It was 2006 when I set my feet on Sicilian soil for the first time.
The plane landed on time on the Catania Fontanarossa runway.
For over 10 years, at least twice a year, Catania and Sicily have been familiar to me, places where I have traveled up, down and sideways, where I have met people, seen new colors, breathed different smells, swam in a sea crystal clear.
Trips enriched by arancini of Caffè Europa in Corso Italia in Catania, breakfast with brioche and pistachio, almond and mulberry granita, sea urchins or charcoal fish at "da Federico" in Acitrezza.
I am happy to interview one of the people linked to those trips I spent in Catania, his hometown and where he has his headquarter.
Today Pietro Vadalà is first and most of all a dear friend as well as a professional figure that in 2020, I want to celebrate the important milestone of 40 years of activity of the family company, the agency representing the Gruppo Moda.
Ad maiora!
How has the role of the agent changed over the years?
It is undeniable that in the 80s and 90s we had a more central role. However, our mission has not changed: to sell at best, safeguarding turnover, sell out and image. The landscape has changed and we have had to adapt to the "Made in China revolutions", the proliferation of mono-brand stores, shopping centers, outlets and online sales. Clearly, many colleagues have been particularly involved in these changes, suffering negative consequences, until closure, while others have been able to seize the new opportunities.
What is certain is that the times in which the regional agent could represent all the Armani, Valentino, Missoni or Ferrè lines have ever since ended. The brands that Italy had as their main market are now all projected abroad, centralizing the distribution of our country in the executive showrooms in Milan. Inevitably all this has subtracted prestige from the figure of the representative.
What are the most important lessons you received from your father?
I was fortunate to grow in the shadow of my dad Marcello, who before starting the Gruppo Moda in 1980 with Valentino's lines, he grew professionally in the GFT - Textile Financial Group - holding prestigious managerial roles after climbing all the steps from regional seller and sales manager for the Italian market. This allowed him, in the role of agent, to have an equidistant vision between principals and shopkeepers. It is precisely this balance that is the most precious teaching that has been transmitted to me.
Let me say that I really miss the daily confrontation with him and... his cuisine. He was an exceptional cook!
Could you tell me a curious anecdote?
I remember 30 years ago when I was really novice and a top customer of the time, seeing me nervous about a broken promise, took me aside and said: "you can't do this job, listen to me... you have to be more brilliant ". Well, I'm still here, while he brilliantly does something else now.
I have had the good fortune and pleasure of working over the years with the Sicilian shops and their owners, recognized for their seriousness and professionalism. Can you mention three of them to whom you are most connected on a human and professional level?
You ask me for just three names... This is indeed difficult. The affectionate relationship that binds me with many customers, or many families who have always been dedicated to this sector, makes a selection complicated. Being from Catania, I will focus mainly on Palermo, the historical rival.
Affection and esteem for Michele Giglio an enchanting character, he was a leader in the 80s at the time of Valentino and he is still a leader with the precious support of his sons Giuseppe and Federico. It is a family of entrepreneurs who would be successful in any sector.
Mario Dell’Oglio, owner of a business with over 120 years of history, is a person endowed with good taste, a taste out of the ordinary and with the ability to transmit it through his choices and the windows of his stores. Working with him is always stimulating.
Marco Inzerillo from Palermo and Marzio Chirico from Messina, both sons of art, have been able to give a significant boost to the family business and are reaping prestigious results.
What places do you recommend to anyone who wants to discover Catania and its surroundings?
Many colleagues now operate in macro-zones based in Milan. We have preferred to continue to be based in Catania, perhaps giving up some opportunities, but this has allowed us so far - in the future never to say never - to enjoy our free time in this splendid city to be enjoyed, with its lava and sandy coasts, the highest active volcano in Europe good for "hellish" excursions or breathtaking sea view skiing; with its unique and unexpected monuments such as the Benedictine Monastery and Palazzo Biscari above all or with our Arabic-style fish market (pescheria) right at the entrance of the port.
Mine wants to be an invitation for all colleagues and professionals who do not yet know Catania, a real delight for the eyes and for the palate with its dishes that from the sea to the mountains offer a unique and nowhere to be found variety. I'm biased, give it to me!
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