To me, entrepreneurship is about far more than simply running a business. Above all, it means taking responsibility.
It means creating value every single day, especially in a region like ours, where employment and opportunities are essential. Work remains the most effective antidote to illegality and the strongest foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Entrepreneurship also means being consistently present, tackling challenges without postponing difficult decisions, while maintaining a clear vision of the future. It requires anticipating change and preparing for it before it arrives.
In our industry, entrepreneurship is about striking the right balance between vision and execution. Words matter because they reflect our values and identity, but ultimately what truly counts are tangible results: the jobs we create, the value we generate, and the trust we earn over time.

If I had to identify one defining lesson, it would be that nothing in business is ever permanent.
Throughout my career, I have learned that adaptability is essential. Markets evolve, regulations change, and operating conditions constantly shift. This requires the willingness to step outside one's comfort zone, challenge established assumptions, and embrace continuous change.
We are not simply the continuation of our past; we are also responsible for shaping our future. That means being prepared not only to respond to change but to anticipate it.
A successful company must always maintain a long-term perspective, even during the most challenging periods, while remaining agile enough to adapt quickly when circumstances demand it.
Experience has also taught me that clarity of judgement during difficult times makes all the difference. The ability to make informed decisions and move forward without losing sight of long-term objectives is what defines resilient leadership.
Finally, there is one element that underpins everything we do: trust. In our industry, reputation is built over decades and tested every day. Reliability is not simply an asset; it is the foundation upon which every lasting relationship is built.

Founded in 1929 and approaching its centenary, Riccardo Sanges & C. stands out first and foremost for its continuity.
For nearly one hundred years, the company has built a solid reputation based on reliability, consistency, and a long-standing commitment to the territory in which it operates.
However, our strength is not rooted solely in our history.
Our greatest achievement has been our ability to evolve continuously. Today we integrate port services, logistics and energy solutions into a comprehensive business model capable of responding to increasingly complex market demands.
In an industry where timing, precision and operational excellence are critical, competitive advantage lies in delivering practical, efficient and timely solutions.
For us, competitiveness means combining experience with organisation and strategic vision. It means successfully bringing together innovation and tradition, heritage and future.
This evolution has also been driven by the dialogue between generations. We do not see different generations as opposing forces but as complementary strengths, whose collaboration enables us to continue growing while remaining competitive in an ever-changing market.

Rather than identifying with a personal motto, I prefer to be guided by the values that have shaped our company since its foundation.
Our founder, Riccardo Sanges, expressed this philosophy through the Latin phrase Labor Omnia Vincit — work conquers all. It is a principle that remains just as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago.
Today we have translated that spirit into Working with Passion, because genuine commitment requires more than technical expertise; it demands responsibility, dedication and personal involvement.
At the same time, I believe that today's business environment requires an additional principle.
We operate in a world of continuous transformation, where standing still ultimately means falling behind.
For this reason, I often say: those who stop growing eventually become extinct. It is not intended as a provocation, but as a realistic assessment of today's competitive environment.
Growth is not optional.
Meaningful and sustainable growth depends on three fundamental pillars:
• investing in people, especially younger generations, through continuous education and professional development;
• gaining access to new sources of capital and financial instruments capable of supporting long-term investment;
• and building strong networks, because no company can achieve sustainable growth in isolation.
This is precisely why programmes such as ELITE represent such an important opportunity. They provide companies with the tools to become more structured, broaden their horizons, and continue building their future with confidence.

Today, perhaps more than ever, one principle holds true: companies that fail to grow risk being left behind.
Within this context, ELITE represents a concrete opportunity that many businesses should seriously consider, because it provides practical tools to support structured and sustainable growth.
Its value extends well beyond access to capital, although that remains a fundamental component.
ELITE is first and foremost about education and capability building. It prepares entrepreneurs and future generations to lead businesses in an increasingly dynamic and complex environment.
It also facilitates access to more sophisticated financial resources, enabling companies to finance investment, innovation and long-term development.
Equally important is its networking dimension, creating connections between entrepreneurs, investors, institutions and strategic partners. In today's economy, meaningful growth is rarely achieved alone.
For companies like ours—built on a solid heritage while constantly looking towards the future—joining ELITE represents a natural step in our evolution.
I believe the same applies to every company that aspires not merely to remain in business, but to grow with purpose, resilience and a long-term strategic vision.