Today we’d like to introduce you to Dom Gervasi.
Hi Dom, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My biggest challenge was the deceptively simple matter of choosing. My career in the data communications and network security fields had ended with the implosion of my last employer. Deeply depressed and dissatisfied, I wondered if I would find more meaning in my life if I went in a different direction. Where was I going? What will I do? The answer at first was let’s see. So, I went on a spirit quest first to Crete, then Sicily. These islands of myth stimulated my imagination. The traditional makers of ceramics, knives, leather and sea salt I discovered there inspired me. And when I returned I sought out the makers right here on my own island. In the process, I came to appreciate Brooklyn as if I only just arrived. My quest concluded with my decision to create nothing less than a new way of life for myself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As I developed the Made in Brooklyn Tours concept, some were critical. But others rooted for me. I believe that they were searching for meaning too and I somehow inspired them. They were the ones I listened to. I learned to take my livelihood seriously. That may be easy to forget as an employee, but as an entrepreneur and business owner there’s no wasting time. From the start, I stuck to my mission. Others may try to reprogram that mission for their benefit, but it’s important to stick to it or suffer the consequences in the form of wasted energy, time and money. Instead of a backup plan, I invested in myself. I try to be flexible and nimble and not presume to know how life will turn out. Lastly, I aim high, but keep my expectations low.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Made in Brooklyn Tours are tours with a “Made in Brooklyn” theme. Guests “see who’s makin’ it in Brooklyn” today and learn about Brooklyn’s legacy as a haven for producers of everything from Brillo to Mack Trucks. They’re inspired by their creativity, ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. I share a unique perspective as a native Brooklynite who has worked for many innovative manufacturers and has partnered with many more of our local makers. I lead neighborhood walking tours for the public and design private tours for family and friends, company outings, grand openings and for other tourism related marketing. Sticking with the Made in Brooklyn theme, I even make my own brand of Coney Island Saltworks souvenir sea salt.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m happy when I’m sharing Brooklyn with visitors from another time or place. There are the back-in-towners who were born in Brooklyn, but left a long time ago. They return to see how it’s changed. Then there are the new-in-towners who can be from anywhere else. They’re here to see what all the hype’s about. Back-in-towners eagerly share their precious memories with me and their stories compliment my own. And I’m delighted to show new-in-towners around the place I love the most. When they share about where they’re from it’s an added bonus.
I’m happiest when I’m creating and discovering. This happens most when I’m designing or redesigning Made in Brooklyn Tours. Then I’m an explorer on a sort of trade mission – like Marco Polo!
First, I brush the chip off my shoulder, open my mind and start with a lot of research. I adopt an attitude of curiosity regardless of how well I know the neighborhood I’m designing a tour for and start blazing a trail. Along the way, I’ll meet small business owners and entrepreneurs and discover new Made in Brooklyn products. No two makers are the same – even if their products are in the same category. Their customers, materials, marketing, price points, processes may be very different from one another. Then I’ll plan the route and curate which places to visit and which sights we’ll see. In the process, I’m recapturing the excitement I experienced when I was first started back in 2011.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madeinbrooklyntours.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeinbrooklyntours/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeInBrooklynTours/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-in-brooklyn-tours/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MadeInBrooklynNY
- Other: [email protected]
