Fred Passonno worked in a small paint store in Troy before he worked as a salesman for the Benjamin Moore Company of New York. In the early 20's Fred was transferred to Cleveland as the General Manager of the Benjamin Moore Mid-West Division. During this time, he obtained the actual experience required to operate a paint factory. Passonno Paints began operation in 1926 under the name of the Passonno Hutcheon Company in Cleveland, Ohio. The paint sold under the OLO label (meaning Old Linseed Oil). The company was sold in 1946 when Fred Passonno's family wished to return to the Albany area. A few months later, Passonno Paints, as it exists today, was formed when Fred Passonno and his three sons purchased the James Roy Woolen Mill buildings on the banks of the Hudson River in Watervliet, NY. The Passonno Corporation manufactured and operated the normal dealer supply trade sale type business during the early years. Charles Passonno designated part of their office for the first retail store.