Being a minority woman in a leadership position can be challenging, especially in a male-dominated field like construction, but Doris Procaccio’s headstrong attitude and outspokenness led Procaccio Painting and Drywall Company through 34 years of great success.
In 1987, Doris and Tony Procaccio started Procaccio Painting and Drywall Company, Inc. At 17, Tony worked as a painter in DC 14, falling in love with the craft of finishing. Shortly after the foundation of the company, Tony suffered a heart attacking and Doris took over the company’s lead role. While she had extensive successful experience in areas like administration and payroll within union culture, she now had to learn the ins and outs of being an integral of the field process as well.
“I learned little by little through others and through sitting down and learning the business. I learned quickly that if you don’t understand something, don’t be shy to ask,” Doris said.
Over the next few years, Doris tirelessly taught herself the business of finishing contractors. She wanted to not only understand the finishing business but be able to be a strong and competent leader that others respected and depended on. She became proactive in the client process, developing strong relationships and making herself known in the industry. In time, she led Procaccio Painting to become WBE and MBE certified.
In 2009, her wisdom of the business and candidness with others was noticed by FCAI.
“One of the best things to happen during my career was when FCAI’s executive director called me and asked me to sit on the Board of Directors,” said Doris. “The education component of the Association is priceless. Being a Board member also meant feeling like you belong to something and becoming close with other contractors. We all worked to understand what we are representing and how we can do it best.”
Doris has been an integral member of the FCAI and NIPDI Board of Directors since 2009, serving as the Secretary/Treasurer on both. She also served on FCAI and NIPDI’s Office and Financial Committees, LMIDF, Sexual Harassment Committee and DC 30’s Joint Trade Board.
As a vastly successful woman in a male-dominated field, Doris encountered moments where contractors would look to Tony for guidance, only for Tony to direct them to her. Her self-taught expertise for business is unmatched and after 34 years of hard work, many around the industry seek her out for advice.
“For anybody wanting to run a business, you need to push yourself and build your confidence. If you are passionate about what you do, you will be successful.”
Rick Vandegraft, former FCAI President and Honorary Life Member:
“Doris is an amazing person and a very astute business owner. She brought a new perspective to the FCAI Board with her unique experiences and point of view. We all came to love and respect her. I’m proud to have served on the Board with Doris and call her and Tony friends.”
Bill Nielsen, FCAI President and Owner of Pecover Decorating Services, Inc.:
I was there when Doris joined the FCAI Board and her original view of the board was ‘A boys club that liked to play golf.’ While she was right that some of us do like to play golf, she soon realized how hard the trustees worked to better our industry and that we have the best interest of our contractor members as the driving force behind our actions. I will miss her input. Doris was a voice of reason and brought a different perspective that would get us to look at a situation differently, change our thought process and our direction.”
Joe Maring, FCAI Regional Director and Honorary Life Member:
“I met Doris and Tony many years ago at a PDCA/NIPDI Membership meeting, which was during the infancy of the FCAI. I recall yet another meeting, where I had the pleasure of sharing a table with Doris and Tony and that’s when I became aware of Doris’ tremendous knowledge of our industry. Sometime after, the Board of Directors asked Doris to join the FCAI Board. Her dedication was immediately felt and she brought new perspective and attitude to the table. I remember fondly a 12 hour flight delay that brought us to our destination somewhere around 3 am and Doris still managed to attend our first morning session around 8:00 am, looking elegant and cheerful as usual. The wisdom, expertise and plain common sense she brought to our Board and committees over the years made the FCAI the envy of many of our other FCA chapters. I’m proud to call Doris my friend and many times my conscience. Here is hoping that she not be a stranger at our functions and wishing her and Tony the rest and tranquility they deserve.”
Mark Palmer, FCAI/NIPDI Executive Director
“It has been such a pleasure working with Doris over the years. She is the consummate professional. She is not shy about sharing her opinion and valuable experience. We will miss her perspective.”