate our entire team who stayed true to our culture and shared in our dedication to being the best.”
Over the years, the company has invested heavily in its employees, equipment, and technology to be able to complete projects that stand out and define different communities. As a result, Viking has received many awards for construction excellence, safety, community, and business including being named a 2020 “Best Places to Work in Connecticut.” This year, Anthony Gaglio, Sr., was named a 2021 Champion of Change from the Construction Institute, in recognition of his dedication to hiring, mentoring, and promoting women.
“Anthony Sr. put everything he had into building this company and making it what it is today,” Anthony Gaglio, Jr., vice president of Viking Construction, said. “He set high standards for everyone who worked at Viking and for all subcontractors, and he insisted everyone act with integrity. That’s why we have such longstanding clients – and employees for that matter.”
Viking has consistently sought out creative ways to improve, especially in the areas of workplace safety. That is why the company entered into a new, voluntary Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP) with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designed to increase job safety knowledge and awareness.
Viking has a close working relationship with Minority Business Enterprise and Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and has co-hosted outreach events to hire small- and minority-owned subcontractors and minority employees.
Viking also created its annual Viking Construction Education Scholarship program which is open to high school seniors or college students who have declared a construction-related major, helping young men and women get started in this competitive field. Since 2012, the company has awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships.
Its impact on the larger community is extensive as well. Viking’s executives and employees are active members of countless organizations including the Connecticut Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, The Construction Institute, Utility Contractors Association of Connecticut, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), CT Chapter, The Connecticut Green Building Council, the U.S. Green Building Council, the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, and the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Anthony Gaglio, Jr., serves on the board of directors for Inspirica, Inc., a non-profit that works to solve homelessness, and the board of incorporators for the Fairfield County Bank. Viking and its employees participate in annual Thanksgiving turkey donations and support a wide variety of local non-profits associated with the Marina Village housing community and the Bridgeport Housing Authority and Home of the Brave, a non-profit that helps veterans find homes and work. Viking also sponsors a local baseball team, has hosted fundraisers for Bridgeport’s firefighters and police department, and has supported initiatives to send students to Nature’s Classroom.
