Four generations of Fitzgeralds have had a hand in J.G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd. over its 80-year history.
Barry Fitzgerald, the owner of the business, looks at the past 80 years with a sense of pride.
“It’s been a road. We’ve kept a lot of families’ food on the table. We have workers of 25 years with us. It’s not just my family, it’s other families involved too,” the third-generation Fitzgerald said. “If you’ve ever been in a family business, you know it’s certainly trying. But there’s a lot of pride in it.”
First beginning in New Liskeard in 1941 as a general contractor, Fitzgerald & Sons moved to North Bay shortly after. Once more flat roofing projects became available, that became the business’s focus.
After Barry’s grandfather started the business, it was passed down to his father, John, and his two uncles. From there, it didn’t take long for Barry to get involved, first joining his father when he was 13 years old.
“I’ve never had a summer vacation. It was always working with the family business,” he said.
Barry eventually took over the business in 2003, and now has his own family involved. He has since established another location in Pembroke, Ontario, which his son now operates.
Over the years, Barry’s uncles, aunts, sisters and cousins have all taken a turn working for the business.
As for what has kept the family business going for 80 years, Fitzgerald it’s as simple as keeping the customer satisfied.
“Happy clientele I hope. You take pride in what you do and you do it right,” he said. “There’s a lot of pride so along with that comes the quality.”
Fitzgerald says business has remained solid throughout the pandemic given that he has been deemed essential.
Between the pandemic and an ever-changing business world, Fitzgerald says he’s had no choice but to adapt.
“We just do. It’s ever-changing. It’s changed so much over the years. We adapt the best we can and we move forward,” he said.
