What can you say about a humble, small town farmer who also strove to establish a company that now after 33 or more years of existance is its industry's leader nationwide.What can you say about this man who passed away who was so well loved that it brings tears to the eyes or lumps to the throats of many employees and associates who remember his kind and gentle, yet strong and respected business manner.

This man of whom we speak is Archie Paglia, one of the leading founders of American Massage and Sonoid Products, Inc. in Silver Creek, New York, who went on to become its CEO and President for many years before his retirement. Archie, who unassumingly liked to call himself "just a simple farmer" gained the loyal following of many who worked diligently to build this successful company. He never was, "the Boss," although he was in reality. He never placed himself above his staff. He felt that each person had his or her important gift to give to the company and that noone was beyond learning new skills to achieve advancement if the person was given patience and understanding.

The Pursuit and Collaboration:

The pursuit of the best tension and pain relieving mechanical massage products prompted the development of “Sonoid” Products. In 1960 Archie J. Paglia and Norman Oetinger, with the assistance of a small group of local investors, started building products in Silver Creek , New York , one hour south of Buffalo . Mr. Oetinger, was the original inventor of multi-directional massage transmission in consumer products.

This invention brought him to be the Chief founding Engineer for the Niagara Therapy Corporation in the 50's. After leaving Niagara Mr. Oetinger and Mr. Paglia collaborated to develop products with an even more advanced massage and delivery system. Their re-designed created products that were capable of carrying the patented multi-directional massage action with substantially increased transmission for better tissue penetration.

In 1960 the US Patent office recognized the unique qualities of their findings, issued patents to American Massage Products Inc. and Sonoid with Spheroid Action was born. Entering American Massage in 1960 as one of the company's initial investors, Archie took a more active role by 1969 when he became President - in addition to overseeing his large farm's operations. It was during his tenure as company president, that American Massage / Sonoid Massage Products began the steady increase in growth that continues today under his daughter, Patti's leadership. An amazing man, Archie Paglia led a very full life. he is one person who we can say will never truly die because he lives on in the hearts of the many people who were fortunate enough to know him. We can all feel proud that the founder of this company was such a man and that his tradition lives on, not only through Patti, but through the company's and it's employees. high standard of quality, honesty and integrity.