Celebrating the American Dream at Catania Oils: A Story of Family, Hard Work, and New Beginnings

At Catania Oils, family is at the heart of everything we do. Our company was founded in 1900 by Giuseppe Basile, an immigrant from Sicily who came to Boston seeking a better life for his family. Today, more than 120 years later, our fourth-generation family business is still driven by the values that Giuseppe brought with him: hard work, dedication, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Recently, our president, Joseph Basile, shared these values in an interview on Scripps Morning Rush, where he discussed our company’s participation in a Massachusetts state program to hire migrant workers. Just as Giuseppe once sought a new beginning, these workers have come to America looking for the same: a chance to improve their lives and provide for their families. It’s a story that resonates deeply with our company’s history, and we are proud to welcome them into the Catania Oils family.

As Joseph mentioned in the interview, finding dedicated workers in today’s labor market has been challenging, particularly for positions on our second shift. Through Mass Hire, we’ve had the privilege of hiring a dozen migrant workers who have brought enthusiasm, resilience, and an exceptional work ethic to our team. “Venel, Handy, and Alexandre, our first three hires, remind me of my great-grandfather’s journey. They came here to pursue their dreams, no different from our company’s founding story over 100 years ago,” Joseph said.

These individuals have not only filled critical roles within our company but have also become valued members of our workforce. One of the most heartwarming moments Joseph shared was witnessing the camaraderie between our migrant workers and the rest of our staff at the company’s annual summer picnic. “There is significant appreciation for the work ethic they bring, and the entire team has come together, supporting one another like family,” he said.

We believe in providing opportunities for everyone who works at Catania Oils, and part of that commitment includes offering job specific ESL classes in the past (starting again in January) for our migrant workers to help them succeed inside the workplace. Their dedication goes beyond the factory floor; some have even pooled their resources to buy a car together, making it possible for them to commute and work side by side each day. It’s this kind of teamwork and initiative that makes them not just employees, but part of our family.

While immigration is often a polarizing topic in today’s political landscape, our focus remains on the human stories behind the headlines. For us, it’s about providing opportunities, building relationships, and honoring the spirit of the American dream. “We are family” is more than just a value—it’s the way we treat everyone who walks through our doors, from employees to customers.

As Catania Oils continues to grow, we are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we’ve built. With over 250 employees, our workforce includes single parents, veterans, second chance workers, and migrant workers. We also offer flexible options like mothers’ hours, part-time, and full-time schedules to accommodate different needs. It’s a community that reflects our history and values, and one that will continue to welcome those who share our commitment to hard work, family, and a better future for themselves and their families.