There is a general adage which states, “I have yet to meet a stranger.” This statement is meant to be understood as a proclamation of unconditional acceptance as friend or family despite a lack of familiarity. And when examined a bit deeper, this viewpoint also reveals that the action of introduction immediately cancels out the… Read more »
Make the Best Situation Out of What You Have
In business and life, many of us utilize such things as to-do lists, agendas, schedules, time-keeping apps, etc. This is because today’s culture is nonstop at trying to maintain a work-life balance. Oftentimes we do our best to plan our time accordingly in an effort to make each transition into the next situation as smooth… Read more »
“Fill in the Blank” to Obtain Your Milestone Moments
“This year I want to (fill in the blank).” When the New Year of 2017 came to reality, many people around the world began “filling in the blank” with their desires, hopes, dreams, and optimistic wishes – in other words, their goals. But every goal, large and small is accompanied by a challenging journey to… Read more »
Turn and Face the Strange – Changes
We have entered the balmy time of year when the summer solstice creates a climate change that produces increased temperatures across the country. By all accounts, change is a normal part of life, leaving these unanticipated events to act as daily reminders that modi cations in general are going to happen despite our desire–or lack… Read more »
The Reward of Sacrifice
In the premier issue of P Magazine, I shared the age-old philosophy of “no pain, no gain” through the story of my family’s perseverance to build their businesses. I’d like to expand on this timeless ideal with the exploration of yet another hurdle we’ve all faced – sacrifice. Through many experiences, I’ve come to realize… Read more »
No Pain, No Gain
There is no gain in business without a little pain. My family knows this all too well after having spent over a century building gelato businesses in Italy and Germany, and I now continue this lesson as I help the Rabboni and PreGel legacy continue to plant roots in North and South America. But let… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Letter from the Publisher
Well, here we are –the last official issue of Views from the Tree. Writing this column is bittersweet as it is anytime you close the door to the past, and open another one to the future. Sometimes the hardest decision is the one to move forward when you are content with where you are. There… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Letter from the Publisher
I have been a runner all my life and have had the privilege of participating in various marathons around the world. It’s my outlet, my time to be outside and ponder, and contribute to my overall wellness. However, doing an activity like this can become stagnant, especially after how long I have been doing it…. Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Letter from the Publisher
Reaching New Heights with Our Magazine When our Editor and Marketing Manager Jillian Hillard joined the company in 2007, it was a no brainer given her publishing background that we launch a custom magazine for PreGel AMERICA. Views from the Tree was launched in 2008 and I still can’t believe we will soon be embarking… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Letter from the Publisher
It’s been a long winter for all of us, polar temperatures, piles of snow and one too many gray days. Spring is finally here and after a rough start and previous year of fair weather, I know we are all hoping for many warm days and sunny skies. It is, after all, a critical part… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Letter from the Publisher
As this issue drops in on your store and/or home, the holidays will have just wrapped up. Many of you will be pondering when to remove that Christmas tree, how to dispose of all the extra leftovers and maybe even contemplating if you should buy that after the holidays LCDTV on clearance. As these decisions… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: A Golden Era of Inspiration
Movies offer a mindless opportunity to temporarily get away to another place and time. I enjoy all types of movies: classic, action, drama, comedy and independent, but it’s the classic films I recently watched that have resonated with me. First, if you haven’t watched one lately, I strongly advise it. When I say classics I… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree: Experience the Country I Call Home
For many, this time of year brings about vacations. Now, I know for us as a company and you as a business, this time is our busy season. Our vacations tend to come when the summer’s sun fades, but it’s never too late to plan ahead. As you dream of kicking your legs up and… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
As of February 21, 2013, I can proudly call myself a U.S. citizen. After nearly 11 years in the U.S. it is extremely exciting to belong to one of the greatest countries in the world. Living in the U.S. has been a unique and inspiring experience and I am humbled to be able to also… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Our Views from the Tree Editor and Marketing Manager Jillian Hillard touches on the topic of fresh versus powdered ingredients specifically in the case of egg whites on page 18, but it inspired me to utilize this column to elaborate a bit more on the topic as the food industry continues to drive the local,… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Writer’s block: defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as “a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.” You should know this article is being written as I experience this harrowing complex, and I can’t promise the results will be good. This is our magazine’s 15th issue and on such a milestone you would think… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Lately, I have been finding myself drawn to literature from the late 17th and 18th Centuries. I have found it to provide both a “get away,” but also a parallel to the day-to-day role I play in this company. It’s very intriguing to see how something can take you so far away but land you… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
One-third of the year is already in the books. 2012 has come at a fast pace and, well, so have 10 years. PreGel AMERICA celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year, and to be honest, I am still a bit in shock. In one regard, I feel as though time has passed by with the blink… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
The most joyous time of the year is upon us, and to you, your families and friends, I wish you all a very happy holidays. We hope you will take the time over the next few weeks to relax, share old memories and make new ones, while enjoying the company of your loved ones. You,… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
The year is almost half over, and I am sure we all share the same sentiment: Where does the time go? We blink, and a new season is upon us. New issues, a new corner to turn, and the goals we set in January loom over us as we strategize how we can meet them… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Spring and summer always bring a sense of renewal and starting over as blossoms bloom, new life emerges, and animals and humans alike come out of hibernation from winter’s harsh realities. I tend to look at business this way too as the fresh air breaths something new and exciting into my own approach for the… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
The close of 2010 opens the door of 2011, and yet I somehow cannot grasp that a new year has started. For many of you, it is the slow season – cold temperatures, gray skies and the constant hope that your customers will come out of hibernation. Here at PreGel AMERICA, you would think that… Read more »
Back to Our Roots: Marketing PreGel Around the World – An Interview with Manuel Sirgiovanni and Jillian Hillard
Manuel Sirgiovanni (MS) What’s your position/title at PreGel and how long have you been with the company? MS: PreGel Marketing Manager for both the Italian and international markets since 2008. Briefly describe your position and what you handle in your position, and/or describe a typical day for you? MS: I plan and define in accordance… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
This past September was a typical “on the road” month for me. I had the opportunity to revisit two of the most unique and interesting cities in the country: New York City and Las Vegas. In New York, I attended the first StarChefs.com International Pastry Competition, which was presented by PreGel. Our team worked diligently… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
If you have visited our establishment, you may recall a very clean and white environment with a central piece of artwork made of nine colorful elements, each of which lists one of our company values.* Every time I pass by, I read them and like to think that those are the principles we use to… Read more »
Back to Our Roots: Elena: the Heart of PreGel
A Story of Great Love, Support and Success Take a look at the black and white photo from 1967. We see them together, Elena and Luciano Rabboni, taking the first steps of a long journey ahead. A path that was sometimes difficult and often unpredictable, but met with strength and determination, respect and mutual support;… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
A few days ago, I visited our Training Center to meet 15 of our latest Gelato Class students. I always do my best to visit and speak to each of them in an attempt to better understand their thoughts, ideas and expectations. These visits break my daily routine and give me a great perspective of… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Happy New Year! As you return from the holidays and settle back into your day-to-day business, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on 2009 and welcome in 2010. I would be shying away from the obvious if I didn’t mention the economic difficulties, as I believe we have all felt them one way… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
It is my (and I’m sure your) dream that one day novelties such as gelato and sorbetto become a standard in Americans’ diet just as coffee, pizza and sushi have. We have come a long way over the last few years, but we all know the road that still lies ahead. A core part of… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
The beginning of the warm season is upon us, making it a prime time for frozen desserts! Countless hours of preparing, training and marketing have all been accounted for, and now it’s time for the summer rush to come through your doors. Before the season’s official arrival, if I may offer you one piece of… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
As we enter into 2009, I know many of you are hearing the word “economy” and fearing the worst. We see the news reports, rising unemployment rates and the decrease in consumer spending on goods, and then begin to think about our businesses and wonder if it will affect us. Today, however, I ask that… Read more »
From the Top of the Tree
Launching Views from the Tree is a goal I have had from the day Dr. Luciano Rabboni, founder of PreGel S.p.A., asked me to head and open our North American office. Reaching this goal is truly a culmination of where PreGel AMERICA is today and how far we’ve come. When PreGel AMERICA opened its headquarters… Read more »