THE MATTEIS FAMILY:

AIME, MICHAEL, VINCENT, ANTHONY, LORRAINE

On September 20, 1982, Vincent Matteis, who had lost his job due to the recession, took his family's first initials, wife Lorraine and his three children, Aime, Michael, and Anthony and created the name AMVAL Associates.

He had a lot of faith in family, friends, and flag.

Friends donated his first company car, an old beater. Getting his business off the ground involved 12-hour days and countless days on the road. In looking for business he would occasionally have to sleep in the car.

AMVAL Associates not only stands for the first initials of the family, it also stands for "American Value". Vincent Matteis is a one man crusade protecting American jobs.

He's staying away from products of multinationals and conglomerates as a matter of principle to deal with family owned and run firms whenever possible.

He is a salesman. A very good salesman.

Vincent Matteis is Mr. Optimism, a super salesman with a twist. The twist is he gives away ten percent of whatever he makes to those less fortunate.

As for the "Buy America" commitment, Vincent Matteis thinks it has helped his business. There are still a lot of people who prefer American products, service and quality.

Vincent Matteis: bullish on himself, his family, his country and his friends; and willing to kick ten percent back, hopefully to spring someone else.