OMEGA INDUSTRIES: AN IMMIGRANT’S SUCCESS STORY

Omega Industries was founded by Isidoros Garifalakis, an immigrant to America that had a dream of building a good life for his family. When Garifalakis and his wife moved here, they faced many obstacles during the early years, but with hard work and a passion for perfection, they built a company that has been a success for the last 28 years in Clark County.

Omega Industries first opened its doors in 1994 in a 500 square foot space with only one welding machine. Garifalakis has three daughters that have joined the business over the years and together, they have helped scale the business. Headquartered in Vancouver with production facilities in California, Nebraska, Texas, and North Carolina, Omega Industries is the nation’s largest concrete grade crossing supplier and a leader in steel fabrication, railroad products, and dredging equipment. The company is now a multi-milliondollar corporation with long-term contracts with BNSF and Union Pacific. It employs over 170 people in its five locations.

“The core philosophy of quality and service is preached amongst the leaders of the company and throughout the workforce daily,” shares Sophia Kosaris, COO and Vice President of the company, and daughter of Garifalakis. “The owners are personally vested in the business and care about every aspect on a personal level.”

The pandemic greatly impacted Omega Industries. However, the family has relied on their strong bond and history of success to continue to provide attentive customer service and superior quality products.

Kosaris explained, “Like all business sectors, the manufacturing industry has been impacted by COVID-19. The impacts in terms of employment, supply chain delays and production have been significant. Through more focus in restructuring and flexibility in work opportunities, we are slowing finding our way back to normal production. The pandemic has reminded all of us that change is truly the only constant and through perseverance we can tackle and learn from adversity.”

Throughout it all, Omega Industries has maintained their commitment to the community around them. They regularly advertise at local colleges and trade schools, offering different types of teaching in concrete finishing, welding, and management roles. They also provide training for welders and the opportunity for people to complete ACI Certification, which helps individuals grow within the company, or find employment of their choosing.

Looking at the future, Kosaris shares that they are currently collaborating with their current customers to develop new products. They are also investing in research and development to further expand their reach.

“The family is proud to be part of the legacy and believes that success is a continued effort of culminating the best we can offer,” said Kosaris. “Omega Industries has a story full of heart and values.” VB