"This is a fact: we are the biggest and best company in the world," says Grucci VP of marketing and sales Phil Butler. "No one else has our credits."
The man makes a good point. Brookhaven N.Y.-based Grucci was the company behind the fireworks at the last seven presidential inaugurations and several Olympic ceremonies -- including the Beijing Summer Games in 2008.
His wife, president Donna Grucci Butler, is the fourth-generation of Gruccis running the company. Her brother, Felix, Jr., is CFO and executive vice president.
Fireworks by Grucci has been around for more than 100 years and, according to Butler, has such a prestigious reputation that it no longer needs to seek out clients -- clients come to them. The company is unique in that it requires multi-year contracts with all its customers.
Grucci also requires all employees to go through a training program. Rather than getting technicians and designers from other firework companies, it prefers to mold its own staffers.
The company posts its national schedule on its website, and Butler says people plan their summer vacations just to see Grucci firework shows.
Where to Watch: Great South Bay, N.Y.; Borgatta Casino, Atlantic City, N.J.
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