Each year, the Business Council of Westchester recognizes and awards the county’s men and women “Rising Stars” who exemplify leadership qualities and have attained outstanding success and professional accomplishments by the age of 40. Since 2004, 280 individuals have been honored for making their mark and gaining notoriety in their chosen line of work before their 40th birthday.
Michael Santoliquido of Eastchester, president of San Signs and Awnings, was one of the recipients at this year’s annual awards presentations held on June 9 at the Master Card Worldwide Center in Purchase with more than 400 people in attendance.
After working for several years for other sign companies and suppliers, Santoliquido borrowed enough money from his parents to buy the materials, equipment and computers necessary to established his company in 1995 and set up shop in their house, garage and back yard. He did the complete job, from selling to collections, designing, securing permits, manufacturing and installing the signs.
In less than two years, his business had grown and flourished, requiring a move to larger quarters and rented facilities at 925 Saw Mill River Road, Yonkers. Shortly thereafter, he leased additional space on the first floor of the building to further expand his business operation and in April 2007, purchased the entire building to accommodate his full-fledged manufacturing, warehouse, sales, showroom and fleet of trucks and vans.
During this growth and expansion period, he worked closely with the City of Yonkers Employment Agency and hired and trained several of the local unemployed residents who were in need of work. As a result, the company was recognized and honored for its efforts at a city luncheon attended by Mayor Phil Amicone and Rep. Nita Lowey. He later received the small business “Man of the Year “ award at the annual Yonkers Business Expo for his entrepreneurship, successful business operation and contributions to the city.
Santoliquido is an active volunteer in the community and has contributed to local organizations and municipalities. He said he was always willing to help those less fortunate than himself and is extremely thankful that his daughter, Gabriella, who was born after 24 weeks, 1 pound 4 ounces, had survived a 4 1⁄2 month hospital stay and is now doing extremely well.
Because of his support, assistance and ongoing efforts over the past seven years, the Healing the Children, Northeast organization, will be honoring Santoliquido at their annual golf outing benefit at the Waccabuc Country Club on June 29.
He has always maintained a high set of values and principles and has worked hard and continues to strive for success. His dedication, work ethic and desire to succeed, has enabled his company, San Signs and Awnings to become one of the leading sign and awning providers in Westchester County and the tri-state area, the business council said.
The Business Council of Westchester recognizes and acknowledges that Michael and the other honorees clearly fulfill the criteria of the “40 Under 40 Rising Star Award.” Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino stated that these individuals have surpassed all expectations, raised the bar for setting their goals and objectives and established new standards for success, all before the age of 40. They continue to do for others and the community and maintain the foresight and vision for the future of Westchester County.
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