Business

The story of Tiziano Motti: From Outsider to Member of Parliament

Published

4 years ago

September 1, 2019

In our current social climate, it would seem that only the well-connected secure power in politics. It takes significant resources of time and money to manage a campaign, and getting voted into office is no guarantee. This can make it hard for citizens of any country to feel like they have a say in their leadership. Frustrated by the lack of voice for everyday people, citizens often feel disillusioned by the political process convinced that it is a place only for the wealthy and powerful. In Italy, one man sought to change all that and won. Tiziano Motti did not have the most conventional rise to political success.

As a waiter, an entrepreneur, artist, DJ, and musician, Tiziano worked very hard all his life but had what you might say an unexpected background for a politician. Believing this to be an asset for him, Tiziano pursued a place in political leadership in 2009 elections to lend his voice to those who felt they weren’t being heard. His unique background gave him an edge in the elections, and the people quickly embraced him as someone who would serve them well.

Following compulsory school, Tiziano enrolled in a university like most people his age to study Industrial Electronics, but the loss of his father at age 18 made it difficult to continue. At a time when most future politicians are polishing up their resumes and networking through elite schools, Tiziano was forced into the workforce at a young age. Tiziano worked as a waiter during the weekends, produced a record with songs played by others, worked as a DJ in some radio stations, and wrote about music and entertainment on a generalist magazine as well as on some local papers. In 1986 he joined the Army and served in a mobile anti-aircraft artillery unit and finally the Infantry.

Tiziano began to pursue more entrepreneurial activities in the 1990s operating successful advertising and communications companies, including publishing the newspaper “Vivia la Città.” A very successful entrepreneur, Tiziano, looks back on this time with tremendous gratitude. “The fact that I had to abandon a more traditional path and truly get out there in the workforce and society put me directly in touch with the people I serve,” explains Tiziano. “It may have made me an outsider politician, but it made me an insider with the people.” Tiziano is also the producer behind the insightful TV show “Noi Cittadini” which broadcasted to over 7 million viewers on 30 stations.

Inspired by his experience in reaching people and the ability to advocate for change, Tiziano was elected to Parliament in 2009. Not unlike his unique background, Tiziano entered the elections as an Independent with no party ties only days before the close of the elections. On the inside, Tiziano worked hard at protecting citizens cultural rights. He served on seven different assemblies and was a driving force behind the European Rapid Alert System against pedophiles and sexual harassers, launched in 2010. Tiziano Motti, once an outsider has changed the face of European politics through understanding, dedication, and cooperation.

Business

SamBoat Makes Waves in the US

Published

23 hours ago

May 24, 2023

Rosario Farell

The sharing economy’s massive popularity has led to the creation of blockbuster companies like Airbnb, VRBO, eBay, Uber, and Lyft, to name just a few. According to a report by Proficient Market Insights, the size of the sharing economy was $113 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach $600 billion by 2027.

One of the newest companies to enter this space, SamBoat, now enables the owners of sailboats and motorboats to offer their vessels for rent. Because yachts are expensive to buyand maintain — in many cases, more expensive than purchasing and maintaining a home — yacht owners can offset some of their costs by listing their craft on the platform.

Those who may not be able to afford their own boat can still experience life on the water, however. No knowledge of boating is required, as many charters include the possibility of hiring a skipper.

The inspiration for SamBoat

When young French entrepreneurs Laurent Calando and Nicolas Cargou met, a friendship, as well as a new venture, was born. Cargou was an avid Airbnb user, and Calando had grown up sailing with his family. Throughout the course of their conversation, they realized that the sharing economy covered a lot of bases, but it didn’t include boating, which they were both passionate about.

The pair sensed an opportunity, which quickly led to action. In April 2014, they officially launched SamBoat in the Bordeaux region of France.

“SamBoat’s marketplace exploded in Europe over the next few years,” explains Robert Harrington, SamBoat’s US Country Manager. The company offers yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Aegean, and other popular travel destinations.

As evidence of the popularity of the boat-sharing model, SamBoat grew by over 70 percent in 2022. Since its founding, the company has enabled more than a million people to take to the seas. Now, the platform is rapidly expanding its listings throughout the US.

Where SamBoat operates in the US

SamBoat has already — albeit indirectly — served its American customers for quite some time, as American vacationers have often rented boats in Greece, France, Italy, or Spain through its platform. But now, the company is beginning to serve Americans on the other side of the Atlantic, right here at home.

SamBoat rentals are currently available in many American ports. The marketplace currently offers hundreds of boats just in the state of Florida, where the fleet extends up the Keys to West Palm Beach, and throughout the west coast, including Tampa, Clearwater, Naples, and Ft. Myers. SamBoat also has many boats in Chicago and Seattle, as well as throughout New England.

In the near future, the company will expand its offerings in San Diego and Los Angeles. SamBoat also plans to open in Lake Tahoe, Lake of the Ozarks, Lake Havasu, and Lake Champlain by mid-summer 2023. It also aims to have fleets available in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket by the same time.

“Our goal is to offer thousands of boats to rent throughout the United States by the end of the year,” Harrington says.

How SamBoat expands

SamBoat operates anywhere boat owners choose to list their craft for rent. “Just because the marketplace might not already have a whole regatta in a given port doesn’t mean it can’t or doesn’t operate there,” Harrington says. “Listings grow organically, cropping up wherever opportunity calls boat owners to take advantage of existing demand.”

For instance, while SamBoat only officially launched in the United States this past year, the platform was open to US-based boat owners and renters last year. From January 2022 compared to January 2023, the platform experienced a 500% increase in US-based business.

This means that, if you own a boat, you can bring SamBoat to your home port. All you have to do is go to SamBoat’s website, follow a few simple steps, upload photos of your boat along with its relevant details, and respond to rental inquiries.

“Now is the right time for boat owners to get in early and beat the rush,” Harrington says.

The secret to SamBoat’s success

American consumers have responded enthusiastically to SamBoat’s arrival for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the platform offers the very same boats as other companies, yet their prices are on average 10 percent cheaper.

The reason for this is simple: unlike most other yacht and boat rental services, SamBoat doesn’t charge its customers inflated “junk” fees.

In addition, SamBoat makes renting a yacht simple and easy. Generally speaking, other boat-sharing websites outsource customer service to the owners of the listed yachts. They will only answer the phone or attend to you if you are booking something of a high dollar amount, while the average boat rental costs under $1,000. This can lead to a very frustrating process for someone who has questions but can’t seem to get a response from a boat’s owner.

At SamBoat, however, a real human being answers every inquiry. “Sometimes, that person is me,” Harrington says. This makes it much easier for people to rent the perfect boat that will meet their individual needs.

SamBoat fulfills a long-awaited need for sailing and boating enthusiasts worldwide. With the arrival of SamBoat in the US, it’s an even more exciting time for Americans to participate in the sharing economy.