What Others Say

What is any company but the individuals who show up for work, each and every day?

Since 1993, The Circle Group has prospered because a group of men and women came together to push a common goal: Build a company based on five words: "Professionalism. Service. Quality. Integrity. Safety."

This part of the website is where the voices of those who make up The Circle Group get a chance to be heard.

Mike Dominici (posted on July 14, 2008)

This story comes from Mike Dominici, the vice-president of The Circle Group. Mike wrote the following to Judge Timothy C. Batten during the sentencing phase of Jerry Marchelletta Sr. and Jerry Marchellettta Jr., after the Marchellettas were found guilty of conspiracy and filing a false tax return. (The convictions and sentences are currently under appeal. The Judge ordered they remain free pending the outcome, and noted that the appeal "presents substantial issues of law that could well be decided the other way on appeal.")

October 30, 2007

Honorable Timothy C. Batten, Sr.
75 Spring Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Re: Gerard Marchelletta Jr.

Your Honor,

I am writing on behalf of Gerard Marchelletta Jr. Next to Jerry's immediate family I probably have most familiarity and daily exposure to him as the current Vice President of The Circle Group and a 14 year employee of the firm in which Jerry and his father own. I have known Jerry since 1993 and I intend to shed some insight into the "real" Jerry Marchelletta.

Along with serving as the current Vice President of The Circle Group I also serve as the current President of the Georgia Wall and Ceiling Industries Association and have also served on the Board of Directors with other industry organizations such as The Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) - GA Chapter. I possess an undergraduate degree from The University of Massachusetts. A Masters Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology as well and graduates certificates in Construction Management and Real Estate from Northeastern University and Georgia State University respectively.

There are certain people in this world who seem destined to change the lives of so many others for the better. Jerry Marchelletta is unequivocally one of those individuals. His personal drive, desire passion and genuine care for those who are part of his life, whether professional or personally are only but a few attributes I can use to describe him. I'm sure anyone else that knows him will agree. While in his mid twenties he began chasing his dream to own and operate his own interior contracting firm specializing in all he has ever known - drywall. He started the company virtually from scratch with a laptop computer working out of the back office of a garbage facility off Bankhead Highway in a rough part of Atlanta. He had worked tirelessly to get the company off the ground with minimal means but an abundance of fortitude, determination and hard work. I can recall the early years in which Jerry worked tirelessly to start the firm essentially working as a one-man show. Aside from performing the vast majority of the estimating and project management responsibilities he also answered the phones and catered to every need of his growing firm.

As new employees, including myself, joined the firm he treated each new individual like they were a member of his own family. He also treated everyone he came in contact with, with the utmost respect, a trait in which he has lived his life by. Throughout the years, he has always made sure that those around him were taken care of before himself. During my early years with the company he afforded me the opportunity to continue with graduate studies at Georgia Tech while working for the firm by offering me a flexible schedule. He has unselfishly executed also many other similar good deeds to many other loyal employees often at his own or his firm's risk or expense.

Jerry's relentless acts of goodwill and generosity have undoubtedly paid dividends in the form of an employee allegiance rarely witnessed in today's business world. Myself and many more have been with the firm since its early beginnings due largely to Jerry's kindness, warm demeanor, friendship and leadership. He has opened his home and his heart to so many people that he has come in contact with. Nobody within the firm or the industry has ever questioned his means, methods or ethics. His achievements have been conquered through his own hard work, dedication and his belief in the theory that what goes around comes around. He is a consummate professional in all respects and maintains a passion for what he does.

I have seen so many individuals come to Jerry for help and never once has he turned anyone down to my knowledge. During slow periods in the firm's history (since we are in a very cyclical business) rather than lay off our higher paid tenured employees, Jerry always made sure they stayed employed in light of the expense to the company. Moreover he has provided 100% paid health insurance to all eligible employees and their families which is a rare benefit in any industry with any firm. He has also provided year end bonuses to all key employees in spite of their performance or the financial status of the firm for that year. There is not a shadow of doubt that his actions speak louder than words. It is clear that Jerry's actions are indicative of the caring individual that he is.

A devout family man, Jerry has three beautiful children and a loving wife at his side while he is not at the office. It was not until the birth of his children did he take his first vacation. His love for his children and family is the only facet of his life that precedes the passion he has for his company and all of those who are part of it. He has fostered and promoted an environment in his firm that is based on teamwork, enjoyment and comraderie.

Jerry has also made a conscious effort to support a wide myriad of charitable causes and organizations. These include numerous youth athletic organizations for employee's and clients children to major charitable organizations including the March of Dimes. Toys for Tots, United Way, Big Bothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Construction Education, Make a Wish Foundation, Cancer Research, numerous homeless shelters and many other worthy causes.

There is no doubt that Jerry is a product of his positive upbringing. He was raised in a two parent household by two very caring and loving parents. His parents remain happily married after 51 plus years of marriage. He attended a private Catholic High School and went on to receive a degree in finance from Fordham University while working in the construction industry as a carpenter apprentice. He has worked hard for everything he has and has had nothing handed to him.

I will be more than happy to attest to any portion of my account herein under oath. I can unequivocally attest that Jerry Marchelletta's personal character and ethics are of the highest standards. He is held in the highest regard by his employees, friends, clients and industry professionals. His unselfishness, generosity and care of those around him are unparalleled. He is passionate for his family, his business and all of those individuals who are port of his life, no matter how small. He has changed the lives of so many around him in such a positive fashion and that is what drives him.

I hope this sheds some light into the type of individual that Jerry Marchelletta is. It has not been exaggerated or sensationalized. It is based on solely facts and my personal 14 year history working side by side with this amazing individual.

It is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. (No pun intended)

Very Truly Yours,

Michael Dominici