We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mattia Casarotto a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mattia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Certainly, I’d be happy to walk you through the journey of how I went from having an idea to launching our business.

It all began when me and my brother Angelo had this idea to open a company to sell car wrap products made in Italy in the USA, still back in Italy, that we believed had potential. But I knew that having an idea was just the beginning. So, the first thing I did was to start conducting research about the industry I wanted to enter. I needed to understand the numbers, the market trends, and whether there was a demand for the products and services I envisioned. This research phase was crucial in validating the feasibility of my idea.

After gathering some initial data and feeling more confident about the potential, I decided to take a bold step. I traveled to Miami and Los Angeles to immerse myself in the market I was targeting. I met with possible future customers, asked them a myriad of questions, and tried to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences. This firsthand experience was invaluable in shaping my business strategy.

With all this information in hand, I then began to formulate a detailed plan for the first three years of my business. This plan encompassed everything – from the steps I needed to take, the people I needed to involve, the products and services I intended to offer, to logistics, budgets, and marketing strategies. It was a comprehensive blueprint that guided me through the initial phases of the business.

However, as any entrepreneur will tell you, the real world is full of unexpected challenges. No matter how meticulous your planning is, something unforeseen always arises. And that’s exactly what happened to me. Every time an unexpected obstacle came up, I had to roll up my sleeves and figure it out on the fly. It was challenging, but it was also a tremendous learning experience.

The first three years were undoubtedly tough, especially because everything was so different from what I was used to in Italy. But I firmly believe that it was during these years that I grew the most, both personally and professionally. I learned to adapt, to be resilient, and to make decisions under pressure. These experiences were invaluable in shaping me into the person I am today and in helping my business succeed.

So, in a nutshell, my journey from idea to execution was a combination of thorough research, market immersion, strategic planning, and a willingness to adapt and learn from the unexpected. It was far from easy, but it was an incredibly rewarding process that ultimately led to the successful launch of our business.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Certainly, I’d be delighted to share my journey and what sets my business apart.

I was born and raised in Vicenza, Italy, and my educational background lies in marketing and design. These disciplines have proven to be valuable assets throughout my career. My early exposure to entrepreneurship came from my parents, who owned a small automotive business. My father’s passion for the automotive industry and strong work ethic had a profound influence on me and my brother, Angelo.

About 20 years ago, my brother and I ventured into a new business, specializing in car wraps and customizations for automobiles. This venture allowed us to work on numerous exciting projects that fueled our drive to push boundaries. However, we eventually felt the urge for a new adventure – the American Dream beckoned.

Our vision for our U.S.-based company was clear: introduce APA products to the U.S. market. APA, a Milan-based manufacturer of high-quality self-adhesive films, primarily focused on cast car wrap films, had yet to establish a strong presence in the U.S. We had been working closely with APA for years through our car wrap shop, building a solid relationship that enabled us to present our ambitious project and secure an agreement to represent APA in the U.S. market.

While my brother continued to manage the business in Italy, I relocated to Miami to assess whether it was the right location for our product. Simultaneously, I began connecting with potential customers. We started on a modest scale and encountered significant challenges, especially in the face of formidable competitors already entrenched in the U.S. market. However, we remained steadfast in our commitment to improvement.

Over the years, we made continuous progress and refined our operations month by month. Last year, we proudly launched our new brand, EVOLV. This journey has been characterized by steady growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence, despite the presence of major competitors in the U.S. Our team’s dedication and creativity have been instrumental in our success.

Currently based in Fort Lauderdale, we’re eagerly anticipating our move to a larger location in the coming months. This expansion will provide our talented team with more opportunities to showcase their skills and take on even greater challenges.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to understand is that EVOLV is not merely a business; it’s a passion project. We are deeply committed to delivering top-notch products and services to our customers, and we genuinely care about their satisfaction and well-being.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story, and I’m excited about the journey ahead as we continue to grow and thrive, fueled by the incredible team at EVOLV.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a commitment to transparency, direct communication, and honesty. Unlike traditional salespeople, I don’t come from a sales background, and I believe this has given me a unique approach.

From the beginning, I learned the importance of being clear and honest with our customers. Instead of rushing to make a sale, my primary focus has always been to understand the needs of the customer. This involves asking questions and actively listening to their requirements. Only after gaining a deep understanding of their needs can I determine if our products and services are the right fit.

Crucially, if our offerings don’t align with what the customer truly needs, I make it a point to communicate this honestly. I never try to sell something that I know isn’t the best solution for the client. This approach has proven to be incredibly beneficial in the long run.

Over time, it has allowed us to build trust and credibility with our customers. Many of our clients have been with us for over a decade because they know they can rely on our transparency and honesty. They trust that we will always provide them with the best possible solutions, even if it means recommending something other than our own products or services.

In the world of sales, honesty truly is the best policy. By being transparent, direct, and honest with our clients, we have not only grown our clientele but also fostered long-lasting relationships built on trust and respect. So, if you’re looking to expand your client base, remember that in sales, honesty and integrity are key to sustainable growth.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale are indeed critical aspects of running a successful business. Here are some pieces of advice based on my experience:

1. Align with Vision and Values: The foundation of a strong team is alignment with the company’s vision and values. When hiring, always look for individuals whose principles and goals resonate with the organization. This alignment creates a sense of purpose and unity among team members.

2. Empower and Support: To maintain high morale, it’s crucial to empower your team members. Encourage them to take ownership of their work and provide them with the necessary resources and support to excel. Show confidence in their abilities and trust them to make decisions within their areas of responsibility.

3. Goal Setting and Development: Help each team member set and work toward their professional and personal goals. This can involve providing opportunities for skill development, mentorship, and career advancement within the organization. When employees see that their growth is a priority, it can boost morale significantly.

4. Recognition and Appreciation: Don’t underestimate the power of recognition and appreciation. Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements regularly. Small gestures, such as expressing gratitude or publicly recognizing outstanding contributions, can go a long way in boosting morale.

5. Open and Constructive Feedback: Create a culture of open and constructive feedback. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. When issues arise, address them promptly and constructively to foster a positive working environment.

6. Lead by Example: As a leader, your behavior and attitude set the tone for the team. Lead by example, demonstrating the values, work ethic, and commitment you expect from your team members.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theevolv.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolv.motor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EVOLV.main/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theevolv/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/EVOLV_main
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/EVOLV_main