Giapo founder Gianpaolo Grazioli on taking a break between launching Cherlato and expanding the business.
It’s been a big few years for Gianpaolo and Annarosa Grazioli, the founders of Auckland-based gelato business Giapo.
In between managing the impacts of Covid on a hospitality business, the Grazioli’s have also been working on a trans-Pacific launch, the Cherlato, a mobile gelato truck in Los Angeles, with none other than Cher herself. The partnership has been in the works since 2018, when the 'Goddess of Pop' last visited New Zealand on tour and stopped by Giapo’s twice in the space of 24 hours.
This year's launch has meant Gianpaolo has spent much of his time in the City of Angels, balancing the demands of both ventures. In need of some much deserved rest and recovery, he shares his plans for the summer break and what he’s set up to keep the ice cream churning in his absence.
To recharge and spend quality time with loved ones, my team and I plan to take a 4-day break over the Christmas and New Year period.
We'll be heading to the breathtaking Waihi Beach, embracing the holiday season amidst the beauty of the surroundings.
With a dedicated and capable team in place, we've established clear communication channels and systems. While enjoying our break, we'll remain available remotely for any critical decisions, ensuring the business continues to thrive.
In previous years, occasional disruptions occurred due to unexpected business demands, like serving a full school of 200 kids unexpectedly. However, we've learned valuable lessons, improved delegation, and implemented contingency plans to minimise future disruptions.
We plan to limit work-related communication during the break, prioritising personal time for relaxation and quality moments with family and friends. While staying off the phone and social media as much as possible, we'll be available for urgent matters, with scheduled times for checking emails and taking important calls.
The most significant challenge in 2023 was the necessity of being away from Auckland for an extended period while I was working in Los Angeles. Addressing this, Annarosa and I have empowered and delegated responsibilities to the right individuals within the organisation. This experience was such an important part of our growth, and it would not have happened if I did not have to stay away for so long.
In 2024, my aspiration is to empower the team further, fostering autonomy and aligning with the continued growth and success of Giapo and who knows, maybe opening a second store? We've laid a solid foundation this year, and we are thrilled about the prospects the future holds.
Gianpaolo Grazioli’s answers are part of a two-week series Break from Business as Usual Caffeine is running leading up to and during the Xmas break, featuring startup founders and ecosystem players.
As told to Mary Hurley
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.