Anthony Palmisano

“Success is being surrounded by people who want to grow and seeing opportunities for them to take off.”

Anthony’s first job with Ferguson was actually his first job right out of school. And 18 years later, he still gets excited about coming to work every day. Interestingly he came to Ferguson by happenstance, rather than by design, when some friends who worked here recommended that he check it out. They clearly knew him well! Not only was the job a “fit” from the start, he found a company and career that he loves and has committed to for the long term.

“A good career is probably going to be a long one,” Anthony says. And he’s living proof. He spent the last two decades growing through a variety of roles at Ferguson, from what he calls the “old-school” trainee program in Lynchburg all the way to his current position of Sales Director, which he began this past August. He jokingly describes his progression through the many opportunities he has had at Ferguson as “the rock climbing route.” In addition to running a branch with a showroom at one time, he has also worked in outside sales, as a category sales manager, and as an area sales manager. For him, the story told by all of his roles is that Ferguson has always supported his career development, growth, and success. Today he strives to pay it forward by helping to do the same for others.

A former athlete, sports gave Anthony a competitive spirit and a strong work ethic, which was reinforced by watching his dad put in hours of hard work as a contractor. He says it’s that same “hustle” that makes a great associate at Ferguson, in addition to being positive, open-minded, and interested in learning. When he’s hiring, he looks for the combination of attitude and work ethic that mirrors his own.

As a leader Anthony genuinely focuses on making sure everyone has opportunities to grow — just like he did. “The support network I’ve had here makes me feel extremely fortunate,” he says, “I just want to be able to pass that along.”