Jacopo Cordero di Vonzo
Co-founder & CEO, Remeo Gelato, on sailing, mice and losing at tennis
What was your first job? I was 17, and a junior sales person in Zegna, an Italian clothing brand in Bond Street, London.
What’s been your worst job interview? It was for a beauty brand: they put us into groups and asked us to create stories around irrelevant products. It was very strange.
What was the first music album you bought? (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis.
How do you describe your job to your mates? I’m known as ‘Gelataio’, which translates to mean the guy who just makes the gelato rather than the creator. My friends think that they are being ironic.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? When we secured our first national listing with Waitrose. That was a great day!
What is the least rewarding part? As we are growing fast, we sometimes are behind in the process of structuring the company to cope with it, hence I sometimes still find myself having to do some operational things I don’t like but most of all I’m not capable of doing!
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What is your motto in life? Whatever you do you need to have fun.
If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? I love exploring and sailing, so it would have to be a world round trip on a sailing boat.
Do you have any phobias? No, though I’m not a fan of mice, but who is in the food industry?
If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? Our jars are 100% recyclable and reusable - I would love to see more brands doing this.
What luxury would you have on a desert island? If I promise not to use it to escape, a sailing boat so I could have fun on the water.
What animal most reflects your personality? A dog as they are dynamic, enthusiastic and engaging.
What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Losing an important tennis match to a guy four years younger than me (I was 19 at the time).
Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? Valentino Rossi - he is so talented and passionate. I would love to learn where he gets it from.
What would your death row meal be? Homemade pasta al pesto, and for dessert of course our Stracciatella Gelato and Lemon Sorbetto.
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