Dagostino Electronic Services is a Pittsburgh based, privately held company that designs, sells, installs and maintains communications systems for voice, data and video networks. Since 1973, DES has provided connectivity to thousands of local and wide area networks and voice systems in all types of industrial environments. Dagostino states that the company’s mission is "to provide solutions for the communication needs of today and the future using innovations in technology and the highest standards of quality and service performed by trained, dedicated employees." "Service after the sale," he continued, "is just as vital as design and installation. So, our policy to assign trained, certified and dedicated employees to satisfy customer needs. The end result is not just repeat customers, but long-term business relationships."

Dagostino started his operation 32 years ago in his home and made several moves throughout the City before settling in Hays. They include Penn Avenue in the Strip District and Route 51 just outside the Liberty Tunnels, and on Banksville Road. Dagostino said he purchased the 27,000-square-foot school building as headquarters for his techquarters. He had several reasons. His prior location on was less than 7,000 square feet and not big enough to accommodate the needs of a rapidly expanding firm. Convenient location was another reason. From the Hays site, you can be on the other side of Century Three or in Downtown or on the Parkway in less than fifteen minutes. In fact, Dagostino stated he saw the for sale sign on the building while driving home one Sunday afternoon from a relative’s house. He pulled his car over and called the number from his cell phone. Finally, his customer base also includes school districts where he brings their technology into the 21st century. Retrofitting a former school building is a concrete example of how his firm can solve complex technology needs. Additionally, adaptive reuse of an existing historic structure preserves history and is friendlier to the environment.

The building is being rehabilitated in several phases. Phase 1, started in 2004 and now complete, involved the top floor. The school rooms have been transformed into offices for administration, human resources, accounting and marketing, and the gymnasium has been made into a data center. Dagostino said he spent about $750,000 for this phase, which included purchase of the building. He expects the remaining three phases to be complete by the end of 2005 at a total cost of just over $1.5 million. Dagostino remarked that several curious neighbors have peeked inside and were provided with tours of the renovation work.

As part of the expansion, Dagostino said he hopes to add another five to ten employees, mostly software designers, to the firms' current staff of 105 employees.

Some of the projects that DES completed recently include the complete audio, video, and data installation at Heinz Field; all audio, video, and data installation at the IBEW building in the South Side; installation of the Union Swio=tch & Signal-designed Port Authority’s Light Rail operations center; and the audio-video set up for the Heinz Regional History Center’s new Sports museum including 22 plasma screens, three video projectors and 25 DVD players. Additionally, Dagostino Electronics’ use of Blo-Lite Fiber Optics Technology is touted as the core component to ‘future-proofing’ Seagate Technology’s world-class research facility.

Current projects include audio, video, and data installations at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, the Intel Center at CMU, Aetna Insurance in Philadelphia, the City of Erie, Slippery Rock University, and fiber optics for several schools and universities. DES also will be installing the new security system at Pittsburgh International Airport.

DES’s business services include:

Structured Cabling Systems -- design and installation of infrastructure necessary to support voice, data, fiber optic and video requirements. In-house BICSI certified RCDDs (Registered Communications Distribution Designers) engineer solutions to provide optimum performance. Installers, certified by the very best manufacturers in the industry, provide installation, testing, documentation and a certified warranty. All designs meet or exceed the ANSI/TIA/EIA - 568-A standard and the horizontal cabling subsystem in that standard.

Dagostino states that cables channel the life force of business-information. While a cabling system represents only 5% of the total cost of a network, it can account for 50% or more of network downtime. Today's networks are becoming more and more complex, more users are sharing more peripherals, and more mission critical tasks need to be accomplished over these networks. The need for speed on the network increases as the need for access to critical information increases. This puts a greater demand on a structured cabling system to adapt. And, of course, it should be long lasting.

Professional Network Systems -- premise wiring is only part of the solution. The proper integration of active electronics such as hubs, routers, switches, channel banks and CSU/DSUs is vital to the flow of information. DES designs LANs and WANs utilizing equipment by manufacturers such as ALCATEL, CISCO, 3COM, Cabletron and Newbridge.

Telecommunication Systems -- as an authorized ALCATEL Business Partner, DES can satisfy all of a business’ telecommunications needs. DES designs, installs, and maintains systems designed specifically for their customers.

Telephone Systems: As an authorized Lucent Technologies Business Partner, DES represents the industry leader in telephone systems. With a Lucent Technologies telephone system, customers have the support of the scientists and engineers at Bell Labs, as well as the dedicated employees of DES.

Voice Mail: Secure, password-protected mailboxes allow customers to leave detailed messages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The auto attendant option direct calls to the correct extension and give callers routine information such as hours of operation and driving directions.

Call Accounting: Trisys Telecom's TAPIT/W call accounting software provides businesses with the information needed to analyze telephone usage and control costs. Call accounting programs do not monitor telephone conversations. They let you know where telecommunications costs are being incurred. This valuable information then is used to increase productivity, control costs, manage personnel and generate revenue.

Telephone Services: The DES Service Department can service most telephone systems available today. They provide relocation of an existing telephone system, programming services, upgrades and add-ons. Services Technicians are on call, responding to emergency calls so that a business doesn't miss a beat.

Dagostino Electronic Services, Inc. also is a Compaq PartnerPlus and now has an online Compaq Computer store. You can click on www.directplus.compaq.com to find the computer, peripherals and accessories that you want and then place your order right on the web pages.

Dagostino is a true Pittsburger. He grew up in the South Hills and attended Knoxville Elementary School and South Hills High. He learned his electronics trade at Connelley Tech, but his business sense and management skills are innate. Of further note, his father worked at both the J&L South Side Works and Hazelwood Site maintaining automatic welding equipment.

When asked about the future of the Hays and Hazelwood area, Dagostino saw promise if marketing efforts ramp up and if brownfield sites are made shovel ready for developers. He noted that in comparison to other cities, Pittsburgh’s highway and communications infrastructure are old. Pittsburgh needs to stimulate the ability to get around town more quickly. Further, he believes that stimulation of the economy needs to be coordinated on a regional basis.

On the charitable front, DES donated video services for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s fifth annual "Race to Any Place" held at the U. S. Steel building. To inform spectators and the cyclists competing on stationary bikes, DES set up a 10 by 10 Jumbotron that flashed sponsors' logos as well as overall team standings throughout the day. The event raised more than $220,000 for research and education into the negative effects of blood cancer and its associated illnesses. DES also set up wireless timing displays for the Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park relaying information from the finish line to the racing team pits.

Mr. Schuffert should be a familiar name and face to many residents. Growing up on Chaplain Way, he fondly remembers his childhood and adolescent experience. He attended St. Stephen’s Catholic School (including mass in Latin everyday) and was part of the last graduating high school class from Gladstone in 1976. While in high school, Mr. Schuffert began his life-long vocation in the automobile business while dabbling in door-to-door auto repair for local residents. This activity served as a precursor to Mr. Schuffert’s professional life.

For the past 30-plus years, Mr. Schuffert has been collecting experience as an ASE certified mechanic in several national automotive companies. In recent months, Mr. Schuffert elected to leave the corporate environment and start his own business. He teamed with Mr. Najeski in search of a location for a new independent automotive repair facility. Schuffert notes that the decision to move to Hazelwood depended in part on various positive changes he has witnessed along the avenue, including the construction of Plaza Sophia and the recent re-facing of 5017 Second Avenue. He views these activities as positive steps toward revitalizing Hazelwood, and excitedly awaits other developments in the neighborhood, most notably the former LTV site.

Schuffert believes that his shop departs from conventional small automotive repair shops for several reasons. First, Mr. Schuffert is committed to cleanliness and customer service; values that he learned during his time as a service manager for Midas Automotive Service. He contends that professionalism must be reflected in how the public perceives the business. Secondly, the store is outfitted with state-of-the-art computer and diagnostic systems that can accommodate even the most complex automotive issue. He notes that many automotive shops do not have the capacity for such expensive tools. Finally, the shop offers full-service automotive repairs. His four-person team, which includes his son, Steve, is equipped to handle a variety of services including state inspections, emission testing, oil changes, brake service, shocks and struts, A/C service, exhaust systems, tires, batteries, and comprehensive diagnostics.

Mr. Schuffert urges residents to stop by the shop. He might even greet you with his unofficial motto: "I will tell you if you need it, but I am not going to sell you anything you do not need." In a world driven by “upsell” and the unending quest for a higher “per customer average,” the discriminating consumer might find this philosophy both refreshing and comforting.

National City Bank now has 220 branches in 20 western Pennsylvania counties. Although the Hazelwood area has experienced economic decline and a decrease in population, the bank decided to stay in Hazelwood. They based their decision on a commitment to provide banking services to existing customers and to support the community.

Cynthia Yates, Market Developer, serves as manager of the branch attending to all the details of operations and customer service. The branch has five members of the customer service team: four full-time and one part-time. Although prohibited from disclosing how many depositors, Yates indicated that the branch has customers from Greater Hazelwood, Greenfield, and as far away as Munhall and other South Hills communities.

When asked what makes the bank unique, Yates answered the personal level of service and the wide range of products and services. The branch makes special effort to guarantee that customers are satisfied with the customer service team. The branch is full service offering banking products in four areas: checking, savings, loans and credit lines, and investment management. For example, the bank offers 50-plus checking for seniors, an interest bearing account having no maintenance fees. They also offer free checking and money-market checking. The branch offers select savings and money-market savings where fees can be avoided if minimum balances are maintained.

The bank offers several Elite Visa credit cards including a Diamond Edition where purchases help support breast cancer prevention and a First Air credit card where very purchase earns points toward air, cruise, and vacation travel. National City Bank’s loan lines include home equity, automobile loans, student loans, and personal credit lines. Home mortgages are also available. In the area of investment management, the bank offers full brokerage services, investment and retirement planning, trust services, and even on-line trading.

For small businesses, National City offers cash management; merchant services for accepting credit and debit card payments; and payroll services that can reduce payroll processing costs and save time. The bank also can accept on-line tax payments.

Another reason that makes the bank unique, Yates believes, is the corporate-wide thrust regarding volunteerism and philanthropy. Over 4,000 employees volunteer 125,000 hours annually serving on neighborhood and charitable boards or committees. They also contribute thousands of dollars to various groups. Locally, the bank has supported Hazelwood Initiative’s Oktoberfest 5K and Hazelwood Homepage newspaper; Mainstreet’s Light Up Night; YMCA; Burgwin Elementary School; St. Stephen’s Bazaar; Glen Hazel Citizens Association; Monongahela/Marsden Block Club; Youth Mentorship Program, COTRAIC, and the Greenfield Glide. This coming fall, the Bank is partnering with Hazelwood Initiative to conduct a comprehensive homeownership workshop and credit clinic.

Kerotest Manufacturing Corporation relocated into the Hazelwood community in 1993, making a $7 million dollar investment into a state-of-the-art manufacturing, machining and office facility.  At the time this 84-year-old company was faced with a decision to leave the Pittsburgh area for Louisiana , possibly losing many long-time employees, or take advantage of a TIF (tax increment financing) offered by the City of Pittsburgh .  We are thankful that they chose to stay in the area and relocate in Hazelwood.

Kerotest produces American-made valves in an employee-owned TQM (Total Quality Management) business. This year Kerotest celebrated its 20^th year as an employee owned company (ESOP).  This multi-million dollar facility represents a combination of experience and technology to maintain their dominance as a producer of high-quality valves for the natural gas industry.  They have been a leader in the industry by producing many “first” models of valves for refrigeration, nuclear power, and natural gas markets.

More than just a plant along Second Avenue , Kerotest has been a good neighbor for the community.  For the past six years the plant parking lot and an electrical feed line have been made available to Hazelwood Initiative for the Annual Oktoberfest 5K Walk and Run.  This area is the staging point for both the start and finish of our race.  Along with that support, many employees of the company participate in the race to show additional support to the community.

I recently spoke with Bernie Hiltman to see how he perceived the future for businesses like theirs in Hazelwood.  He was quite frank in letting me know that when the company moved here there were hopes for additional similar plants to be developed.  However, with the movement of the rail yards soon he is hopeful for further development connected to the Kerotest property.  As a result of the recession, this year Kerotest experienced layoffs of veteran employees.  The business atmosphere in the past three years has been difficult for smaller operations to survive, but Bernie hopes for improvement in the near future. 

Life along Second Avenue has not been easy for the employees of this first class company.  There have been many concerns about vandalism to automobiles and property.  It is for this reason that Bernie Hiltman on behalf of Kerotest has become a member of the Hazelwood Main Street Task Force.  He looks forward to the future growth in the existing community, as well as for the development of the former LTV property.

We look forward to Kerotest being here to celebrate many more “firsts.”  The Hazelwood community needs more committed employers to help us reclaim our place in the City.

Mr. Darling offers more than candy, sundries and the necessary pharmaceuticals to his customers. He offers a history, a warmth and service from employees who truly care about the neighborhood and the families that reside within it. One might think that with the positioning a few years ago of a chain store pharmacy just blocks away, Elizabeth Pharmacy may have suffered economically, but the steadfast local residents appreciate the years of service they have received and tend to keep the store quite busy.

In its own right, Elizabeth Pharmacy has evolved with the times to maintain its popularity. It currently accepts utility bill payments and rents videos along with supplying a multitude of items for purchase, from candy and magazines to towels and cell phones. Sandy has a commitment to his customers and a concern for their health. He has allowed local residents liberal payment options in order for them to receive the necessary prescriptions that they at times could not afford.

When a lost young boy on his way home from school was let off at the wrong bus stop recently and ended up in Hazelwood, the crossing guard brought him into Elizabeth Pharmacy where he was made comfortable until someone could pick him up.

We highlight Forward Lithography, which is positioned in the middle of planned redevelopment of Hazelwood. This month’s business of the month comes from the opposite end of the community from last month’s business, Corcoran Flooring.

I recently met with Lisa Query, co-owner with her husband, Paul, to learn more of the operations in this cream-colored, block building along Irvine Street. Besides the Query’s, Bill Palowitch is manager and Christina Grosskinsky is in charge of prepress. Besides this foursome, there are 3 additional pressroom staff .

Forward Lithography’s name may be new to the community, but the facility was formerly operated as Dale Peter’s Printing, and was purchased in 1999. The Query’ moved their operations after 25 years from Squirrel Hill to Hazelwood in order to take advantage of the larger facilities for their growing business, as well as a result of redevelopment at the former location. At the time that Paul was looking for a new location, he had haphazardly remarked to Dale on a fishing expedition that he was in need of new facilities and Mr. Peter’s asked him if he wanted to buy the Irvine Street business. The timing was right for both owners, and on September 9, 1999, the transaction was complete.

Lisa informed me that they loved the location in Squirrel Hill because it was “close to everything” and their clients were in close proximity from town as well as other East End areas. They were pleased with the move to Hazelwood for many of the same reasons. The biggest disadvantage is that there are fewer “walk-in” clients for items such as photocopying and other small jobs. Although there was some concerns about safety, they have come to realize that Hazelwood is a community with lots to offer through future development.

Forward Lithography operates with sate-of-the-art equipment and leading software. Some of the services offered by the operation include offset printing; electronic pre-press; color laser copies and printing; high speed digital black and white copies; letterpress; and full bindery capabilities. Although Forward has a delivery driver for local clients, the use of UPS provides the opportunity to reach many customers outside the immediate radius. Forward also offers website design and can be found online at Fowardlitho.com. When I viewed their website, I also found several examples of the various types of work processed and accolades from satisfied customers. Recently, some of their clients have included Kerotest and individuals requesting wedding invitations from the community.

Lisa Query looks forward to the further development of the community and their place in it. The one thing that would make the Query’s enjoy the community better is an opportunity to dock their boat at a marina along the Monongahela (possibly at the bottom of Hazelwood Avenue) so that they can do some fishing to or from work.

Okay, here is the scenario: you’ve worked all week long and are bone-tired. You can see the bottom of your children’s dresser drawers and all the hampers are spilling over with laundry. Do you really want to spend another weekend running up and down the stairs with baskets of dirty clothes? Well, Mike Riemer, co-owner of Super Suds Laundromat, has the solution. Bring your laundry to Super Suds and complete a two-day chore in less than two hours.

Located at 4901 Second Avenue, Super Suds opened officially in June 2002 and is the only laundromat in the Hazelwood area at this time. It is co-owned and operated by Mike Reamer and Rick Bean. Having previously owned a laundromat, Mike and Rick are excited at the opportunity to provide this much needed service to the community. "We have the cheapest prices in Pittsburgh with convenient hours for every work schedule. We would love to see more people come down and give the laundromat a try."

During my conversation with Mike, the importance of revitalizing Hazelwood was a focal point. With the profitability of the Waterfront and the South Side, he believes that the Hazelwood business district could easily be as popular within the next few years. Before deciding on Hazelwood, Mike put his Graduate Degree in Regional Planning, with a concentration in Site Location and Analysis to work. He studied reports on the area and spoke with members of the community. The results of his analysis, as well as the positive feedback he received, prompted him and Rick to move forward with their plan to open a business in this area. Mike worked on the design of the laundromat, while Rick applied his own experience to the wall construction and utilities. They also appreciate the help and support that was given by the Mayor’s Office, as well as Councilman Bob O’Connor during the laundromat’s grand opening.

Their hard work and expertise have paid off well in the modern design and look of the laundromat. The 15 single load washers cost $1.25, the 5 double load charge $1.50, the 3 triple load can be used for $2.75, while 2 quads are available at $3.75 each. In addition, 18 single load dryers are available for a quarter per every 10 minutes. The Laundromat is open from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week. Video surveillance is provided for security as well as the owners of the laundromat or the building are on the premises at all times.

Dimperio’s on Second Avenue has been a fixture in the Hazelwood community for the past 74 years. Originally owned and operated by Michael Dimperio, Sr., the store began business at the corner of Second Avenue and Tecumseh Street in August 1929. Fourteen years later, they moved to their present location and purchased what was then the Hazelwood Dairy. I’m sure that in 1940, Michael Dimperio, Sr., could have only hoped that his store would still be around today. It has outlasted the supermarkets that would come and go, survived the economic challenges Hazelwood has faced,and continues being in business well over a half-century later.

Now currently operated by the original owner’s son, Michael Dimperio, Jr., who was born and raised in Hazelwood and attended Gladstone Middle School as well as St. Stephen’s Parish. When asked what he would attribute to Dimperio’s longevity, Michael responded that he believes the strong ties to the community, coupled with good service and competitive pricing, have made the difference throughout the years. "Hazelwood has had many supermarkets and stores come and go. We have seen A&P, Thoroughfare, Giant Eagle, as well as an Isley’s in the neighborhood. We have managed to keep our prices fair and even make our own sausage at a much lower cost to the customer than the bigger supermarkets currently charge."

Although he is pleased with his store’s longevity, he would like to see other stores and business succeed in Hazelwood as well. "I would like to see the business district the way it was, when we had many stores and even a bowling alley. You could shop on Second Avenue and buy whatever you wanted, from food to jewelry and clothing. So many people have migrated to the suburbs. I believe Hazelwood needs more homeowners. Home ownership makes the difference and a solid good business district is directly tied to the real estate and business profitability. It is all tied together."

Along with Michael, the store is also operated by his wife, Carol, and son, Michael Dimperio, III. Carol works in the front area of the store, overseeing the cash register and lottery while the youngest Michael is in charge of the meat department. Dimperio;s makes a point to hire employees exclusively from the Hazelwood community. Many of these employees have gone on to successful careers in a myriad of fields. This is just one more source of pride for the Dimperio family.

Since 1978 Dr. William J. Stewart and his wife Barbara Stewart have been running their chiropractic business in Hazelwood, Where Everyone Can Afford Routine Examination (WE CARE). This husband-wife team have known each other all of their lives, having both grown up in Greensburg, PA. At the age of 15 Dr. Stewart was injured playing football and was told by a family physician that not only would he never play football again, but that he would also have some difficulty walking. On his ride home, he passed a chiropractic clinic that was run by a team doctor, so he stopped and crawled into the office. The doctor adjusted his back and told him to take a day off of practice, practice on Thursday, and he would be fine to play in Friday night’s game. That is when Dr. Stewart became interested in chiropractic medicine.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Stewart attended and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He and his wife then returned to Pennsylvania where Dr. Stewart began working in the Hazelwood office in 1976, with a world renowned chiropractor named Dr. Pierce, who had developed a state of the art technique of chiropractic medicine. Two years later, Dr. Pierce sold his practice in Hazelwood to Dr. Stewart. Dr. Stewart now has patients that come from as far away as Harrisburg and Ohio to receive his services.

Having their office in Hazelwood for 25 years has allowed the Stewarts to witness many of the changes that have occurred in Hazelwood. "We think of Hazelwood as being our second home," said Mrs. Stewart. With a commute from Ligonier everyday, some people may wonder why the Stewarts have been here for so long. "We think Hazelwood is very convenient for our customers. We have customers from all over because of its central location and we provide a unique service that contributes to the community, because there are no other chiropractors in Hazelwood. We also like the fact that we are part of a neighborhood," said Mrs. Stewart.

Like most others, the Stewarts believe that Hazelwood has great potential, although they are concerned about the Mon-Fayette Expressway and the uncertainty that it could bring to the redevelopment of the neighborhood and the uncertainty that it brings to their business. They feel that the appearance of Second Avenue is deceiving and that the people who live here are very dedicated to making a change in Hazelwood. “We feel that it is only a matter of time before it [Hazelwood] will develop into something quite nice. We sincerely feel that the neighborhood has a great future,” said Mrs. Stewart.