From the construction sites of the 1970s to Malta’s modern landmarks, three employees dedicated decades of their lives to Vassallo Group. They share their stories of craft, commitment, and collaboration with Arkati.
FREDU PORTELLI
Fredu Portelli’s career at Vassallo Group spanned more than 40 years, a journey that took him from construction sites for care homes and villas, to the formidable project of building a prison. Now retired, Fredu recently chose to give something back to the company that shaped so much of his life. He donated his impressive collection of Vassallo memorabilia – including branded clothing, bags, and magazines – which he had carefully gathered
over the years to the company.
“Once I retired in 2017, I wanted to give this collection back so that the rest of the staff could enjoy them as much as I did,” he said. Fredu began his career at Vassallo as a 21-year-old labourer and steadily rose through the ranks to become foreman, a position he held for decades. “I was always proud of my projects,” he reflected. Among his most memorable assignments was the prison in Paola, which he worked on from 1997 to 2005.
“Admittedly, that project felt a little risky at times, if not a bit exciting too. We sometimes had to pass by the prisoners themselves. Thankfully, we never had any issues with them… it was certainly interesting working there,” he recalled. While the prison project presented its own challenges, Fredu admits that the toughest part of the job was keeping up with Nazzareno Vassallo’s famously strict deadlines. Even so, his words for his employer are full of respect and gratitude, thanking him personally for helping to build his own home.
Reflecting on the company’s longevity, Fredu believes Vassallo Group’s 80-year success story is rooted in the “determination and vision” of Mr Vassallo. He is confident that same spirit is what will keep the company moving forward for years to come.
JOE BORG IL-GROSS
Joe Borg, fondly known as Il-Gross, began his career with Vassallo Group on Good Friday 1974 and retired exactly 43 years later, on Good Friday 2017. “I began on Good Friday and I ended on Good Friday,” he reflected with a smile. Joining the company straight after finishing school, Joe quickly became the first carpenter in the Joinery. His love for the craft began with woodworking classes, followed by stints in construction before devoting himself fully to joinery.
“When I started, the department was just beginning,” he recalled. “They gave me a saw and a hammer and that’s all I had. I still use them today… and cherish them.” As the Joinery grew, so did Joe’s leadership. Over the years, he built a team much like Vassallo had built him, nurturing young apprentices straight out of school and helping them find pride in their work. “I feel proud that I found employees who joined us right after leaving school, just like I did,” he said. “But I take even more joy knowing that those I hired are still here all these years later,”
he said, fondly mentioning John Sammut, Louis Zammit, and Charlie Borg.
Joe’s craftsmanship left its mark on many projects, including the Mellieħa Bay Hotel and the Buġibba Holiday Complex. Yet one project remains closest to his heart: Roseville. “I was very happy with Roseville,” he said. “I worked on that from beginning to end. It taught me that doing good work isn’t easy, but with the right team, anything is possible.”
Reflecting on a career defined by dedication and mentoring, he added: “When you are a foreman you have a lot of responsibilities. You always need to be in the know of what’s happening and what could happen.” Now retired, Joe enjoys a quieter rhythm of life… fishing, enjoying family life, and embracing his favourite role: being a nannu. After more than four decades of building and leading, he’s content simply crafting memories instead of furniture.
PAUL PACE
Paul Pace may have served as partner and CEO of Vassallo Joiners Ltd, but he likes to think of himself as a translator, not of language, but of plans. Throughout his 30-year career with Vassallo Group, which began
when he joined as a draftsman, Paul became the essential link between architects and builders.
“I would do anything to find solutions and make sure everyone understood the work as much as possible,” he explained. “Once I figured out how to draw for the builders, everything fell into place. That was one of my greatest achievements. We all respected each other because we all ended up speaking the same language.”
Paul joined Vassallo Group in 1981 at the age of 30 and by the time he concluded his tenure in 2007, his commitment and skill had seen him rise through the ranks to become partner and CEO of the joinery division. Among the many projects he worked on, one remains particularly close to his heart, the TGI Friday’s restaurant in Sliema. “That was my favourite project,” he said with a smile. “We did all the woodwork inside and if you remember, there was quite a bit of wood in there,” he adds with a laugh.
Other notable projects included the Buġibba Holiday Complex, the Malta Stock Exchange, and Nazzareno Vassallo’s personal villa. “I have incredible memories of working on all these projects,” Paul said. Looking back on his long and varied career, Paul credits much of his success to the vision of founder Nazzareno Vassallo. “All of this was possible thanks to the genius and confidence of Mr Vassallo,” he noted.
Reflecting with fondness, Paul added, “I’m deeply grateful that people not only understood me but also trusted me.”