A N OT E T O M Y Y OU N G E R S E L F
I MUST BE DREAMING Fa b r i z i o G a m b e r i n i , g l o b a l c h i e f b r a n d o ff i c e r & p r e s i d e n t o f V i b r a m C o r p o r a t i o n , l o o k s b a c k o n a l i f e fi l l e d w i t h a d v e n t u r e .
having a ton of fun (fútbol is life!) during that time. Then, in 2008, it’s time for your next big adventure: making the leap to the top of the corporate ladder as CEO of Marcolin USA. Over the When I look at this picture, I see a young and, maybe a little scared, boy. next eight years, you oversee record growth for the innovative eyewear But it touches my heart to know that you’re about to embark on an company, introducing successful collections from an array of the world’s amazing and successful life journey. One that begins in Bologna, leading brands, including Tom Ford, Balenciaga, Emilio Pucci, Guess, Italy, where you hail from a family with few resources and reside in Zegna, Mont Blanc, Kenneth Cole and Skechers. You also supervise the a city where “moving” usually means traveling from the post office to acquisition of a second company working with the grocery store. But, rest assured, great private equity. It’s here that you look to two adventures await after you graduate the more childhood heroes, Captain Kirk and University of Bologna. You’ll soon travel the Ed Straker, for management inspiration. world and live in some of the grandest cities— Notably, it’s the strong teamwork bonds Kirk San Francisco, Boston and New York, to name develops with his key lieutenants, Dr. Spock a few—working for leading corporations, and Dr. McCoy, as the Starship Enterprise such as Hewlett-Packard, Nike, Marcolin boldly goes where no man has gone before. and, since 2018, Vibram Corporation. And it’s the strategic way Straker, as SHADO’s Credit your strong inner drive and a desire supreme commander, protects earth from to emulate your heroes, both real and fictional, sinister aliens—all while sporting nifty vests! for bringing out that adventurous spirit and (You will sport your share of those, too!) ability to succeed. Like James Bond, a charBy late 2017, your love of the shoe industry acter who exudes that elusive, inner drive calls you back—first for a brief stint as CEO to accomplish the mission impossible every of Geox North America, followed by jointime—all while traveling to exotic locals to ing Vibram Corporation a year later, where ensure On Her Majesty’s Secret Service keeps you are currently leading all facets of the one step ahead of the world’s most diabolical brand, only this time on a global scale. You villains. Bond’s daring dedication inspires Boy wonder: A young Fabrizio Gamberini oversee wholesale, DTC, marketing, sales… you to take on challenges as you climb the with a full and exciting life ahead of him. the works. It’s your dream job! You get to corporate ladder—the first rung, in 1995, as use all the experience you’ve gained over the course of your 30-year a sales development manager for Hewett-Packard in Boise, ID. Despite career, working for an Italian-owned company, while living in the initially fearing if you’re worthy to work for one of the world’s top tech adopted country you adore. What’s not to love? companies, believe in yourself. You’ve done the work and preparation. Now back to the photo of this charming young boy. Those innocent Just show them who you are! freckles hide your steely determination to always be learning. It’s a drive And you do! Over the course of the next decade, you climb to the that will serve you well throughout your life. You can always get wiser, position of Commercial Director for HP’s Design-Jet product line, and you can learn from your mistakes. Gathering knowledge builds based in San Diego. It’s where you’ll get married and your daughter confidence, one learned lesson at a time. It’s why you always embrace is born! Speaking of that wonderful city, you made the right choice new challenges. In fact, it’s what makes you happy. moving to America—even though all your friends warned that you Before I let you go, the most important advice I can bestow upon you shouldn’t. You’ll find it to be a very good life, where you’ll make loads is: trust your gut. Don’t think too much. Don’t spend nights reviewing of great friends while keeping your roots in Italy. moves and countermoves. Don’t worry so much. If something isn’t workYour next career adventure marks your first step into the footwear ing out, it’s easier than you think to get out and start again. Just continue industry, first as DTC General Manager for Nike Italy and then movto pursue your dreams, even if sometimes life gives you lemons. Like the ing to the company’s HQ in Beaverton, OR, to serve as DTC General time you move to San Francisco during your HP days, accepting a job to Manager of its Retail Americas region. There, you help develop many work for a friend, who then resigns two months later! Still, you have the in-line, factory stores and shop-in-shop concepts. You pick the locabest time living there—and the best oysters! Often, such bumps in the tions, design the stores, oversee visual merchandising and serve as road of life lead to grander adventures! Enjoy the ride! leader of a large team. You introduce many new stores over these two years, most of which achieve double-digit growth during your tenure. Take care, Then you are promoted to Nike’s General Manager Americas Football Fabrizio (soccer) division, where you again lead growth in the category while Dear Fabrizio,
20 footwearplusmagazine.com • october/november 2021
