One of the highlights of our Ferretti Group trip to Italy was visiting the Riva factories. In La Speza where the 75’+ yachts are built, we had the pleasure of inspecting the 115’ Athena. It is one of the most dramatic yachts I’ve ever been on. But even more impressive was the plant itself, the attention paid to each detail of production, and the people who work there. You can easily tell that they enjoy and take much pride in the work that they do and in the products they produce.
The original Riva factory is located in Sarnico on Lake Iseo (the namesake for Riva’s new, 27’ day yacht). To our surprise, Carlo Riva, the company’s legendary 92-year-old patriarch, made a special trip in to speak with us! As we waited for him, we perused photos and memorabilia on the walls and in the albums of his office, awestruck by the dozens of famed personalities with whom he has associated and who have had the privilege of owning one of his exquisitely-crafted yachts.
Mr. Riva spent over two hours with us, sharing great stories of decades in the luxury yacht-building business. He explained that in the company’s beginnings, Mr. Beretta (of firearms fame) told him of the importance of building the best product with the closest tolerances and most functional design. Riva thought following Beretta’s advice would be the hardest task, but soon realized that creating a solid production team would take even greater skill. He took outstanding care to develop loyal employees who would maintain exceptional quality -- and paid them 20% more than the competition for their reliability.
Today, a feeling of pride still exists throughout the company, which is more like a family than a global business. Riva Yachts is a special jewel in the Ferretti Company and maintains classic and timeless designs with uncompromising beauty and function.
True to Mr. Riva’s commitment and vision, each yacht built today reflects the organization he built and the desire he instilled in his employees.
Meeting a celebrated yachting icon was a true pleasure and experiencing a company built on a mountain lake in the middle of Italy is a wonder. Growing a global company from one of small fishing boats in rural Europe is a testimony of Carlo Riva’s dedication to his values and to those who worked with him to create his yachts.
One day, someone will write a book about this man’s life. It should be a “must read” for every person in business. I, for one, will be sure to read it.
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