Dominick Claudio
President & CEO , Claudio Corporation
Dominick Claudio , Morgantown native and president and CEO of Claudio Corporation , did not plan to be a mover and shaker in West Virginia or even a businessman . His goal was much simpler .
“ I wanted to be my dad ,” he says . “ I knew I wanted to be a good father and a hard worker . I figured the rest would work itself out .”
Well before most people start thinking about making a living , Claudio was collecting lost golf balls behind his house in his Radio Flyer wagon and selling them to golfers at the Mountainview Golf Course . When he reached the eighth grade , he continued finding value in what others discarded .
“ My first real job as a kid was my flea market table ,” he recalls . “ I decided to dedicate my Sunday mornings to selling to the Morgantown flea markets . I ’ d gather whatever free inventory I could find either by dumpster diving or performing outdoor duties for goods . I would fill up my dad ’ s old truck on Saturday , and my mom would drop me off the next morning at 6 a . m ., help me set up my table and return for me at noon . A mentor once told me , ‘ If someone tells you they ’ re an entrepreneur , ask them what they sold when they were 12 .’ Ironically , I ’ m still in the business of resale today .”
Claudio graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in accounting and finance in 2010 and began working at Donnelly-Boland and Associates in Pittsburgh , PA , in 2011 .
“ My dad helped me find my traditional career path in accounting and finance and provided an example of how to run a successful small business ,” he says . “ My mom helped me find my natural career path by teaching me to become my best self .”
While Claudio enjoyed his job , he could not ignore his entrepreneurial spirit . In 2012 , he opened Unique Consignment in Star City , WV . In 2016 , he left Donnelly-Boland and opened his own accounting firm , Claudio & Company , across the street from Unique Consignment . Today , Claudio Corporation , a West Virginia holding company , manages businesses and properties in Clarksburg , Fairmont and Morgantown . The company ’ s mission is to help startups grow by offering a sponsorship in exchange for equity .
“ My current position at the Claudio Corporation allows me to be boots on the ground in our local communities in North Central West Virginia every day ,” he says . “ From real estate to retail management , consulting to construction , I am blessed to fill so many shoes on a regular basis .”
Claudio puts this same level of dedication into volunteer work to make North Central West Virginia a great place to live and work . He is the treasurer for Main Street Morgantown and a member of the Morgantown Area Partnership and Marion and Preston County chambers of commerce . Claudio also gives
Claudio at the Juliet Art Museum ’ s Juried Thesis Exhibit .
CATHY BONNSTETTER TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
his time and resources to Main Street Fairmont , Main Street Morgantown , The Salvation Army , SHIELD Task Force , Friends of Fairmont and the Ranch Community Store .
Claudio is proud of the businesses he has built and enjoys creating jobs and opportunities in his home state . Since he began his small business journey in 2012 , he has carried three items in his pocket : a copy of “ Live Your Life ,” a poem by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh to help him find courage and overcome obstacles ; a list of the 12 universal laws to remind him why he does what he does ; and a list of 10 rules Benjamin Franklin used to help him understand his personal time and the way he handles himself .
While he has achieved great success at a young age , Claudio has big plans for the future of his corporation , including the revitalization of downtown buildings as living spaces to offer the walkability his generation values and bring people back to the communities , and he plans to do it all with his fiancé , Juliana , by his side .
“ Our community ultimately determines who we are , and our community needs us to give it shape and planning ,” he says . “ This is my home , the place that made me who I am , and I see its existing beauty and potential . It deserves the favor of the next generation .” •
“ Take the first step in faith . You don ’ t have to see the whole staircase , just take the first step .”
– Martin Luther King Jr .
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