Imagine 70 years in business. Their beginnings go back to 1951. Were you around then? 

That is when Capitol Siding was being established by Mark Sarkisian, Sr. on Pleasant Street in Worcester. He and his brother Bill Sarkisian used their trusty station wagon to transport product to customers’ homes. 

Back then the company was known as Capitol Aluminum Siding as aluminum was the siding material used at that time. The Sarkisian brothers also sold storm windows and storm doors, which were installed over the exterior windows and doors of homes. 

So much has changed since the early 1950s and Mark Sarkisian, Jr. and his brother Dale are now the family members who have continued this successful business model. Their dad and uncle’s legacy has flourished and grown successfully over the years and has kept the same family values that were instilled in the sons at an early age. “We were taught to be honest, to do a good job, and to satisfy the customer,” said Mark Sarkisian, Jr., “and that’s what we strive for daily on each job our crews work on. We’ve been a member of the Better Business Bureau for the past 60 years and are proud of our A+ rating.”  The company is now known as Capitol Siding and Home Improvement Company, Inc. as not only do they offer siding, but also install windows, roofing, and gutters.

They are a Harvey Elite Dealer, which means that they are offered their best quality windows at a better price, which enables them to pass on the savings to their customers. 

“When COVID first appeared, we thought our business would suffer,” said Mark, “but we have been able to continue working through the entire situation using good safety guidelines. Because of the high quality of our siding, we also can continue to install this product through the colder months. We will install windows one unit at a time to keep our customer’s home warmth at a respectable level.” 

The quality of window glass should be a major consideration when choosing windows said Mark. He listed the window types as double and triple-paned, Low E, and argon-gas-filled. “The lower the ‘U Factor,’ the better the window, as this indicates the heat transfer through the window glass,” he said.

Capitol employs 10 siding crews, 3 window crews, and 2 roofing crews. Each crew has 2-4 members.

The company enjoys educating its customers too by advising them that when using contractors: a customer should always ask for a copy of the installer’s Construction Supervisor License as well as their Home Improvement Contractor Registration License and Insurance Certificates. Having these certificates means that the installer is obligated to take continuing education classes in their area of expertise. “Many people don’t realize that they can be sued if the un-insured installer has an accident on their property. Having Workmen’s Compensation coverage is crucial,” stated Mark.

Capitol does not ask for a down payment like many other contractors. Once the job is complete, payment is expected.

“We have the best customer-oriented employees,” says Mark. “Toni Faccini is our office manager and she’s been with us for over 15 years. If it wasn’t for Toni I would never be able to take a vacation. She’s unbelievable with our customers on the phone. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities. She’s the salt of the earth. We also have my son-in-law, Ryan Sabatalo, working here as our sales manager and he does a great job in his position. Always focused on the customer’s satisfaction and that’s what it’s all about.” 

Capitol is proud of how it gives back to the community. They’ve donated to the Auburn Family Youth organization by providing and installing siding on their building, donated a defibrillator to the Auburn Fire Dept., and made donations to the local dog kennel.  Mark is chairman of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce’s Golf Committee. The committee has donated $15,000 in scholarships annually to local high school students. “It’s very rewarding,” said Mark, “even though this year we could not have a golf tournament due to COVID, people still donated to this worthy cause.”

Capitol Siding and Home Improvement Co., Inc., 30 Auburn Street, Auburn. Phone: (508) 832-5981.  www.capitolsiding.com.