An American Success Story

Message from the President...

For over 100 years, Cantwell-Cleary has stood for integrity, respect, honor, and community stewardship. These guiding principles have been the cornerstone of my family's enduring success in the packaging industry. Passed down through the generations, I am proud to carry on the traditions of my father, grandfather and Mr. Cantwell and I am prepared to work diligently on the next 100 years of packaging excellence.

Thomas A. Cantwell (1887 - 1968)

The Beginning

Founded in 1914 by Thomas A. Cantwell, the company was originally named T.A. Cantwell and Company. Mr. Cantwell was a native Washingtonian, avid sportsmen and generous philanthropist. One of his beneficiaries and alma mater, Gonzaga, recognized his generosity by naming one of their largest buildings, Cantwell Hall, after him. After graduating from Georgetown University in 1909, Mr. Cantwell pursued his athletic career and professionally pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds. Mr. Cantwell was also a pioneer in his time, being one of the earliest suppliers of corrugated paper shipping cartons. Replacing the popular wooden crates, corrugated shipping boxes were much lighter, economical, and easier to handle. For over 50 years, Mr. Cantwell's vision to provide innovative, economical packaging supplies with exceptional customer service laid the foundation for the company's success. Even today, Mr. Cantwell's founding principles of integrity, respect, honor, and philanthropy still hold true.

William F. Cleary (1909 - 1975)

The Right Partnership

In the 1920's, William F. Cleary joined the T.A. Cantwell Company. His intelligence, dedication, and hard work earned the respect of Mr. Cantwell and eventually was offered a partnership, creating Cantwell-Cleary Company. With an eye on innovation, expansion, and purchasing prowess, this dynamic partnership grew the company for several decades. In the early 1970's, the government Printing Office took over the Washington facility and the company moved operations to Landover, Maryland, which allowed for even greater growth and development. Due to the increase in business, an additional warehouse was later secured in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Vincent de Paul Cleary (1938 - 2013) & Shirley A. Cleary

Building for the Future

Mr. Vincent Cleary joined the company in 1960 after graduating from Villanova University with a degree in Business Administration. Eager to contribute to the family business, Mr. Cleary's diligence, and drive impressed Mr. Cantwell and his father, William Cleary. He worked his way up from sales associate to President & CEO of Cantwell-Cleary, where he remained for over 50 years. Under his guidance and direction, Cantwell-Cleary grew steadily, gaining market share. He was a natural leader, family man and gentleman. By his side, his wife and partner, Mrs. Shirley Cleary, was a driving force in the marketing, sales, and operations of the company. Together they succeeded in modernizing the business as packaging products and technology rapidly evolved. In 2004, the company expanded operations into the Richmond /Tidewater, Virginia markets. Since the passing of Mr. Cleary in 2013, Mrs. Cleary became the sole owner and CEO of Cantwell-Cleary Co. As a woman-owned business, Mrs. Cleary was committed to moving the company forward and led the way in consolidating multiple warehouses into its current 93,000 sq. ft. facility, located in Elkridge, Maryland. This new location serves as the current headquarters for Cantwell-Cleary and has been pivotal in reaching existing customers as well as expanding and growing in new markets.

Fiber Products, Inc. - 2011

In Mr. Cleary's effort to grow the company, Cantwell-Cleary acquired Fiber Products, Inc., a full-service packaging equipment sales and service company. This acquisition strengthened the packaging machinery division, giving Cantwell-Cleary a clear market advantage by providing added products and services to new and existing customers. Today, Cantwell-Cleary provides on and off-site service and repair to companies throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and surrounding areas.

William C. Cleary - President

Working on the Next 100 Years

Mr. William C. Cleary grew up in the packaging industry. With the depth of knowledge and experience from his father and grandfather, Bill was able to learn the intricacies of the packaging industry early on. However, after graduating from Villanova with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bill had a patriotic calling, and in 1985, joined the United States Navy, as an aviation pilot. Bill proudly served his country with honor and dedication for over 15 years. However, it seemed destined that Bill would return to the family business and, in 2018, he rejoined Cantwell-Cleary as the Vice President of Operations. In conjunction with Mrs. Cleary as CEO, Bill guided the company through various challenges with virtue, integrity, and honor. Today, Bill, now President of Cantwell-Cleary, looks to the future determined more than ever to carry on the legacy of his forefathers and work towards the next successful 100 years.