November 18, 2013 - Upcoming Speaker: Annette d. Giacomazzi, the Accidental Entrepreneur.
Posted by Amalia Ellis
on Nov 14, 2013
Many Rotarians know Annette d. Giacomazzi, a 16 year resident of Hollister. Her volunteer heart is with the YMCA of San Benito County and her local professional career include managing memorable political campaigns, such as ‘NO on G’, ‘Del Webb’ and the ‘Fortino for Supervisor’. Her former business, Ruralnomics, captured data and created strategic plans for local businesses and public institutions. Some of you have golfed with and/or sipped some of her husband, Rick’s, estate grown and bottled wine. Giacomazzi is an Elder at her church, First Presbyterian. They have two teenagers, Max, a 17 year old senior at Palma, and Elli a 15 year old junior at Notre Dame.
CastCoverz! is the leading global manufacturer, e-tailer and innovator of essential orthopedic soft goods (covers for brace, cast, splint and boots). In four short years, CastCoverz! has created 18 branded products, purchased her CrutchWear® and designer colored crutch supplier, is a leading distributor for 4 additional products, and is a local job creator. CCZ! is Ms. Giacomazzi’s 4th business and by far, her most enjoyable. Her “Aha!” moment came when in the fall of 2008, then 10 year-old daughter, Elli, broke her 6th bone. Yes, her 6th. Her first year in business, 2009, was riddled with the “trifecta of adversity,” a failed business partnership, flawed manufactured goods that were not returnable and unsellable, and the diagnosis of a rare breast cancer.
CastCoverz! is the leading global manufacturer, e-tailer and innovator of essential orthopedic soft goods (covers for brace, cast, splint and boots). In four short years, CastCoverz! has created 18 branded products, purchased her CrutchWear® and designer colored crutch supplier, is a leading distributor for 4 additional products, and is a local job creator. CCZ! is Ms. Giacomazzi’s 4th business and by far, her most enjoyable. Her “Aha!” moment came when in the fall of 2008, then 10 year-old daughter, Elli, broke her 6th bone. Yes, her 6th. Her first year in business, 2009, was riddled with the “trifecta of adversity,” a failed business partnership, flawed manufactured goods that were not returnable and unsellable, and the diagnosis of a rare breast cancer.
CastCoverz! has been featured in Entrepreneur, Yahoo!, Huffington Post, NY Times, Parenting magazine, dozens of blogs web portal such as About.com, and locally, the Hollister Freelance (October 2013). In addition, Annette and CCZ! were featured in two national best-selling authors books. CCZ! is the quintessential ‘Made-in-the-USA’ family business success story.
Photo credit: Lora Schraft of the Freelance
Photo credit: Lora Schraft of the Freelance