PITTSTON — Three generations of the Pupa family have been leading the way in home improvement for decades – eight decades to be exact.
Since 1938, when Joseph Pupa Sr. founded Interstate Home Improvement Co. in Wilkes-Barre, the company hasn’t looked back.
Pupa Sr. believed valuing his employees would only build his company’s reputation and that formula has kept the family business growing for 80 years. Joseph Pupa III now heads the company, acting as the third-generation owner preceded by his father Joseph Pupa Jr.
Currently, there are two companies under the Interstate umbrella — Interstate Building Materials and Interstate Window & Door Co. Both businesses have grown at a steady pace, employing approximately 130 employees today.
“We are in a very competitive industry,” Pupa said. “If you don’t remain competitive, someone will knock you out. You have to make sure you’re innovative; you have to make sure your services are right. If you’re not efficient, you’re going to get destroyed and, without good quality, you’re going to lose.”
With that philosophy, Interstate has had a meteoric climb. In 1986, Interstate broke ground for a 36,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant located off the Pittston Bypass. Interstate products reach as far as New England, Ohio and Georgia.
Interstate Window & Door Co. is the larger of the two companies, producing windows, sashes and doors for over 25 years.
In the mid-80s, Interstate became the first company in the nation to manufacture vinyl single hung windows for new construction, eventually developing a fully integrated double hung vinyl window system.
One project Interstate is particularly proud of is donating its vinyl window products to the Statue of Liberty Restoration Project in 1986 where the windows still stand today, providing a true testament of the quality products Interstate provides.
In 1991, the Vinyl Window & Door Institute recognized Interstate Window & Door Co. for its outstanding performance in manufacturing.
Interstate Building Materials on Laurel Street offers roofing, composite railing and decking materials that can be purchased by contractors or the general public right out of its showroom.
The showroom is vast with a complete lineup of kitchens, kitchen hardware, roofing products and, of course, doors and windows. Interstate will accommodate projects of any size.
“Our showroom is open to the public at Interstate Building Materials and we are extremely competitive with pricing and personalized service,” added Pupa.
Interstate is affiliated with the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), an organization that establishes objective window, door and skylight energy performance ratings, as well as ENERGY STAR insuring its products are highly efficient, according to ENERGY STAR standards.
Interstate is also a contributor to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Program.
Interstate was awarded the MEAE (Manufacturers & Employers Award for Excellence) for Product Innovation in 2013 and 2017.
The business has also received a Certificate of Special Recognition for Product Innovation – United States Senate, a Citation from Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Product Innovation and a Certificate of Special Recognition for Product Innovation – Congress of the United States.
