To understand the importance of having a 100 year anniversary, you must look back on the accomplishments made by Edward’s fore-fathers.  Eduardo started his construction business in America after immigrating to Ellis Island in June 1904.  At that time only 21 years old, Eduardo became a carpenter and settled in Paterson.  He sent for this wife, Arcelia, and their son, James.  More Portello sons were soon born, and they too, picked up the carpentry trade.  It was not surprising that Edward, the first generation some of the immigrant, should continue the family trade and bring his own tow son into the business with him.

Edward began his construction business in his home town and soon one in West Paterson with several “tow-family home” developments but when he began visiting Las Vegas, in the late “60;s , Edward saw more than just casinos. He saw undeveloped land available at reasonable prices-and great weather.  He began thinking of moving to the Silver State and decided Las Vegas was the best opportunity for him. 

He planned ahead by studying for the Nevada State Contractors Board test while still in New Jersey.  Edward has and unlimited contractor’s license, and on January 15, 1975, Edward, his late wife, Isabelle, and their four children arrived in Las Vegas.  It was a gamble that paid off.

He began building “spec homes’ and custom homes, but was never satisfied with the pool contractors in the area. Edward decided to learn more about the construction of swimming pools so that he could provide his customers a total pack age.  He prepared for another State Contractors Board test, and that is where Portello Pools was created. 

Now Edward concentrates more on pools than custom-built homes, and the satisfied pool owners have helped spread the word for the company to grow. Portello Pools has a flawless record with the State Contractors Board, and the Portello family is known to watch for every detail during the construction period. 

Edward says he loves the satisfaction of creating such beautiful art from a big hole in the ground. 

While Edward applies the skills learned from his grand father and uncles, his own sons keep the business in the 21st century.  Ed Jr. introduced the Internet and computer technology into the sale of pools, while son Jim adds the know-how as a water technician. 

Jim recently left his engineering position at Mandalay Bay to re-join the family business. 

It’s now been 33 years since the first Portello construction sign appeared in Las Vegas, Most likely the signs will be around for many years to come, as Edward has eleven grandchildren of his own to carry on the family business.