Business

9 Brothers Building Supply is a family affair

9Brothers

For just over a year, 9 Brothers Building Supply has maintained a second home in Riverhead. 

And no, nine brothers don’t run the business, as the moniker might suggest. Instead, the name represents the family who founded the masonry and supplies company in 1980 in Brentwood — five brothers who also had four other siblings.

Three and a half years ago, Ida Palmieri of Huntington and her sons Stephen and Victor purchased 9 Brothers Building Supply from her father-in-law and his four brothers. The business is still a family affair: Ms. Palmieri’s husband, Tony, and son-in-law Marco Vinaccia both work there.

Last March, 9 Brothers Building Supply opened a Riverhead location in the building across from the post office on Mill Road. To celebrate a year in business, the owners will host a grand opening Saturday, May 7, from 1 to 6 p.m.

Ms. Palmieri said the event will consist of family fun, with face-painting, snacks and a DJ. Vendors from companies and contractors 9 Brothers Building Supply works with will also be present.

The owners have focused on expanding the store’s offerings by adding new products and putting an even larger emphasis on customer service, said Stephen Palmieri.

“We’re constantly updating our inventory to meet people’s needs,” his mother added. “This market is a very specific market. People know what they want when they come here.”

Two and a half years ago, the owners noticed that the former Stone Center in Riverhead was looking to sell. They were immediately interested, said Ms. Palmieri, who is the store’s majority owner. On March 30, 2015, 9 Brothers Building Supply debuted its second location.

“Riverhead is the perfect place to be,” Ms. Palmieri said. “It’s not too far from the other business and it’s the perfect opportunity to reach both the North and South forks … We saw an opportunity to really grow in a Riverhead location.”

Stephen Palmieri added that the area’s up-and-coming atmosphere also made it the ideal place to open a second location.

Since the Riverhead location is larger than the Brentwood site, the owners were able to build a display center outside the store that showcases different stone, concrete and masonry options.

The company has a Woman Business Enterprise designation, meaning it’s primarily owned and operated by a woman. Ms. Palmieri said this has helped 9 Brothers Building Supply expand, as it brings in contractors and project managers seeking the designation.

While both of the company’s locations offer products suitable for both contractors and homeowners, Ms. Palmieri said the Riverhead location sees more of the latter.

For Ms. Palmieri, the best part of owning 9 Brothers Building Supply is watching customers find the item they’ve been searching for.

“Every day is different,” she said. “It’s exciting because I get to help people with projects. People love their homes and it’s fulfilling their dreams. It’s very rewarding.”

Photo Caption: Ida Palmieri, president of 9 Brothers Building Supply, with her husband Tony (center) and sons Victor (left) and Stephen at their Riverhead location on Mill Road. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

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