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Like most people
who immigrate to the United States, Thomas Campaniello, president of
Campaniello Design Collection, was eager to start a new chapter of
his life in the land of opportunity. After a successful career in
Italy as a regional technician for the Agrarian Division of
Montecatini, he planned to pursue and eventually meet life long
career goals.
In 1964, Campaniello left Italy for New York, where he faced many
challenges. Despite holding a doctorate degree in agricultural
engineering, nobody would hire him. “I don’t think I was rejected
for lack of qualifications, but rather for insufficient English,” he
said. Campaniello soon met an Italian engineer who suggested he
contact Italian manufacturers in his field and offer to represent
them in the United States. Using his business acumen, Campaniello
soon fostered business relationships with several Italian companies,
including Lamborghini, for whom he developed a successful market for
its tractors. He also assisted the company with its automobile
dealership negotiations.
In 1974, Lamborghini sold its tractor division. Shortly thereafter,
Campaniello acquired representation of Saporiti Italia, a major
Italian manufacturer of contemporary furniture. Using his own money,
Campaniello created a network of showrooms in New York, Miami,
Dallas and Los Angeles. In 1985, he began investing in commercial
real estate, purchasing his first properties in Palm Beach, FL, and
New York.
Today, Campaniello has showrooms in the Miami Design District,
DCOTA, Hollywood and Coral Gables, and two in New York – one on 57th
Street and a new location in SoHo. Campaniello personally designs
each showroom, paying close attention to the architecture, clientele
and surrounding area. Both the Design District and DCOTA showrooms
have been in the same locations for more than 20 years and have
become destinations for longstanding clients. Campaniello believes
that with the continuing growth in South Florida with new domestic
and foreign residents, there is a need for multiple locations.
“There is a lot of expansion in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. People
come here, they become fascinated with the area and buy homes.
Automatically, they need furniture,” he said.
Ground Zero, Again
In 1994, Campaniello
faced a serious crisis. His sole supplier, Saporiti Italia, fell
into Chapter 11 and the company closed. Campaniello’s valuable
experience in marketing and his untarnished reputation among Italian
manufacturers helped him sell his inventory and secure other quality
lines.
“I was starting from zero again,” recalled Campaniello. “In the
years coming to America and working for Lamborghini and then
Saporiti, I became a marketing expert. Everything became a
coincidence. I started from zero and what guided me was the quality
of the product, appreciation and evolution in the design. My
ambition guides me all the time. So, I did the same thing again,” he
recalled.
The Florida showrooms currently represent Il Loft, Cassina, Whittman,
Reflex and Lumen Center.
Although he’s busy expanding his company, Campaniello still makes
time for his private life. Married with one daughter, he enjoys
classical music, cooking, reading and sailing his catamaran in Key
Biscayne. “I like sailing; after all, I was born on the Adriatic
Sea,” he said.
He also appreciates photography, fast cars and good coffee. “Coffee
is really my passion,” he exclaimed. “In the morning, I enjoy
espresso or cappuccino that I make with my own professional machine.
It reminds me of being in a café in Italy.”
A humble, likable man, Campaniello is deeply tied to his roots in
Vieste, Italy.“My life is a continuous adventure,” he said. “I am a
strong person, moving all the time. The first portion of my life in
business was consistent with my educational background. Now I
attempt to apply my abilities to more diversified projects and to
face new challenges.” |
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