J. Sussman, Inc.

From a modest living room on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to a sprawling 80,000-square-foot factory in Jamaica, Queens, the story of J. Sussman, Inc. is a testament to the American dream. J. Sussman, Inc. began in 1906, when Isadore Sussman, a Polish immigrant who honed his iron-working skills in England, decided to bring his craft to the New World. Picture him in his cramped apartment, the clang of hammer against anvil echoing through the tenement walls as he meticulously crafted his first windows. Isadore’s big break came when he convinced a local stained-glass studio to let him create windows for a church they were working on. His talent and dedication quickly earned him a reputation for quality, and his work soon graced many of New York City’s cathedrals. J. Sussman, Inc. became synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship. In the late 1940s, Isadore’s son, Jack, took the reins. He blended his father’s traditional techniques with innovative processes, expanding the business from a local operation to a national presence. Jack’s ingenuity led him to design aluminum extrusions specifically for stained-glass windows in the 1950s. This risky investment transformed the company into a leading church window manufacturer. J. Sussman, Inc. even expanded into glass bending, further solidifying its reputation for custom work. The third generation, David and Steven Sussman, joined in the 1970s. They pioneered thermally broken windows, opening up new markets in skylights and greenhouses. The company’s expertise in bending extended beyond architectural systems to include handrails, lighting fixtures, and even furniture. J. Sussman, Inc.’s work can be found in iconic structures like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Hoover Dam, and the former American Airlines building at JFK Airport. Even closer to home, their windows adorn the Jamaica Performing Arts Center and the Jamaica Market, showcasing their local impact. J. Sussman, Inc. is also a pioneer in sustainability. In 2010, they installed over 550 solar panels on their factory roof, one of the largest installations in Queens. This commitment to renewable energy powers their operations and reflects their dedication to environmental responsibility. From a humble beginning to a legacy of innovation, J. Sussman, Inc. continues to shape the skyline and embrace the future, one custom window at a time.