
Hi Davide! First of all, thank you for taking the time to interview me, I know that you are always around with all your customers and finding yourself in the area is difficult!
Let's break the ice: tell me about your previous professional and educational experiences at Caffè Ernani!
Hi Martina, let's start, I'm ready!
I entered the world of work at a very young age, at 17 as a turner in a company in Desio, where I still work with you at Caffè Ernani to this day.
At the same time I also started doing a second job behind the counter of a bar-ice cream parlor in Seregno.
The bar counter started calling very early and I couldn't resist!
I thus discovered my passion from a young age.
After a few years I moved to another bar, this time in Seveso and for the first time in the evening: and here is the world of mixing.
My path was now very clear: Barman, but learning in the field was not enough for me, I felt the need to study, learn and become professional. Reason why I took a professional course at Aibes.
I fully agree with you! By now the most avid readers know it: for me training is the basis of everything!
Attention: not that practice and experience are not important, on the contrary, they are fundamental. Except that a theoretical basis supports practical learning in every phase: you understand the why of things and then you have to apply it. I am happy that you too have felt this same need!
Sorry for the interruption, go ahead.
No, imagine, it's nice to be able to compare and find people on the same wave as you.
Returning to us, at the end of the course I went to work as a bartender in a hotel in Corso Buenos Aires in Milan.
Then I went back to work in a Brianza company again, this time because unfortunately, as much as I love the world of catering, it is sometimes a bit difficult and it is difficult to find a good working environment.
In the meantime I attended two other courses: the REC, for food and drink administration, and the one as a wine sommelier. At the end of the latter my life took a huge turn: the trainer of the course himself made me discover a place, which would soon become my place: Cork.
It was 2004 when I started this new and incredible adventure, which lasted 18 years. Cork has been my family, my friends and my life for a very long time. Started as a place focused on wine, but which has transformed over the years, following my interests. Towards the end, in fact, the mixing part has taken an important position.
All this marked the turning point of my personal and professional career.
However, opening in the morning I discovered that I needed to deepen another further discussion: coffee. I had never given it that much weight, but behind coffee there is an interesting world as much as for wine and blending.
This is why I took a professional course again, at AICAF, focused on coffee and coffee knowledge.
Well, I don't even know what to tell you! You are full of experience and knowledge, you have followed many courses that have made you a complete professional figure, as well as aware of different realities and types of jobs. You have never backed down from anything ... I can only offer you my compliments!
But now a question arises spontaneously: how did you come to Caffè Ernani?
So, after 18 years I sold the place, mainly because as much as I loved it with all of myself, I needed to find a more "human" lifestyle and working hours, so it was time for a change.
In the meantime, however, I joined a restaurant in Ibiza as a partner. At the beginning it was born almost like a game, but now I can't wait to see future developments, managing everything remotely, with the help of my local partners.
So here I am now at Caffè Ernani!
Why did you decide to change the area?
As I anticipated, I needed to change my lifestyle, but at the same time I didn't want to stray too far from my industry. This is why I decided to join Ernani as a commercial agent, selling coffee and ice cream products for another brand.
Choosing Ernani specifically as a company was easy, because I have known them for almost 20 years, having been my supplier in Cork. There has always been great respect on both sides, and I have been able to see and test their professionalism, growth, advice and reliability for a long time.
And I thank you for that, it's always nice to hear it!
How would you describe your new job?
I must admit that I did not expect it like this: I thought it would be easier to be able to enter new premises, but it is not always the case.
I understood that changing the coffee in a day room means almost changing his soul, the basis of his work, the reason why customers come in. But at the same time, when you are able to communicate the Brand and its values, as well as an excellent product that immediately convinces when tasted, it is a great satisfaction!
So what do you expect from this experience?
To improve and make my professional figure even more complete, with everything that I am most passionate about and that can become customer support and advice!
And I'm sure you will, because you've already proven so much!
Going a little more personal, do you have other hobbies and passions?
Unfortunately with the old lifestyle the possibility of cultivating hobbies was difficult, but I have always liked the bike, because I love the adrenaline that goes up when I get on the saddle!
Then at least once a week I go to play Padel.
Another sportsman in the company, leave me alone in the lazy group!
Seriously, we're almost done, only the "usual questions" are missing:
- What do you like most about Ernani?
- What would you change instead?
- Why did you choose Ernani?
- What goal do you have?
- What's your favorite Ernani coffee?
I'll give you dry answers too:
- What I like most is the relationship with the management, when you join Ernani's I have seen that you do not enter "a company", but become a member of a family;
- Instead, I would change the presentation of some special coffees, but which is actually already happening now!
- I chose Ernani, as already mentioned, precisely for the relationship with the company staff;
- The goal is to grow and become a complete professional figure;
- And my favorite coffee is Allegro, probably because I have it in my heart, having served it at my old restaurant for 18 years!
Thanks Davide, for your time and also for your willingness to tell you!
I am happy that Ernani has always given you this impression of reliability, professionalism and transparency. This represents our mission, that is what we want to show to all our customers, suppliers and collaborators, and hearing your impressions certainly encourages us to do even more!
Martina Mazzoleni