An Inspired Chat with Virgilio Modica Jr. of Woodstock, GA

We recently had the chance to connect with Virgilio Modica Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Virgilio, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I’m very proud of my father and the business he created. I am proud to carry on his legacy. Also, my father makes me laugh because he says I’m so hard-headed.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Virgilio Modica Jr., but everyone calls me Jr. I was born deaf into an Italian family and grew up in New Jersey. My father was a mason construction and established his own business Modica and Son Inc. in 1975 when I was 5 years old. I started working with my father when I was 12, and he taught me everything about the business. After moving to Georgia, I took over the business in 2006 and changed the name to Modica and Son Handymen. At our company we offer remodeling services for inside and outside the home. We do everything from decks, masonry, tile work, screened porches, bathrooms, kitchens, additions, and full home remodels.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My father, Virgilio Modica Sr., taught me the most about work. I started working with him when I was 12 and he showed me what it takes to be a mason construction. My father taught me that if you work hard you can become very skilled.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I have experienced hurt and frustration in my life because it’s so difficult to communicate with people. I am deaf and use American Sign Language. My parents are hearing and speak Italian and a little bit of English. It was not always easy to talk with my parents because of the language barrier, but we did have home signs. I faced a lot of struggles and have been hurt by people I love not learning sign language to communicate with me. It’s something I get very emotional about because the wounds are so deep. I don’t understand why more of my family hasn’t learned to communicate with me in sign language. I focus on myself and try to be strong to help me heal from the past. I try my best everyday and I always encourage parents of deaf children to learn how to communicate in sign language.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My friends would say that it’s most important to me to work hard to provide for my family and to give back to the Deaf Community. I host a Deaf Social in Alpharetta where many Deaf people get together for fun and community. I also run Deaf Vacation Travels where I plan and lead international trips for small groups of Deaf people. So far we’ve traveled to 18 different countries.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
My legacy will be my work in the Deaf Community. For years I saw a need for someone to organize Deaf events. I had an idea to try the Fairway Social in Alpharetta, and over the years the social has grown. Our facebook group has over 150 members and our social was featured on an episode of The American Dream. My goal is for this social to continue growing for years to come! In addition, I started planning international trips for deaf people, and we always have such a great time making memories and experiencing new places together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Modicaandson.com
• Facebook: Modica and Son Handymen LLC
• Other: Facebook Group: Deaf Social North Metro Atlanta, Deaf Vacation Travels