Senior Director of Global Procurement. Key mentor for early-stage companies. Co-founder of a new clothing boutique and online retailer. All exciting and interesting roles on their own and, amazingly, three jobs currently held by Nick Ammaturo ’02. Nick’s primary work happens every day at Tapestry Inc., the parent company for Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, where he helps to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and negotiate the best prices across all corporate spending of the 3 luxury accessory brands. His gigs at Grand Central Tech (the accelerator) and Fado (the boutique) are just sidelines, but add both diversity and excitement to an already busy schedule.
“I come from a family of entrepreneurs (Nick’s parents own Dutchess Auto Body & Service Center in Pawling) and a strong work ethic was instilled in me early on. From the age of 8, I was pumping gas at the shop and was able to see how hard my family worked to achieve their goals—their dedication pushes me to do the same. The variety of places where I spend my time and work allows me to continually challenge myself and grow.” Nick states, when asked about how he juggles it all.
Certainly Nick is a huge asset to those he assists at Grand Central Tech. His background in supply chain management and strategy give him a critical tool kit from which growing companies can learn as they expand their business and look to source materials on a bigger scale. To create and open his own startup, Fado, Nick has also relied on his multi-dimensional skill set.
“At this point in my career, I have saved over a billion dollars for the various companies I’ve worked at, an accomplishment I’m very proud of. It’s exciting to share my knowledge with young businesses, and now also apply everything I’ve learned to open something of my own. I was fortunate to sync up with a business partner (for Fado) who has skills that I don’t, and together we feel we can really disrupt the retail industry. At the very least, it’s been an incredible learning experience to put some of my own advice to startups into action myself!” Nick comments.
When asked how his time at Trinity-Pawling has helped him over the years, Nick relates, “The environment that T-P fosters is incredible; it’s an immersive education that really does define an individual at such an influential point in his life. Something as simple as the School’s approach to effort is a concept that I utilize today when managing global teams and projects. I set high expectations for my team to work hard—they may not always get it right at first, but if they try and can show they tried, the rest will come. It’s ok to be wrong—many of the challenges and failures in my career have been the biggest assets in my eventual success!”
Hard work + sustained effort—certainly a recipe for success both here at Trinity-Pawling and beyond. Congrats and best wishes on your new venture Nick!! For those in the Westchester area who would like to visit Fado, you can find more details here.