Brushware Profile: Paolo Roversi

PAOLO ROVERSI

COMPANY: Borghi S.p.A.

LOCATION: Castelfranco Emilia, Italy

JOB TITLE: President

What year did you start in the industry and how did you get started?

I started in the brush industry in 1989 working in the parts warehouse of Osmas. After two years of working in the warehouse, I asked for an opportunity to travel the world and work in machinery sales which was my dream. In 1991 I went to the U.S. for a few weeks and worked on selling and installing Osmas machinery, and I learned English. In 1997, I left Osmas and continued in the brush industry, working in sales for MOPS, a synthetic monofilament supplier company. In 1999, I embarked upon a new job, still in the brush industry, working for OSKAR, a metal handle supplier. In 2003, I returned back to my passion for the machinery business and started working with Borghi, which at the time was when Borghi and Osmas were merging together. I’ve been with Borghi ever since and love what I do.

Favorite part of working in the brushware industry?

I love all of it. I really do love being in this industry. It is a small, niche business that has allowed me to live and grow as a person which has truly fulfilled my dreams personally and professionally. This industry has treated me very well.

What is your proudest career or company accomplishment?

All of them. I genuinely appreciate all the moments I have had in my career because each moment of accomplishment good or bad, taught me something about myself and the business. All the companies and customers I have worked for gave me something in return and built the skills and personality that I have today. It allowed me to develop close relationships that I hold dear.

What are the key challenges presented by the pandemic and how is Borghi solving those challenges?

COVID dramatically changed how business is performed worldwide. It reduced our freedom and limited us physically. We all felt the impact and it was a pivotal moment in society on how to operate all our businesses. However, it created an opportunity as well. An opportunity to do something out of our comfort zone. It expanded our vision and communication channels. Was it a challenge? Yes, it was but it gave us a great chance to grow in many areas. Borghi provided video presentations as well as video acceptance testing of machinery to reach customers virtually, showcase our machinery in the B-room and various “new” methods to reach our customers and communicate with them. It changed the way we work and allowed us to do things differently.

Based on the impact of the pandemic, what do you see as permanent changes ahead for Borghi and the brush industry in general?

I believe we will continue to use the virtual methods to communicate with customers as well as have an open mind about finding new ways to do business. Personally, I really miss the direct contact with customers, but I know that will come in due time.

Recruiting skilled workers overall and also young workers has been stated as a concern in the industry. How do you think that is best addressed?

I think the best way to address this challenge is to start to recruit and create interest early. Start to plant the seed so to speak. Businesses should connect with their local educational systems. They should partner with schools to create opportunities for upcoming talent in the marketplace. Borghi S.p.A. connects with the universities near us to create a partnership program for students. Borghi also has internships they provide for young students to start to get a sense of what the industry and job market is like. Keeping them motivated is also a key part of retaining talent in our industry. The area around Borghi is in a highly competitive region, we are in the middle of the Motor-Valley and we compete for skilled workers with Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, etc. We have great talent here at Borghi considering our competitive region, so we believe we do well with recruiting and retaining skilled young talent.

Are there any new products or initiatives Borghi has in the works that you would like to share?

Check out the B-room to find the latest news from the Borghi Innovation platform. Discover the latest interactive virtual stage, do not miss out! Join us and request your access. Our initiative is to plan and prepare for the next five to ten years. Selecting and growing the right type of people for Borghi’s future is key for our future.

Do you have any key business/leadership tips out there for younger people in the industry looking to ascend to a leadership role?

Work hard and be patient. Opportunities present themselves when you least expect them to. Stay openminded and always look for ways to grow and expand your knowledge.

Do you have any go-to metrics, reports, or other resources that you find useful for both tracking the Brushware industry and/or managing your business?

We are in a very small industry that has a far reach. It’s paramount to listen and understand the market and the customer’s need to stay up to date on trends and where technology is headed towards. The key resources are our customers and their needs.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to enjoy my free time with my family and enjoy doing something with my friends such as skiing or playing tennis. Doing something with my kids is always a gift. However, I’ve been lucky in the sense that work and business is part of my life that I also enjoy. I’m lucky to have a passion for what I do, and my work is also a great part of my life that I enjoy very much.

Do you have any pop-culture favorites?

I enjoy music and going to concerts. 80’s music is my favorite genre. I’m a social person so anything that involves a social event to share with my friends and colleagues I appreciate and enjoy tremendously.

Are there sports and/or teams that you follow?

I played futbol when I was younger, and I continue to love the sport. I support my team A.C. Milan as a fan, and I follow all the teams that Borghi sponsors. Borghi sponsors local youth sports teams in the area such as futbol, basketball, and volleyball in 3-4 towns around Borghi. We are great supporters for development of youth in sports.

Do you have a business travel tip?

Sleep when you fly. It’s a great time to rest and refresh yourself so when you land you are ready to work on anything that comes up. The other is to be always yourself.

What is one thing about you that people might find surprising?

I work with my own traditional artisan production of Balsamic Vinegar. It is a hobby and passion of mine.

What have you learned – in life or in the industry?

Family values are good drivers. Loyalty, Honesty, and Respect help you go far in life. Don’t drag your feet on decision-making. When presented with a decision, good, bad, or indifferent, choose wisely and go with it.

Is there any other topic you would like to comment on that we have not asked?

As you may know now, the Boucherie Borghi Group split earlier this year. After seven years the decisions and reasoning that originally made us merge, changed. It was a great decision to merge, and I don’t regret what we have done as a group as well as it was also the right decision to de-merge. We will continue to be the Borghi that our customers know and rely on.