 |
We should establish that
interviews with you are never typical. You prefer not to talk about business
and instead muse about interesting things that happen on your way to work or
something.
Well, yes, and this morning as I was waiting for my
bus I saw a boy asleep on the steps of a church under a huge banner hanging from
the church saying, “All are welcome.” I instantly became aware that something
was wrong. I wondered what could be done. I felt that even a small gesture like
leaving $10 in his cup could make him aware that someone cared. As I hopped on
the bus, I visualized the boy having a good breakfast.
You always wonder what you can do for others.
Yes, there are always signs, like the banner at the
church. All we need do is pay attention. Otherwise we miss the best part of life
which in my eyes is to be connected.
You always believe in a good. Even if business is terrible, it’s okay for you.
That’s because there’s only one reason for me to be
in business and that’s to help the factories that have put their faith in me.
And even when times are tough, they are my priority. It’s true the euro is the
biggest problem right now but rather than raise my prices I prefer to make less
in order to fulfill my obligations to them.
You don’t appear worried that your business is having significant challenges.
I call it holding on. I believe things happen as
they’re supposed to. Like when 225 Fifth Avenue closed and with the economy not
promising much, it was hard to reopen a showroom. But then out of the blue came
a proposal from Plinio Raimondi, who is head of a consortium of ceramic
manufacturers called Collezioni Deruta. He along with the prestigious linen
producer Mastro Raphael invited me as a kind of barter to share their showroom
with absolutely no financial obligation to me simply in exchange for my helping
them in the American market. At first the proposal sounded a little odd because
in a sense I would be helping competitors until I realized it was the perfect
marriage and I’m now able to have a showroom again.
Can a pure person make money in business today?
If you know how to put first things first, money
will come. I never agreed with the saying that business and friendship don’t
mix. Business and friendship should go together; it creates a feeling of trust.
If business isn’t combined with friendship, you’re open to betrayal. Friendship
in business is possible and I’m proof. Factories honor me because I’ve been a
true friend. And buyers as well. When we meet we talk about business but also
about their lives. There are no secrets. That’s why I always keep a box of
tissues handy...just in case. Trust me, good relationships do matter.
continued . . . .
|
|
