Our Story
In 1878, Pio Serratelli, a determined young Italian immigrant from the quaint village of Ricigliano in the Province of Salerno, arrived on the bustling streets of Newark, New Jersey, ready to build a new life for himself and his family in the New World. Accompanied by his son Joseph, Pio embarked on a bold journey to establish what would later become the Serratelli Hat Company a name now synonymous with timeless tradition, unparalleled quality, and the enduring spirit of the American West. It was in this moment that the Serratelli legacy began, blending the rich heritage of its founders with the dynamic energy of its new home.
The company's early years were defined by hard work and persistence. Initially a modest scrap metal business, Serratelli's direction changed when a new opportunity emerged. In 1878, Pio Serratelli, with his sharp eye for potential, saw value in discarded "roundings"-manufacturing scraps that others considered waste. He redirected the company's focus to repurposing these materials, including their use in hat making. This innovative approach not only pioneered new applications for scrap materials but also set the stage for Serratelli's next phase of success. By the 1920s, Joseph Serratelli had transformed into a leading specialist in hat roundings and fur, concentrating primarily on supplying premium materials to some of the world's most prestigious hat makers. Joseph's commitment to high quality and his visionary approach resulted in a golden era for the company, defined by ingenuity and resilience.
In 1947, under Giacomo Serratelli, however, brought both challenges and triumphs for the company. It faced fires, economic upheavals, and fierce competition, yet each obstacle only strengthened the Serratelli family's resolve, reinforcing the determination and ingenuity that became the cornerstones of their enduring success.
In 1984, Dean Serratelli, Pio's great-grandson, joined the company at just 20 years old. For Dean, this was more than a job It was, and has been, a calling and an opportunity to honor and extend the rich legacy of his family. His efforts centered on introducing new ideas and innovations while preserving the storied heritage of the Serratelli name. Dean used his family's name and reputation to reconnect with industry leaders who had known his father and grandfather. These renewed relationships helped reestablish Serratelli as a premium supplier for leading hat makers.
In 1995, the company underwent another significant transformation under Dean's leadership. Recognizing the increasingly global nature of the business, Dean refocused the company on hat making. He meticulously refitted the factory over a couple of years, bringing in the best talent in the world of cowboy hats. By 1997, it was fully operational, dedicated to producing high-quality, handcrafted hats under the Serratelli brand. Dean's foresight and leadership marked the beginning of a new era for the company.
Today, Serratelli Hat Company stands as a testament to perseverance, family history, and the timeless allure of American craftsmanship and Western culture. From its modest beginnings in Newark to its place as a respected name in hat making, Serratelli remains a symbol of tradition and excellence- a story forever woven into the fabric of the American West.
