In the latest episode of “From Children to Entrepreneurs,” Jordan Mozzanica sits down with Pietro Galbiati, owner of Autoservice, to explore the delicate generational transition within one of the most established automotive businesses in Brianza and Lombardy. The history of Autoservice is not rooted in a pre-existing family tradition, but in the courage of a man who built everything from scratch. Orphaned at just nine years old, Pietro’s father turned his passion for mechanics into a livelihood, working in numerous repair shops before starting his own business in the late 1970s, in a small workshop in Calco, Italy. Pietro grew up in that world: although he was officially hired at 18 while attending evening accounting classes, he had already started spending his summers there washing cars when he was younger, preferring the workshop over summer camp. Pietro's journey was not a simple rise to the top. His relationship with his father, described as a “true mechanic” with a no-nonsense personality, was marked by conflicting views and frequent disagreements, typical of a clash between generations. “As long as the founder is there, every decision feels lighter because it is shared,” Pietro reflects, “but when you are left on your own, the responsibility falls entirely on you.” The real turning point, unfortunately without a happy ending, came ten years ago with his father’s premature passing after a long illness. Pietro, together with his two sisters and his mother, found himself managing a large and complex organization at a time when many in the area expected them to shut it down. Under Pietro’s leadership, Autoservice has grown to become two and a half times the size of the business his father left behind. The winning strategy was the implementation of a “total service” model: alongside the workshop and tire department, a body shop was added, creating a one-stop shop for every customer need. The real differentiator, however, is the after-sales service. “The excitement of buying a car lasts half an hour,” Pietro explains, “but the relationship is built over the following 7 to 8 years through service and support.” This constant commitment, which includes a Mercedes assistance service available 24/7, 365 days a year, earned Autoservice the top ranking in Italy from Mercedes-Benz last year. Despite the difficulty of finding qualified staff, Pietro continues to invest heavily in young people and training, partnering with vocational schools. He has a clear vision for the future: as manufacturers increasingly shift toward direct online sales, the role of the local dealership will become that of a problem solver. In this scenario, technological innovation plays a key role. Autoservice was among the first authorized workshops to handle the complexity of electric and plug-in vehicles, bringing in electronics specialists and AI-powered diagnostic tools. “Mistakes are part of growth,” Pietro concludes with optimism, “it is through mistakes that you learn how to become an entrepreneur.”
0 Views The roots: a company built from nothing
The generational transition: between conflict and responsibility
Evolution and service: the Autoservice model
Looking ahead: young people and innovation