Next September 10th will mark the eleventh anniversary of Mr Steno Marcegaglia’s passing.
It might seem timely to commemorate him now, but this is not a commemoration; I feel too insignificant in comparison to such a giant.
No, the reason I have decided to write about Steno Marcegaglia is that I cannot escape the feeling of missing him.
Mr Marcegaglia's most significant masterpiece was his ability to instil his vast industrial vision, unique commercial style, and long-term strategic approach to making astute investments and expanding his business in his duaghter and son.
This is why the Marcegaglia Group is one of Europe’s and the world’s most efficient industries.
He never ceased to seek opportunities, never relied on others for help or assistance. He was a pioneer and an exemplar for all. A giant, yet reserved and indifferent to popularity.
I had the honour of meeting him for the first time twenty-eight years ago. Out of the blue, I sent an unsolicited offer for stainless steel coils to his company. He called me and kindly asked if I had time to visit his factory. When I met him, I confirmed my belief that he was (and still is) a giant. Without mincing his words, he told me he had checked my price directly with the stainless steel producer (to demonstrate his ability to buy directly if he wished). However, my offer was honest, with fair margin and accurately calculated costs, he said. We secured the first order. From then until I changed my responsibilities, he would occasionally call to discuss the market, but for orders, he preferred face-to-face meetings.
Once, when I visited his office, he asked, “Coffee or orange juice?” I chose coffee, but he said, “We’ve bought too much orange juice by mistake, so I’d appreciate it if you skipped the coffee in favour of some orange juice.” I agreed. He was gently informing me that the price for the new stainless steel order would have to be reduced significantly due to excessive inventory. We managed it!
Perhaps my experience seems insignificant to you, but it is profoundly important to me, and I will never forget the powerful feeling I experienced each time I was in Mr Marcegaglia’s presence.
What has happened to our society, and what have we done wrong to lack such geniuses today? It seems that a significant portion of new generations have been raised in a kind of intensive breeding that extinguishes the minds of new managers, filling them with a plethora of useless, prepackaged notions. Thankfully, not all, but many industrial managers sit by the phone waiting for calls instead of going out and hunting for opportunities. It’s sad.
