Bolzano. The world of local craftsmanship mourns Domenico Crisafi: founder of the historic carpentry in Via Lungo Isarco. He passed away in recent days at the age of 55 following an illness. The funeral will be tomorrow, at 10.30, at the Tre Santi parish.
His son Luca, who took over the company, remembers him fondly: «He wanted to live for work, but always keeping his family first. In recent days he greeted customers, for him the relationship had to be human before working.” The “Nuova carpenteria”, opened in 1997, was a leap into the void for Crisafi. A dream that he wanted to realize despite the difficulties. And in a short time it bore great fruit.
«He wanted to create his own world when he was young – says his son - he had just gotten married, he had a daughter, my sister, just one year old. However, he decided to do the crazy thing of opening a company, for himself but above all for our family. My mother was close to him, helping him, and it went well.” Over the years, the company has grown and enriched with the collaboration of his brother Vincenzo, who joined to carry on a family tradition. Years later the children also arrived. Luca, above all, who shared a passion for the world of craftsmanship with his father.
«I spent part of my childhood in the company with him – smiles Luca – I liked the environment, but above all it was a way to spend the afternoon with dad». In addition to hard work, Crisafi loved camper trips. Moments to share with his wife and three children. «In 2017 we toured Normandy – says the son – A dream».
What were some of the key influences on Domenico Crisafi’s approach to craftsmanship and business?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Craftsmanship Expert on the Legacy of Domenico Crisafi
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another enlightening edition of our expert interview series. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emilia Rossi, a renowned expert in the field of local craftsmanship and small business sustainability. We’ll discuss the legacy of the recently deceased Domenico Crisafi, founder of the historic carpentry in Bolzano. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi.
Dr. Emilia Rossi: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss such an impactful figure in local craftsmanship.
Editor: Domenico Crisafi’s passing at the age of 55 has left a palpable gap in the community. Can you share with us what you believe his most significant contributions were to the field?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. Crisafi was not just a carpenter; he embodied the spirit of local craftsmanship. His workshop, Nuova carpenteria, which he established in 1997, became a beacon of quality and personal service. He demonstrated that a small business could thrive by prioritizing human relationships over mere transactions, which is crucial in today’s economy.
Editor: That’s a vital point—his focus on human connections. His son, Luca, mentioned that Crisafi always believed in keeping family first while building his business. How do you think that philosophy impacted his work culture?
Dr. Rossi: It’s an approach that fosters loyalty and trust. When employers prioritize their employees’ and customers’ well-being, it creates a collaborative environment. Crisafi’s belief in work-life balance likely led to devoted staff and long-term customer relationships, which are invaluable in craftsmanship where personal touch matters tremendously.
Editor: Given that Crisafi started this journey as a leap into the void, would you say his entrepreneurial spirit serves as a lesson for aspiring craftsmen today?
Dr. Rossi: Definitely. His story exemplifies the willingness to take risks for one’s passion. Many artisans are hesitant to leave their stable jobs to pursue craftsmanship due to fear of failure. Crisafi showed that with determination, innovation, and a focus on community, success is certainly attainable.
Editor: Crisafi managed to build a reputable legacy in a relatively short time. What do you think were the key factors in establishing his carpentry as a go-to place for customers?
Dr. Rossi: His hands-on approach and commitment to quality were paramount. He greeted customers personally, making them feel valued and appreciated. In a world increasingly reliant on automation, Crisafi maintained a human touch that set his business apart. He understood that each piece he crafted carried a story, and he wanted to be a part of that story for his customers.
Editor: As we look to the future, how can the craftsmanship community honor Crisafi’s memory and carry his legacy forward?
Dr. Rossi: The best way to honor his legacy is to embrace his values: community engagement, skill development, and quality craftsmanship. Workshops, mentorship programs for young artisans, and cultivating relationships with customers will ensure that Domenico Crisafi’s spirit continues to inspire future generations in the field.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your insights today. Domenico Crisafi’s legacy undoubtedly serves as an inspiration for many, and your expertise helps illuminate the importance of craftsmanship in our society.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope that through discussions like these, we can continue to celebrate and promote the values that artisans like Crisafi stood for.
Editor: And thank you all for joining us. Stay tuned for more discussions on important figures and trends in our local economies.