RI PowerPlayer: Giovanni Feroce
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Every week, GoLocalProv shines the spotlight on one individual who is making an impact on Rhode Island. This week, GoLocalProv sat down with Giovanni Feroce, CEO of BENRUS, the Rhode Island-based lifestyle brand.
Tell us a bit about how you got involved with BENRUS.
I first established my investment firm GF Asset Management. Out of the numerous opportunities presented to me I chose to resurrect an iconic American brand; BENRUS. Its appeal was broad, based on its unique military history and contribution during wartime to its recognition as an economic powerhouse for most of the last century. The effort will not be easy but our goal of transitioning it from only a watch company to a successful lifestyle brand in the fashion industry will be key to an economic recovery in Rhode Island.
Last year, you said that you ultimately want to manufacture everything in the US, but realistically that would take a while to accomplish. Where are you in that process?
We have successfully gone from 0% to about 60% of our product categories being made in America. We will continue to try our best to work with vendors in the United States. Our country needs to get serious about reinvesting in our manufacturing infrastructure.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTYou have grown to 9 authorized retailers. Are there plans to expand further?
Yes, we are expanding daily and we have more than doubled that number just this month alone. Our wholesale sector is expected to be half of our overall business, so we are dedicated to opening new accounts. We opened our first retail store in Rochester, New York at the Culver Road Armory. We are opening up our second store in Charleston, South Carolina this spring/summer, which will be our flagship store. We plan to open about five retail stores by the end of 2015."
What have been the some of the major obstacles you have faced in bringing BENRUS to where it is now?
Product development by far is our biggest challenge. It takes professionals, money, and patience to successfully navigate this process.
What is your favorite thing to do in Providence?
To watch a Providence Sky Chiefs basketball game, of course. In addition, I obviously enjoy our great restaurants, the arts and of course, the nightlife.
What was the last book you read?
I really don’t have time to read books. The fact is that I operate at battlefield speed so what best suits me is to continually read articles about issues impacting our economy. It’s that overall view and constant vigilance that provides me comfort that I am leading the way in how to manage business and market our brand successfully.
Do you have a favorite Rhode Island restaurant?
My favorite restaurant in Rhode Island is Besos located in East Greenwich. The ownership clearly focuses on quality food, great atmosphere and superior service and I’m also proud to call them friends.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I love the United States best and I still have a lot to explore within our own great country.
Related Slideshow: Take a Tour of BENRUS’ First Store in Rochester
The first BENRUS store is now open in Rochester, New York.
More stores are scheduled to open, including Newport, RI.
Related Articles
- Giovanni Feroce and BENRUS - What it Means for RI
- Feroce Launches BENRUS Watch Company - Will He Be the Comeback Kid?
- BENRUS CEO Feroce Delivers “How to Achieve Exponential Growth” Speech at Business Expo
- Its Official: BENRUS is Launched
- Boston Celtics and BENRUS Announce New Marketing Partnership
- BENRUS Opens First Store
- Alex and Ani CEO Feroce to Address RI College Commencement
- NEW: Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce Will Address URI Commencement
- Alex and Ani CEO Feroce Launches Seven Swords Media
- NEW: Dennis Rebelo and Giovanni Feroce Address Sold-Out TEDx Crowd
- Inc Taps 16 in RI for Fastest Growing: Feroce CEO’s Two on List
- NEW: Alex and Ani CEO Feroce to Receive Humanitarian Award
- Giovanni Feroce Appointed Chairman of Rare Disease United Foundation
- RI PowerPlayer: Evan Granoff
- RI PowerPlayer: Marcel Valois
- RI PowerPlayer: Karen Jessup
- RI PowerPlayer: Rick Simone
- RI PowerPlayer: Mary McElroy
- RI PowerPlayer: Ken Block
- RI PowerPlayer: Trinity Rep’s Michael Gennaro
- RI PowerPlayer: Christopher Plante
- RI Powerplayer: Senator Louis P. DiPalma
- RI Powerplayer: U.S. Senator Jack Reed
- RI PowerPlayer: Arnold Robinson
- RI PowerPlayer: Leah Williams Metts
- RI PowerPlayer: Rebecca Fisher
- RI PowerPlayer: Seth Price
- Providence PowerPlayer: Fred Ordoñez
- RI PowerPlayer: Jared Moffat
- RI PowerPlayer: James Morone
- RI PowerPlayer: Larry Lepore
- Providence PowerPlayer: Brown Athletic Director Jack Hayes
- RI PowerPlayer: Chace Baptista
- RI PowerPlayer: Ray Watson
- RI PowerPlayer: Keith Oliveira
- RI PowerPlayer: Melissa Withers
- RI PowerPlayer: Dr. Michael Fine
- RI PowerPlayer: Giovanni Feroce
