Reggae, bonsai and the art of granting wishes


In this interview we will learn a little about the most personal facet of our Senior Sales Manager, Alessio Zaccaro.

Alessio ZaccaroHow long have you been working at Ventós?
“Only” 13 years and a few months.

Tell us about your day-to-day tasks:
My daily routine consists of coordinating my team and addressing all customer requests together, forwarding them to the appropriate departments, and ensuring that they are answered with satisfactory solutions.

What sets Ventós apart in the market?
Ventós stands out for its efficiency and excellent service, designed and oriented to meet customer needs. I’ve been fortunate to witness, year after year, the growth of the Ventós brand, now recognized for its quality and the trust it inspires in our clients and suppliers.

What do you like most about your work?
The part I like best about my job is the opportunity to meet clients, interact with them, and listen to their needs, concerns, and suggestions, but also to get to know the people behind a simple email signature.

What would you mix with a gin and tonic?
Depending on the day, I would go for a citrus-herbal combination, like lime and basil, or a sour/spicy mix like allspice, ginger, and tamarind.

What smells transport you back to your childhood?
The scent of tomato leaves reminds me of when my family and I used to make canned tomato sauce for the entire year. It is a happy memory for me because for a few days, my whole family would get together. It all started with my grandfather waking my cousins and me up very early to unload the boxes of tomatoes. The process continued with a hose-washing process, and we competed to see who could remove the most stems from the tomatoes. This last process impregnated my fingers with the typical smell of tomato leaves, which still makes me smile today.

What is your ideal vacation destination? What would your perfect vacation be like?
A beach, sunshine, crystal-clear water, few people, some beers, friends and family. I don't need anything else.

Is there a talent or curiosity about you that people are usually surprised to learn?
No particular talents, but plenty of curiosities: I enjoy crafting and fixing or building anything. Before buying or throwing something away, I usually assess whether I can build or repair it myself. This has led me to many hobbies, like making craft beer and ice cream, restoring mirrors, building furniture, etc.

What kind of music do you listen to? Favorite artist?
I listen to a bit of everything, but my favorite style is Reggae, especially the Roots variant from the '70s/'80s. It’s a cheerful style and matches my personality well. I particularly enjoy Toots & the Maytals, Israel Vibration, and of course Bob Marley.

What is your favorite hobby?
Lately, I’ve been taking care of my little trees (I have over 60) to transform them into bonsai trees. I especially enjoy observing them in the morning while drinking my first coffee, imagining the shape and orientation I’ll give them.

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Be cautious and don’t respond immediately to emails or questions that in any way affect your mood. A “hot” response is rarely the right one, not even the second draft. It’s better to buy time or leave the reply in drafts and reevaluate it later, once emotions have settled.

If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and why?
If I could have a superpower for a day, I'd choose the ability to make any wish come true. Even if it only lasted 24 hours, I'm sure it would be an unforgettable experience.