The houses they build may rest on concrete and cinder block, but family bonds are the foundation of Westerville-based Romanelli and Hughes. Founded in 1970, the custom home builder has won accolades from industry groups and customers alike.

This two-family business traces its roots to Italy, where Vince Romanelli was born. He began working in the building industry in Rome, at age 16. Five years later, he married his wife Gina, and moved to the United States. Shortly afterward, in 1967, he built his first home in the Northland area of Columbus. He met real estate agent David Hughes in 1969, and by the next year, they – along with a third man, Ernie Slane – were partners in what is now Romanelli and Hughes.

“Forty years ago, we stated this with no money – I had nothing, $200, when I came over. It’s been hard for us to grow,” says Vince, 63. But grow they have. In 2007, Romanelli and Hughes posted gross sales of $52.6 million. While 2008 was a tough year for the home-building industry, the company was still on track to close more than 80 houses by year’s end.

Like their father, Vince’s children, Tony and Gianni, became familiar with construction in their early years, sweeping and cleaning new houses. As adults, Tony, 39, and Gianni, 43, are assistant vice presidents at the company, as is David’s son, Brad, 39 (sister, Lori Prichard, is a pilot). Brad’s wife, Elia, is a sales representative.

The sons’ entry into the business “says a lot about the closeness in the families and the successes they’ve had,” says Jim Hilz, executive director of the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio. Moreover, when it comes to custom home building, “Their name is pretty synonymous with high quality,” he says.

Romanelli and Hughes has signed on to co-develop the 2009 Parade of Homes at Tartan Ridge in Dublin. “They’ve been involved in the Parade numerous times, and their entry is always one of the most popular houses,” says Hilz.

Vince and Dave bought out Slane in the 1980’s. Vince says at the time, there wasn’t much profit to split, and Slane was not as interested in developing property as his partners. “I think sometimes you get a partner, and sometimes you’ve got to give, and sometimes you’ve got to take,” says Vince. “It’s been pretty good. We’ve had no problems, really,” says David.

While work life can get even more challenging when Dad’s also have a boss and a brother is a co-worker, these familys say the pros outweigh the cons. “Even at dinner, you can talk about issues – you don’t have to call someone,” Vince says. “We know how each other thinks, pretty much,” says Tony.

Working with family “probably relieves a little bit of the stress – you know they’ve got your back,” says Brad. The connections engender trust as well, says Gianni.

Certainly conflicts arise. But the families seem to take them in stride. After all, Tony jokes, you can’t fire family. And the founders have given their children a lot to live up to, says Gianni: “My dad sets the bar pretty high.”

While it’s “a lot easier than it used to be” to keep family and work apart, “We always talk at family functions about work, I tried to quit a couple of times, but he wont let me,” Tony says with a smile, gesturing at his father.

Though the principals are nearing retirement age, don’t expect either to step down soon. “He likes to work more than we do,” Tony says of Vince, who also co-owns Vittoria Ristorante, an Italian restaurant in Powell. “I just enjoy checking on things, being around,” David says.

Could a third generation someday take the reins? Tony has three children, Brad has two, and Gianni has one child – all between the ages of 11 to 2 1/2. “Succession planning is always going to be a challenge, so that’s something to talk about,” Tony says.

Wray, Jennifer “Romanelli & Hughes” Columbus C.E.O. February 2009. pages 20-23.