Three Generations. One Standard.
In an industry with a reputation problem, we've spent 75 years being the exception.
In 1950, Thomas Francis Gallagher came home from Korea with steady hands, a work ethic that wouldn't quit, and a simple belief: leave every job the way you'd want to find your own home.
He started with one truck. His son joined in the 1970s. Patrick — Tom's grandson — has run the company since 2005. Three generations. The same rule.
Most contractors last a few years. We've lasted 75 because we do what we say, finish what we start, and answer the phone when something needs to be made right.
Why Most Contractor Horror Stories Start the Same Way
Someone took the lowest bid. The crew that showed up wasn't the one at the estimate. The prep was rushed. The warranty was a handshake that no one honored. We know this story — our customers tell it to us before they hire us to fix it. We're more expensive than some. We're worth it.
Our History
Three generations. The same rule since 1950.
Founded
Thomas F. Gallagher founds the company after returning from Korea. First jobs: residential interiors in Cortland County.
Commercial Expansion
Word-of-mouth grows into commercial work. First multi-family contract signed.
Second Generation
Second generation joins. Exterior coating specialty established.
Custom Millwork
Millwork and custom staining division launched. First historic restoration project.
EPA Certification
EPA RRP lead-safe certification added. Historic work expands across Central NY.
Green Initiative
Low-VOC and LEED-compliant product lines introduced.
Third Generation
Patrick Gallagher takes ownership. Project management systems modernized.
Fourth Generation
Sean Gallagher joins as project manager. Fourth generation on site.
75 Years Strong
75 years. 5,000+ projects. Still family. Still finishing what we start.
The People You'll Meet
No anonymous subcontractors. Just our family working for yours.
"My grandfather built this business on the idea that your name goes on every job. That's still true. My name is on every estimate we send."
Patrick Thomas Gallagher
Owner & Master Finisher
"I grew up on job sites. I've seen what good prep work looks like and I've seen what skipping it costs a homeowner. We don't skip it."
Sean Patrick Gallagher
Lead Project Manager
"I won't give you a number I can't defend line by line. If the estimate surprises you, I'd rather talk through it than have you find out later."
Colleen Gallagher
Senior Estimator
1. You'll know who's coming.
Crew names provided before every job start.
2. The estimate is the price.
Change orders only happen if scope changes. You approve first.
3. We finish what we start.
No job has ever been abandoned. Not in 75 years.
4. We stand behind it.
Written warranty. We come back if it's not right.
Primary Service Areas
Syracuse NY · Cortland NY · Springfield NY · Utica · Rome · Oswego · Auburn · Ithaca
and all areas within 60 miles of Central New York