The inspiration of three talented young Italians has become a solid business since 2008, enriching by multidisciplinary group of professionals with one great passion in common: Italy. Gate-away.com is now both a dedicated showcase for real estate professionals and private owner who want to expand their sales opportunities across borders as well as a reference point for people from all over the world looking for their dream home in Italy.
Cooking! London airport has seen Nonna Iride (my grandmother) aubergines pass so many times. I have a thousand recipes books of all types and from many countries. Trying the most varied recipes for me is a great fun. I prefer vegetarian and fish recipes, using spices and quality products.
It all started almost as a game! Working in the Overseas section of the UK's most important real estate portal, we realized that non-Italians were really passionate and in love with Italy but lacked a portal dedicated exclusively to it. So one day, while we were having dinner at an Italian pizzeria in Fulham, Simone and I - my partner and now husband - said: "Why don’t we create it?" And here we are again after over 10 years with the enthusiasm still alive and with so many new ideas for the future!
Simone and I immediately delegated the roles, it is better to know from the beginning who will do what, how will responsibilities be distributed, who is more involved in certain areas and who is in others. It is not easy to mix work and private life. As long as everything goes smoothly there are no problems, but when difficult times take over at work, the private life is also affected. That is why it is important to try to keep the two things separate, also in order not to risk to get bored. You know, the relationship needs new stimuli and it is good to take time for yourself. We have many passions and interests that we indulge in our free time, even together, and this helps us!
There is no mathematical formula. To work well I must always be myself, I cannot be detached to my collaborators. We all work hard to create a positive atmosphere, each contributing our own way of making the team unique. A "human" work environment is perhaps the winning formula.
Since childhood it has always been music. I started playing guitar from a very young age and I remember that at 9 years old I was excited to hear the guitar solo of "Rosanna" by Toto. I’ve not played guitar in years, even if in the evening every now and then I pull out my electric guitar and I play a little, until my fingertips begin to hurt. Now I also like to do sports, it makes me feel good and helps me relieve stress, plus it allows me to eat abundantly... and this is another great passion of mine: food!
Almost for fun! Annalisa and I were talking about what was not working at Rightmove, where we worked in London. We discussed what was missing and what the Italian market would need to meet the needs of Italian agencies and international buyers. At one point we said: "Well, but if we are so convinced we know what should and should not be done, why don’t we do it? We can create a portal specifically for Italy!" So we started working on it and with a bit of unconsciousness, resourcefulness and the desire to do, we overcame the obstacles one at a time. In the research phase, on how we could have built a portal technically, Annalisa thought about her cousin Antonio", a computer expert. Antonio soon came to London for a weekend and he also became passionate about the project and decided to join our adventure. One thing that we confessed later, me and Annalisa, is that we were very frightened of what we were doing, we believed very much in the project but at the same time it frightened us but we hid that from one another and went ahead. If only one of them had confessed it probably Gate-away.com would have never be born!
I will only answer in the presence of my lawyer! Jokes aside, Annalisa and I get along very well, we have two characters that fit perfectly and even when we have different points of view and very heated exchanges, in the end we always find a middle ground. Surely, the mutual esteem plays a fundamental role.
I know it may sound rhetorical, but really every project I follow fascinates me, I like to see how what I do influences the use of the site and the user experience. Once I have implemented a project I am immediately ready to get passionate about the next one! In any way a project that fills me with pride and that is always in continuous development is just Gate-away.com as a company, working group, Team! I am really proud of what we are all creating. This is definitely what satisfies me the most!
Co-founder
Rock Icon: Steve Vai
We talked together over the decision to become colleagues so it was a very conscious choice. I think that right from the start we were aware of the potential and expectations inherent in our choice, and of our mutual trust and esteem that could enable us to positively manage our new relationship as colleagues. I also think that we were all curious to know how our friendship would react to the test: faced with the every day life of our working together, with projects to carry out and objectives to be achieved. After 3 years, I can definitely say that the experiment has succeeded.
Guilty, I am from Paliejmmu (Palermo)! What I miss most about my hometown are the sky, the Mondello Sea, and panelle and crocché sandwiches! But San Benedetto del Tronto, where I have been living for several years with my wonderful family, is an equally enchanting yown that has given me a very warm welcome. I feel like I am from San Benedetto by adoption and ‘me pija bbè’ (I like it)!
I try to interpret my role as being like a coach who, after having participated in the definition of commercial projects, tries to lead the team towards achieving the goals and ensures that every one backs the company's project and feels like an active part of it, contributing to its success. In my opinion, my "always ready to joke" persona, as well as reflecting my character, is an effective method for team building and creating a good "locker room".
Without question, the cycle of training seminars throughout Italy aimed at reaching clients and potential prospects. They allow us to explain the importance of investing (with method) in the international buyer market, but also to establish and maintain direct contact with their customers. I also liked participating in all the events designed to improve the company's internal atmosphere, with the ultimate goal of team building, like the cake contest, Pilates lessons, photo shoots and the trip to London to celebrate Gate-away.com 10th birthday! These activities have had, and are continuing to have, the great merit of not only improving team spirit and the sense of belonging, but also mutual knowledge and esteem between colleagues.
Sales Manager
Soundtrack: I love disco music!
Definitely sport. I do open water swimming and I'm passionate about martial arts, in fact I have a black belt in Karate.
My path at Gate-Away.com has been extremely satisfying and I’m so proud to see how much we have grown. We are a young and dynamic group.
I always listen carefully my client needs, I try to put myself in their shoes and give them advice based on my experience.
As a child I had a lot of imagination and I dreamed of becoming a writer.
Account Manager
Distinctive trait: Precision
My passions are definitely shopping, the sea and taking long walks on the beach.
I've been here for almost 5 years.
My first encounter with Gate-away.com occurred when no one would have imagined it, in high school. Annalisa and I were studying at the same school.
For the care and attention I provide them with. For the desire to get each and every one of their needs met. For my ability to convey the enthusiasm and passion of our working group in every call.
Account Manager
Gesture: Caress
Sports I would say, specifically football.
Since 2014.
With my experience and professionalism I can advise and support the real estate agencies helping them to advertise their properties for sale internationally in the best way possible.
Certainly with even greater experience in the real estate market. I would like to continue on this path alongside real estate agencies.
Dance! From the classical and modern dance schools as a child, as an adult I have been passionate about Latin American dance, but I have not attended any school yet... Dance is pure fun for me.
The relationship with real estate agencies, when the first telephonic contact between strangers slowly reaches a relationship of trust and collaboration sharing the same objectives.
With the real estate agencies I share their goals and I try to find the best solution for their needs and their "mission." My advice, though sometimes uncomfortable, only has the aim of improving their performance on the portal. We are going in the same direction.
Sport is one of many things. The desire for wellbeing has blossomed from the Pilates classes organized by the company, because you know "healthy mind, healthy body". The serene, friendly and simultaneously professional office environment fills the work days with a family atmosphere and I’m more productive. It's a pleasure to wake up in the morning and say ‘Good morning!’ to the team!
Reading! The classics of literature: the great poets especially of the 1900’s and above all mystery novels by Maigret, Montalbano, Adamsberg and of course Hercule Poirot! Among my favourite books are "I Dialoghi di Plato" and "L'eleganza delriccio" by Muriel Barbery which I am particularly connected to. I am very fond of lexicography and I have a small collection of Italian historical dictionaries.
I was in a room in the obstetrics department of the hospital of San Benedetto del Tronto. Sara, my third daughter, was just born. During the night two a couple arrived in my room: he was their first child. In those few days I remember that they talked about work, about a project they were working on together. I did not really understand what it was. I would discover, a few years later, that it was Gate-away.com and that those two guys were Annalisa and Simone.
There are many things I like, but most of all the sense of belonging and the synergy with the team. This work also allows us to enhance Italy’s image and its beauties.
I do not know, my colleagues are in a better position to tell you. I know, however, that I always try to give my best every day.
Most of all I love swimming and collecting shells, but also watching it in silence... it does not speak, but it can tell me many things. I also like listening to music, reading books, make-up and photography.
I answer every phone call, give the best of me and try to endear myself to them: I think at my clients as they were are all friends, brothers, children etc.
Commitment, passion and precision in everything I do and I say, facilitated by the atmosphere that you breathe in the office: it feels like home.
Here, with the headset in my ear, with even more experience and 5 more years of happiness!
My passion is definitely sport. I've been doing sports since I was 6. And I've been part of a volleyball team for three years.
I immediately integrated into the group and get on very well with everyone. Mental age does not correspond to the biological one! ;)
I really like having contact with overseas home buyers, being helpful to people who contact us and finding new ideas for newsletters that also often allows me to discover interesting things about Italy that I did not know.
Of course, in volleyball as in work everyone has their own role and must work hard to play their part to achieve a common goal.
Since I was a child I’ve always had a passion for drawing, with a sheet and pencil between my fingers there is just me and the whole world outside. And then the sea; my natural habitat, which has the power to instill serenity and cure any wound. I also love listening to music in Spanish. But mostly I love animals (in my previous life I was definitely a cat).
Every new project has enriched me in the working profile and each colleague has contributed to adding another piece to my personal growth. I am happy to see how we have changed, but especially the direction in which we are going.
They are the focus of our work, the stimulus that pushes us to improve each day and to always design something new. They are not only the "users" of our portal, but also the source of continuous inspiration. It is gratifying to be in constant contact with them, to try to help them as much as possible, to listen to their stories that are so different from each other and the vision they have of Italy.
It's never boring! There is always a new project to work on, new things to learn and to test yourself with. It's inspiring! There is room for everyone's ideas and there is a chance to really realize them.
Reading! I remember with joy the first day in elementary school because I knew that I would be learning to read and write shortly. I was not as happy on the first day of the second year: once I’d learned to read and write, school lost the interest it held for me. Then over the years some professor changed my mind. Now I mainly chase historical strands, I love well-made biographies and great novels. I don't like self-referential literature that talk about oneself and of one's own world... I much prefer the male-cut writing. I also love cinema and relax with various manual pastimes such as embroidery, knitting, sewing, but also DIY stuff: I really like to revive old furniture.
Working for Gate-away.com is a constant challenge. I know our territory of Piceno well, for the different collaborations that I had and I still have, and I never thought I’d find a company so innovative, dynamic and projected towards the future here.
I really like to analyse the data from reports and then create articles.
I dreamed of being an investigator. From that dream now I only have Sherlock Holmes’ hat (yes, the one with ear flaps, tape and double visor), the love for the trench coats and, of course, elements that distinguish my character: curiosity, continuous research and a hint of suspicion.
I follow the activities of other "creatives" to keep abreast, but I think the real inspiration comes from people! Talking, but above all listening to other people is the real treasure. Whether it's the creation of a new campaign, the correction of a usability problem on the website, a picture or a photo, we're always talking about communication and if the "consumers" are the people, why not start straight from there?
Before Gate-away.com I worked in a communications agency in Guadalajara, Mexico, where I had my first experience in the ‘User experience’ field. After two years away from home, the desire to return to Italy and the will to deepen what I learned, pushed me to apply for an open position at Gate-away.com. A few weeks later, I was on a plane going back home, Le Marche, the same land I started from.
Since the first interview, when they illustrated the future projects to me, I saw the positive energy, willingness and desire to grow in the team. Also at the time, from the graphic point of view, the portal really needed help (but do not tell them!). I could not decline the challenge...
I love outdoor activities: I take long walks, excursions, climb but also more relaxing activities like fishing by the sea. Our territory allows us to enjoy both the sea and the mountain, which are reachable in a few minutes. My camera is always in my backpack.
I love to learn new things above all: learning what I don't know well and trying to improve more and more in what I’m already doing. I always try to read articles or books by the best experts and participate in workshops and training courses. A difficulty I have always had is to define myself professionally, because I have so many passions and I try to cultivate them all with all the pros and cons this entails. But it is much better to live (professionally or not) with this hungry mind: every day there is so much to discover and so many opportunities to improve yourself! However, if the question was actually about food, I’m definitely a foodie :)
In the past few years I have worked for creative agencies on many design and communication projects. But they usually don’t give you the chance to fully understand the needs of your customers in order to be able to offer them the most effective solutions. Here at Gate-away.com, finally, I have the chance to do it: all the departments that compose our team work closely together, making it possible to take care of the products and of our customers in the best possible way, which today is what makes the difference. And we even have fun in this process!
When I was a child I read on certain magazines some advertisement of alleged ways to learn languages overnight: I wish it was possible... I am fond of learning other languages and I’d like to be able to communicate more smoothly, particularly when I travel abroad. Speaking other languages opens your mind.
I haven’t got a particular one: there are many books that have left their mark on me. However, there are two books that, in the technical field of digital design, I consider milestones: “The design of everyday things” by Don Norman and “Don’t make me think” by Steve Krug. These books made me understand how much work lies behind the visible simplicity and beauty of design and interfaces!
Computer science. I like the all the aspects of programming, which is good because it's also my job! It gives me real satisfaction to build something that is then used by others, whether for fun or for work. But since I've been at Gate-away.com I've started to get passionate also about sport!
Let's just say that at some point I realised I'd neglected my body and that sooner or later I would have to pay for it, with a lot of interest! So I started doing sport, in part thanks to the company that introduced us to Pilates, and now I run a little and I'm doing a course of functional training with some colleagues.
The numbers and diagrams of computer science are the more or less invisible web behind society today, but they are arid and boring. Nothing is better than a night out with family, friends or colleagues.
I don't have any particular project that jumps out, in general I like working on projects aimed at improving business processes. Automating more mechanical or repetitive tasks allows people in the company to have more time to think about how to improve in other areas.
I like computer science, I'm curious about the world of programmable microcontrollers (like Arduino), I love books that deal with quantum mechanics and relativity and I'm fascinated by the idea of time travel.
Definitely creating new features for users of the Gate-away.com website in order to meet their needs and at the same time make it both simple and intuitive. In the same way, I like to write clean and easily manageable codes, so as to speed up the development and maintenance of the functionality of the website.
Yes, from the age of 12, when I was given my first computer (a Commodore 16)!
I am married and have two beautiful daughters. Together my wife and I try to stimulate their curiosity and interest in the world around them and when we travel we try to choose destinations that are interesting from the cultural point of view, including their cuisine. I do not like confusion and in my free time I enjoy walking, reading books and strumming the guitar.
I have lots of interests that I've been lucky to be able to devote time to. Formula 1, which of course I only watch on TV. Then go-karting and sea fishing, which I've been doing since I was 14 years old. I also like the fantasy genre, ranging from novels (LOTR, the Dragonlance and the Shannara sagas, etc.) to RPGs and cinema. And then of course computer science and electronic games. I started with the consoles in the 80s (Atari, Commodore) and then switched to the PC in the 90s and finally the modern consoles (I've had every version of PlayStation). I try to convey these passions to my children too!
From my first few minutes I was struck by the vivacity, resourcefulness and conviction of my colleagues. The working environment is very stimulating, never boring, and all my colleagues are friendly. But the thing that struck me most of all is how much attention the company pays to its employees, its commitment to communication, the development of team building and its social commitment. I find this really out of the ordinary and above the standard of every other company with which I have worked.
Being born abroad and then moving to Italy prepared me to enjoy lots of experiences without experiencing too much connection to a territory or to certain situations, and to live the change as an opportunity and a stimulus.
The last 2 years have been characterised by great personal, working and family changes. I hope that the next few years will be more stable and serene and more and more stimulating and rewarding.