Generations
Alfredo Gulla, an Immigrant’s Story
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lfredo gulla was born in Palermitti, Catanzaro in Calabria. His family operated a small olive oil and wine production business. He helped his family on the farm, but his passion was automobiles and scooters. At an early age Alfredo bought, repaired, and sold motor scooters. At the age of 18 he decided to leave his small town and join his brother, who was already in America. When Alfredo first arrived in America he lived with his brother in New Rochelle, New York. Alfredo took a job working on an assembly line at a small local factory. Alfredo recalls some good advice from an acquaintance – “First learn the language and integrate in the American culture. That’s worth more than a better paying job.” With that advice he attended night school to learn English and received a high school equivalency diploma from New Rochelle High School in 1962. Soon afterwards he began working for Stangel-Gervic Motors, an established Fiat/Vespa dealership on Boston Post Road in Larchmont. After two years Alfredo seized the opportunity to purchase the dealership. Unfortunately, before the closing, the business caught fire. Everyone advised Alfredo to walk away from the deal; instead he used this as an opportunity to renegotiate and start all over. Alfredo worked tirelessly 7 days a week. Total inventory was just 3 cars, 2 scooters and 1 mechanic! Wearing many hats Alfredo served as owner, sales person, alternate technician and parts & service manager. During the 1970s the US was going through a gas crisis. Americans were looking for cars that were fuel-efficient. Demand grew as gas prices rose across the nation. Compact cars from Italy were well received by the public and eventually his offerings expanded with Abarth, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. In the late 1980s Alfredo added Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram to the lineup. Today Alfredo sells Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and once again, Alfa Romeo. Alfredo’s enthusiasm for Fiat and Alfa Romeo has never waned; it is stronger than ever with the arrival of the world class Giulia and Quadrifoglio models. All of the dealerships are located on Boston Post Road in Larchmont, New York. Alfredo lives in Westchester with his wife Maria and has 3 children: Eleanor, Silvana and Fernando, who are all active in the family business. Alfredo remains active in the day-to-day operations of his dealerships. However, he has never forgotten his roots in Calabria. He visits his family and friends in his hometown of Palermitti, Catanzaro at least once a year. He says, “Going back to visit always feels like I am coming home.” Alfa Romeo FIAT of Larchmont: 888/405-2249 fiatusaoflarchmont.com 2050 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY
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