Sandro Ghergo has experienced the growth of the company firsthand, contributing to the development of the purchasing office and relations with suppliers and international partners. We met him to retrace together the most important stages of his long career and understand what has gratified him most in all these years.
“For me, the company was an extension of the family: I found support, understanding and many opportunities for growth.”
Michela: You joined Imesa in 1988: how did your journey begin?
Sandro: I saw an ad on TV Centro Marche about a company looking for staff and decided to seize the opportunity, without knowing exactly what to expect. The first interview was with Engineer Abramucci: initially, they were looking for a position for the technical department, so I wasn’t particularly interested. A few days later, however, they called me back and, this time, in the presence of Sergio Schiavoni, the founder, they offered me a position in the purchasing department. It was a turning point: a real challenge awaited me, a new and stimulating role that would allow me to grow professionally. Accepting that offer marked the beginning of a long journey filled with opportunities!
Michela: You have spent most of your career in the purchasing department: how has your role changed in recent years?
Sandro: For most of my career, I’ve remained in purchasing, overseeing various activities, from organizing transportation to managing raw material procurement. In the last two years, however, I was offered a position in the Service and Spare Parts BU as a spare parts estimator. It was a new phase, but also a stimulating one: it allowed me to approach a completely different context, applying the experience I’d gained over the years and gaining in-depth knowledge of a crucial area for customer service and support. Managing quotes, coordinating requests, and collaborating with different departments gave me new responsibilities and a broader perspective on the company’s operations.
Michela: What has been most rewarding about your work at Imesa?
Sandro: Without a doubt, the people. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet extraordinary colleagues, reliable suppliers, and international partners with whom I’ve built relationships of trust. This human and relational dimension has been one of the greatest rewards of my job. I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside the company: when I joined, we were 65 people; in 1998, we grew to 110 with the move to the new headquarters, and we’ve never stopped since. Seeing the company evolve step by step, witnessing the birth of new projects, and actively participating in this growth has been an extremely rewarding experience, which has given me a unique sense of accomplishment and belonging.
Michela: Now you’ve reached retirement. Does this change scare you?
Sandro: No, absolutely not. It’s simply the end of one phase of life and the beginning of a new one, with new challenges. I’m a dynamic person and I’ll know how to best spend my time.
Michela: Looking back, how do you assess this long experience?
Sandro: The overall outcome is absolutely positive. For me, Imesa wasn’t just a workplace, but a true extension of my family. In times of difficulty and need, the company always supported me, demonstrating understanding and compassion. I built personal and professional relationships that I will always cherish. Looking back, I feel a great sense of gratitude: it was an experience that enriched me in every way, making me feel part of a shared and lasting project.
Michela: Is there an episode that has particularly impressed you?
Sandro: Yes, without a doubt, the trip to Brazil to follow a Saipem project. We spent a whole month there, managing the entire project from scratch with local subcontractors. It was challenging, because the negotiations were conducted in a different language, and I had to deal with completely new operating methods, always with the help of an interpreter. It will forever remain one of the most intense and rewarding memories of my career.
Michela: In your opinion, what are the aspects that make Imesa a company worth working for?
Sandro: People and the ability to innovate. Initiatives for employee well-being, training, and flexible hours are elements that make the difference today.
Michela: Sandro, we all want to wish you the best for this new beginning of yours!
Sandro: Thank you so much! I leave Imesa with a great sense of gratitude for everything I’ve experienced here. I will take with me every experience, every project, and every colleague I’ve met along the way, and I’m happy to share this experience with you.