Why Third-Generation Italian Furniture Maker, Matteo Pieri Leads Borzalino Like a Team Sport
An Interview with Matteo Pieri By Ollimono Magazine | 22 July 2025
Matteo Pieri grew up in the rhythm of Borzalino. He wasn’t just familiar with the brand, he lived it. “As a child, I used to do my homework at the company,” he says. “I’d spend hours walking through the different departments, watching how materials moved, how people worked, and how things slowly became beautiful.”
The factory was never just about production. For Matteo, it was a living classroom. “Even learning to ride a bike or a skateboard happened there, in the open spaces outside. It’s where I learned how to work and how to think. This world raised me.”
Today, at 36, Matteo is the third-generation co-owner and Head of Design & Communication at Borzalino, the boutique Italian furniture brand that has global clients and a deeply rooted local identity. Matteo’s story focuses on showing up early, doing the work, and respecting the heritage, the people and processes that brought the company to life.
“That World Raised Me”
Founded by his grandfather Galeazzo in 1976, Borzalino was never just a business. It was a family story. Matteo worked in nearly every department of the company during his teenage summers, from painting and packaging to model-making alongside his grandfather. “I worked two months out of three every summer,” he says. “Over time, I became passionate about many aspects of the business. It wasn’t just a company. It was my world.” This was not a crash course. It was a steady immersion in how things are made and why they matter.
Still, Matteo doesn’t sugarcoat the experience. “People assume it’s comfortable. It’s not. There’s a deep responsibility to the people who’ve worked with you for decades. And the constant comparison to what came before.”
What came before was a man obsessed with doing things properly. His grandfather taught him one lesson above all: take care of everything and everyone.
“You Should Be Able to Feel the Craftsmanship”
Under Matteo’s leadership, Borzalino has expanded its offering. The brand now includes bespoke pieces for international projects, collaborations with architects, and a strong visual presence online.
“What’s non-negotiable? The care we put into everything. And the details. Not flashy ones. Discreet details. You should be able to feel the craftsmanship without being told it’s there.”
For Matteo Pieri, details are not just decoration. They are a reflection of values. “They are the signature the brand leaves on the product. That’s what makes it recognisable.”
Borzalino still stands for form, substance, and timeless style. Matteo’s approach isn’t about chasing attention, he is not a fan of trends. He’s all about creating meaning.
“We talk a lot about values: respect, listening, precision, passion. I think my job now is to create an environment where people feel seen. That matters more than any trend.”
Lately, Matteo has been reading more philosophy and behavioral science. “Today, understanding a person is as important as understanding a budget. And sometimes it’s harder.”
“I Never Score Alone”
Before he was a company leader, Matteo was an athlete. He played basketball for 26 years while managing full-time work. He stopped only when the travel and workload made it impossible to train consistently.
“But the game is still in me. I still shoot sometimes. Still follow the matches. Still think like a teammate.”
He’s up at 5:40 and at the office by 6:30. “No emails. No calls. Just coffee and focus. That window before 8 a.m. is where I make the best decisions.”
Matteo sees himself as a playmaker. “Even though in basketball I played forward and center, in business I’m the point guard. I read the game. Anticipate where the pass needs to go. I never score alone.” He compares it to leading a team of artisans, project managers, and designers. “Sometimes it’s about timing the delivery of a collection. Sometimes it’s giving the right person space to lead a creative process. It’s not always my shot to take.”
Basketball shaped his mindset. It taught him to trust others, keep pace, and put the team first.
“It’s the invisible actions that make the difference. Like the right screen or the unglamorous pass. At work, it’s the same. A good product is important. But the system around it matters just as much.”
“If We Lose the Craftsmanship, We Lose the Soul”
Even as Borzalino grows, Matteo wants to protect what made the brand what it is.
“We were born out of a desire to create with care, with hands. Our artisans are passing on knowledge. Not just skills. Values.”
That’s why the brand’s approach to sustainability is practical and transparent. Borzalino invests in traceable reforestation projects. Not for marketing, but because it’s the right thing to do.
“Sustainability, to me, is a question of respect. For the people who came before us. And for those who’ll come after.”
Matteo also supports a national upholstery consortium helping train new artisans. “We’re trying to make sure this culture doesn’t disappear.”
“I Love It. I Really Love It.”
Matteo has a long-term focus on Borzalino. That means making tough calls, delegating better, and leading with trust.
“After 15 years in the company, I asked myself how I still have the energy. And the answer is: I love it. I really love it. I enjoy every aspect. And I don’t just do it for me.”
He protects his evenings. No calls. No emails. Just time at home, good food, a book or film, and rest. That rhythm, he says, keeps him clear-headed and fully present during the day. “Even the midday gym break isn’t just about health. It helps me decompress, reset, and come back sharper in the afternoon. It’s the same reason I used to play basketball after work for years.”
When asked about legacy, his answer is simple.
“I don’t want to be the guy who failed to take Borzalino where it truly belongs.”
So he keeps showing up. He listens. He leads. He plays the pass.
The rest follows.