Roberto Scandian
JournalDialogue, collaboration, shared values, the sense of belonging to a team: important concepts which define what we mean when we talk of ‘work’ and that define us as a company.
Respect for the individual, valuing the person, their motivations, their professional capabilities and their passions are at the root of our success as a company. Them throughout our region and our world, they make up our community.
On this episode of #MadeByPeople we’ll be featuring Roberto Scandian, Tonello’s Prototype Maker and R&D.
How long have you worked at Tonello and what role do you play there?
I can definitely be considered part of their loyal employees: in fact, I’ve been working at Tonello for 38 years! At the moment my role is principally as a “jack-of-all-trades” (in the positive sense of the word). I deal with various projects carrying out repairs, maintenance, and the construction of prototypes and various pieces of equipment. The different facets of my role allow me to collaborate directly with all the departments.
In just a few words, tell us about your story in Tonello.
In just a few words, tell us about your story in Tonello. Initially it was a bit like walking around in the dark, I had to fight with my family to stay here. My parents had found me a job with another company, a proposal that I didn’t even take into consideration. I’m happy with the choice I made because here in Tonello I’ve had the opportunity to grow and learn a lot of things, acquiring many different skills.
What does your work mean to you?
Work is the third most important thing in life: the first is health, the second, family. I like to think that if Tonello has become the reference point in the panorama of textile garment treatment, it’s also partly thanks to me. I’ve always tried to do my best, even more than what is asked of me.
What about the Tonello Company? What has changed over the years?
Well, there has certainly been an important evolution. When I got here, the average age was 20/25 years old. It was very simple structural steel work, we built on average 3 machines per year, and there was very little organization. The reality now is completely different: we are structured, we have a precise and orderly approach, and we work towards goals.
How is your relationship with your colleagues?
It ranges from excellent to ok. I hope that others also think the same of me, although I’m aware that I have a bad temper!
What was the most exciting moment in your history at Tonello? What was the most difficult one?
The most exciting was when they recognized the fact that I had the winning characteristics when compared to others. The darkest moment was when a member of the Tonello family passed away. It’s still an open wound, for everyone.
Any particular anecdotes?
Episode one: it was the year 1982. I had just finished preparing a dyeing machine for shipping, but when the truck arrived to load it for delivery to the laundry facility, we discovered that the machine was larger than the portal. To get it out we were forced to tear down part of the factory wall!
Episode 2: 1990 to the present. I explained to a colleague how to distinguish between iron and steel by simply smelling it! The funniest thing is that this person still believes it!
What do you think are the Tonello’s greatest strengths and weaknesses?
The danger lies in not having the courage to take more risks. Nowadays if you stop you’re lost, there’s too much competition out there!
On the contrary, Tonello’s strong point lies in both its people and in its Research Center, the beating heart of the company.
Recently, Tonello has tried to define its reference values. For example, what do the word sustainability means to you?
Sustainability is a great word, but unfortunately it has become a fashionable word lately. It’s easy to say, but the reality is that there are very few people or companies that can afford to define themselves as such. Behind this term there are many interests and a lot of businesses, but fortunately I am part of a company that has always believed in this value that they have invested a lot in, both terms of time and money.
Of these different values, which one do you relate to the most?
Passion. Passion. I love my job and I believe in what I do: the fact that I’ve been here for 38 years is the proof!
