Since 1999 I have been involved in Export Sales, working hard to develop cutting tools and machinery for three different companies, all of them located here in Italy, in the metal and wood markets. As my first language is Spanish I was directed to South America, including the USA and Canada, and had many years of travelling around the Globe opening new markets, leads, and training people. From 2014 I added to my CV a great sales period around Benelux, Baltic Countries, and Scandinavia. In total, I was responsible for sales in 23 Countries!
What attracted you to Starrett?
The Brand stature and the attitude of the people.
The first time I came across Starrett Brazil was in Itù, 1999. At that time, I joined a Multinational Company that hired me to develop the South American market, we were circular sawblade manufacturers, for the wood market. I was young and ambitious, and I had this great opportunity to open the Brazilian market – Starrett was our best OEM Customer. I was impressed about the organization plus the people I met there, from managers to employees, everyone. I was also impressed by the Factory in Itù with its massive production output and high levels of quality.
What do you believe is the biggest opportunity for Starrett?
Being part of the European Sales Team, the biggest opportunity for our Company is to continue to expand across EU market, including Italy of course. We have a big challenge to win market share and the new management here in Jedburgh implementing great new strategies to help us grow. The EU is not an easy market, but we are following our strategy to be No 1 or No 2 in the 12 most important Countries. As I am an Italian native, I will be putting serious effort into developing our Brand here in Italy too. From North to South, opening new distributors and pushing our premium tool ranges into the market. Starrett will be attending many Exhibitions across Italy with a bright future ahead!
Tell us a bit about you & your family?
I am 49 years old, married for 15 years, and the father of two lovely kids. Laura, who is 19, studying in Venice (Industrial Design), and Andrew, who is 17, is attending his last year at High School here in Udine. Unfortunately, I have traveled a lot during the last 20 years, and I missed them, but now I dedicate more time to them, I understand that time flies, one day they will “take off” and make their own lives. I have hobbies such as mountain biking, motorbiking (I have a wonderful vintage Yamaha 1300 XJR!) and I used to play guitar and tennis. I love to practice sports, also football, so… I am a fan of the Udinese Football team! Lastly, I can say that I am quite good in the kitchen… I love cooking, especially Italian dishes!
Tell us an interesting fact about you?
The first Company I visited abroad when I started to travel in 1999 (I was young!) was “Starrett do Brazil” in Itù and now I am employed as Sales Manager for Europe, working for the Company that was my first contact. It’s quite curious, maybe is a sort of “destiny”!
