With 100 years of history in the world of gelato behind her and an infinite passion for this sector, Stefania Bonadies has climbed the ladder of success passing from junior Sales Area Manager to Country Manager for UK and Ireland. An example of a career opportunity within the Casa Optima group which we are pleased to share with you all.
Tell us about your career path in Casa Optima.
I was born and raised in a gelato parlour. My great grandparents came to Newcastle from Italy in 1925, the same year in which they opened their gelato parlour which this year will celebrate a century of history. After finishing university, I struggled to find work because Britain was in recession, so I decided to go back to the gelato business and I attended a course at MEC3’s International School of Gelato, even though we were not yet customers at the time. The following year, my brother and aunt went to Sigep where they met Andrea Di Rauso, the current Regional Sales Manager for Northern & Eastern Europe, and they told him about me, saying that I would like to work for the company. Andrea gave them his business card and arranged an initial interview with me in London. At the time, there was no plan to have a permanent figure in the UK but, after two years of waiting and many phone calls, he called me to give me the good news: it was 2014 and finally I was joining MEC3 as a Junior Sales Area Manager! The first year was what you could describe as a real ‘baptism of fire,’ but I had the fortune to have Andrea and two product specialists by my side, who were especially important mentors for me.
From Junior Sales Manager to Country Manager: in just six years you have made great strides in your career, together with the team dedicated to the UK and Ireland which has grown in all respects. What is the secret of your success?
I had the opportunity to become part of a group that cares about its employees and that implements targeted policies for their professional growth. Those who are motivated and bring results have in fact great opportunities. I, for example, became Country Manager in 2020, and I am enormously proud of where I’ve reached, even if at the beginning it wasn’t easy, also due to the pandemic. The secret of the UK team’s success lies in organization and a healthy dose of creativity that allows us to empathize with the customers, anticipating their demands and needs.
Success is achieved through good teamwork. Can you introduce your dream team to us?
Initially, I started off on my own, but as the years went by, there was an evolution, and the team expanded further because of the excellent results obtained. Currently the team consists of four Area Managers: Daniele, Biagio, Gabriele, and Adriana. Valerio D’Ippolito, also an Area Manager, continues his excellent work in our team as a Key account Manager. They are joined by the fundamental support of Francesco, overseas Product Specialist for Casa Optima, better known as the right-hand man.
Which are the most popular novelties, among those launched at the last Sigep, that will not be missing from the summer showcases?
As far as the MEC3 novelties are concerned, Dubai Chocolate will certainly not be missing, as well as Baileys ice cream, which is particularly popular in the Irish market. Cookies Pecan&Maple and Granfrutta Pink Fusion were much appreciated at the exhibition, and I am sure they will also give us great satisfaction during the year. Among the new Giuso references, Strawberry and Rhubarb Variegate and white Chocorè cream, will stand out in the showcases, whilst among the new Pernigotti Maestri Gelatieri Italiani novelties there will certainly be the Sacher cake and Morettina Pepita Pistachio, which drove the English crazy at the first bite!