Tony Sclafani is Vice President and General Manager of AR Iron in Las Vegas, and is also Vice President of the CCAI Board of Directors.
Sclafani is president of the Las Vegas CCAI chapter. Sclafani’s father, Fred, started AR Iron in 1989, and today they have 20,000 square feet of production space and 20 employees.
Tony Sclafani and his wife, Jessica.How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
I started in the finishing industry at our family-owned ornamental iron shop AR Iron cleaning steel.
What do enjoy best about the industry?
I enjoy the people. Many great people have influenced and mentored me in the finishing industry: John Cole, Ron Lum, Anne Goyer, just to name a few.
Who is your hero?
My dad. I’ve never seen a better father, provider, and hard working man in my life.
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Somewhere a little slower paced and a little cooler. Las Vegas heat can be brutal. Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas.
What is your biggest fear?
I am not a fan of flying.
What is your favorite family vacation?
I love to camp, fish, and spend time with my girls away from the hustle of Las Vegas.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I would change my eyes. Having degenerative eyes is difficult.
What really makes you angry?
Every year the Cubs do not make the playoffs!
What motivates you to work hard?
Once again, not enough credit could be given to my dad. Seeing how he led by example for over 30 years in our business has inspired me in many ways.
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I love that we are always doing something new. Many of our ornamental ironwork and powder coating projects are one-off custom fabricated, powder coated ,and installed projects.
What is your biggest complaint about your job?
Currently the most frustrating is the supply chain and lack of skilled labor. CCAI and PCI has some great training opportunities. Hopefully, more people will get out there and educate themselves and make the industry stronger.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My children. Both my girls — Talia and Darrien — are amazing young ladies. Talia is studying for her masters degree after graduating and playing soccer from the University of Wyoming. Darrien is studying criminal justice while playing soccer at Briar Cliff University.
What is your favorite book?
The Bible.
What makes you laugh the most?
My wife, Jessica, has a great sense of humor. Unfortunately, most of the time it is directed at me.
What was the last movie you went to?
Black Widow.
What did you want to be when you were small?
I wanted to play professional baseball.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?
Relax with my wife somewhere with reel in one hand and a cold beer in the other.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Baseball. Go Cubs!
Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?
I love to drive my truck.
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
Not much of a singer.
What would be your last meal?
It would have to be pizza.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
My wife would say ‘Pain in the Neck.’
Do you like or dislike surprises?
Not a fan of surprises.
In the evening, would you rather play a game, visit a relative, watch a movie, or read?
I would rather be barbequing on the Traeger.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? And why?
Have to say the lottery. Having the means to help family and others would be a blessing.
Who would you want to be stranded with on a deserted island?
My wife, Jessica. There’s no one else I would want to spend eternity with. She’s resourceful and would be a great companion.
