Our History | Key West, FL | Charley Toppino & Sons

Date:

1900s

1910s

1930s

1960s

1990s

2000s

2020

1900s

Italy to America

Charley Toppino immigrated to the US from Italy at 14-years old, arriving in the Port of New York on March 18, 1906. He arrived by himself, looking for work and opportunities. He shined shoes for a penny for months, living on the streets and working on the construction of the New York Tunnel Extension as a laborer.

1910s

Founding Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc.

In the early 1900s, he founded Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. After a few years in the American Northeast, Charley moved to Florida with plans to assemble a construction crew and begin working on infrastructure projects. They settled in Central Florida for a brief time until they heard the news that there was an abundance of roadway and bridgework in the Florida Keys that required skilled contractors.

1930s

Key West—Home to Stay

Following Charley’s arrival to the Keys in the mid-1930s, Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. began working on projects from large to small. The company had earned an honest reputation in the area for its quality of workmanship and the ability to complete the most challenging projects.

1960s

Pan-American Highway

By 1964, the growing family business was completing projects for the Florida Department of Transportation, US Navy, US Army, US Coast Guard, Monroe County, City of Key West, private development groups and international interests. Notable projects completed during this period include a 202-mile stretch of the Pan-American Highway in Costa Rica.

1990s

New Era

In the early 90s and throughout, the 3rd generation Toppino Family members became very active in their roles. We began growing with the island, as development really began to accelerate in the Keys.

2000s

Generations Working Together

In the early 2000s, Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. transitioned from an earthwork subcontractor to bidding projects as a general contractor. This was a period of dramatic growth, going from 70 employees to more than 160. As the team grew, the overall company structure changed. The addition of John Toppino, Andrew Toppino, and Rey Martinez, with the continuous guidance of Richard and Paul Toppino created a core group of leaders that could move into previously uncharted territory.

2020

Going Vertical

As 3rd and 4th generations align, community projects like storm cleanup and charitable giving are becoming greater priorities. Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. is modernizing its approach to project management without losing the family-owned, mom-and-pop feel. While heavy civil will always be the company's bread and butter, the future means increasingly diverse work. Successful completion of recent jobs that extend beyond infrastructure work include several multi-family, hotel, and recreation projects. Challenging themselves to adapt, while strengthening bonds within their communities, makes for a clear path forward.