Antonio Magnano came to America when he was 24 years old.
He emmigrated from Italy after the death of his father, Stefano, in order to support his mother (Maddalena) and brothers and sisters. His family lived in Pra, a small town outside of Genoa. Antonio came to Seattle in 1903 and opened a wholesale food business on First Avenue. He moved to Western Avenue, and then expanded again in 1923 when he relocated onto two floors in the Pacific Marine Supply Building.
The A. Magnano Co. was the sole distributor for Best Foods mayonnaise and Nucoa margarine. In 1928, Antonio expanded again and built a new building at 4th South and Atlantic. He started a beer/wine distribution business in 1933 after Prohibition -- and sold it in 1936. He bought and later sold both Dennisons and Old Yankee Foods.
Antonio's sons, Marco, Angelo and Antonino worked in the company during college. After graduation, the company was renamed "A. Magnano & Sons". Marco remains Chairman-Emeritus. 
In 1960, the sons sold 51% of A. Magnano & Sons and started "The Napoleon Co." -- a food brokerage/import company. The name "Napoleon" comes from their private label, Napoleon.
In 1970-1971, Joe (son of Angelo) and Milo (son of Marco) joined the company. Antonio, Antonino and Angelo have since died. Milo Sr. retired in 1998. Several family members work for the company today. Susan Magnano Salazar first entered the company in 1985. Amy Smith Kirtland, first of the fourth generation, joined the company in 1994. Milo Jr. Magnano joined in 2002 and Tony Magnano in 2007. More of the fourth generation are expected to join the company in 2008.