The Legend of Walpole

For homeowners seeking to add timeless, durable appeal to their outdoor spaces, Walpole Outdoors is the most trusted name in the game.

Founded in 1933 in Walpole, MA, by P.R. Allen, the company began as a fencing company with the goal of employing area laborers during the Great Depression. This area of Massachusetts is known for its cedar forests, and it was only natural for the Walpole woods to spark a business idea. Originally named Walpole Woodworkers, the company has set the industry standard for quality outdoor products for nearly a century, and is known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to changing times and technologies.

Mark Bushway, director of sales, began working for Walpole just over 35 years ago. During college, he worked summers with the company, installing fences and building furniture. “I always enjoyed my time there, and after graduating college, the company was looking to hire a couple of sales people,” says Mark. “I thought I might be pretty good at that.”

With showrooms in retail locations all along the East Coast from Florida to New Hampshire, Walpole provides residential and commercial customers with stock and custom outdoor products—including pergolas, arbors, fences, gates, outdoor furniture and children’s playsets.

Over the course of its history, Walpole has constantly looked for opportunities to incorporate new and original processes and technologies to improve the overall look and durability of its product line. As its products grew in popularity, the company developed a process for pre-staining cedar fences to more quickly serve their customers.

In the early 2000s, Walpole began working with materials other than wood to increase the longevity of its products. The firm settled on AZEK cellular vinyl as the material of choice, and became the industry leader in the fabrication, reinforcement and finishing of outdoor products in the material. This allows Walpole to replicate some of the cedar designs with material that is impervious to rot, warping and insects. Due to the expansion of material offerings, the company changed its name from Walpole Woodworkers to Walpole Outdoors in 2015.

Walpole’s products and designs can be seen in notable landscape architecture projects in homes and commercial locations nationwide. Some of Mark’s favorite projects include several exquisite commercial pergolas featured at prestigious golf clubs, including the Hyannisport Golf Club near the Kennedy family compound. “Those types of projects bring me the most satisfaction,” says Mark.

The company also has a long-standing relationship with This Old House—the hallmark renovation, remodeling and carpentry TV show that is a household name in the U.S. In fact, Walpole and representatives from the company were featured on the very first episode of the show in 1974.

“We’ve always been the leaders in the industry and selling the top product, and that means we have to deliver. There is something to be said for that,” says Mark. “That’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed with Walpole for so long: because we hang in there until the job is done and the customer is satisfied.”

Resource:

Walpole Outdoors

Corporate Showroom and Headquarters

255 Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035

888.303.6031

Aitoro Appliances Newly Designed Showroom

Avisit to Aitoro Appliance Store and its masterfully remodeled kitchen showroom is unlike a visit to your average appliance store. At Aitoro Appliance, guests are welcomed like members of the family. Indeed, with its historic family heritage, Aitoro has perfected the art of customer service, lavishing warm Italian hospitality on all those who visit. How did this stunning kitchen showroom in Norwalk, CT, become the gathering place for elite clientele, top builders, architects and designers? Owner Tony Aitoro leads us around the live and interactive Gaggenau kitchen showroom while revealing the secrets of the company’s long-lasting success.

The Aitoro family first opened its doors 75 years ago, offering the same welcome and reception that they do today. For over four generations, the family has found its niche and achieved success by presenting only the finest higher-end appliances to its clients. Its appreciation for remarkable quality, lasting craftsmanship and timeless design has naturally led the family to feature the ultimate in kitchen luxury: sophisticated Gaggenau kitchen essentials.

Entering the attractive showroom area, you are transported with a view of a lush, green German pine forest on a misty morning. The showroom zones are expertly staged like individual, open-style kitchens, making you feel like you’re entering a luxury home. “Gaggenau appliances integrate into any kitchen, both contemporary and classic,” says Tony. Gaggenau artisans have been honing the art of kitchen performance since 1683, creating lifestyle items designed to truly perform at the highest level.

Elegant offerings in the Aitoro showroom include Gaggenau downdraft ventilations that seamlessly whisk away cooking smells, heat and vapor. Gaggenau dishwashers can be personalized to pamper your dishes soundlessly with optimal care. Sleek intelligent refrigerators with or without handles can be touched, opened and explored. Without handles, Gaggenau refrigerators gracefully blend in, allowing your beautiful cabinets to take center stage in your kitchen.

The incredible flush-surface Gaggenau induction cooktops combine timeless design, perfect function and intelligent cooking advances that have to be experienced to be appreciated. “Our showroom is live and interactive,” Tony says, noting the fun he has entertaining guests right in the showroom. “Let’s be honest, we always end up in the kitchen,” he says. To recreate all the warmth and welcome of visiting the kitchen of a close friend, Tony often cooks for showroom guests to demonstrate the superior functionality of Gaggenau cooktops. “I love making breakfast and cappuccinos,” he says, explaining the delicious aromas wafting through the showroom.

What if guests want to try these intelligent Gaggenau appliances for themselves? “Live and interactive means you can come in, grill and cook,” he says. He knows the importance of a touch-feel experience when you’re considering integrating a high-end kitchen appliance into your lifestyle.

The Aitoro showroom is open to visitors throughout the week and—in true Italian style—you’ll be treated like family from the moment you enter. Occasionally you’ll even find professional chefs demonstrating cooking techniques for visitors. While guests are always welcome to explore the fine craftsmanship of the Gaggenau for themselves, an appointment is recommended for those who want to experience Tony Aitoro’s hospitality and a personalized tour of the newly remodeled Gaggenau showroom.

Resource::

Tony Aitoro,

President

Aitoro Appliance

401 Westport Avenue

Norwalk, CT 06851

203.847.2471 aitoro.com