52 | BOROMAG.COM | OCTOBER 2014 EXPLORE On A Roll BORO: What is the major demographic of your customers? Vespa: 25 to 45 mostly. People conscious of travel cost. It is way cheaper than a subway or taxi in the long run, while still trendy and convenient BORO: What is one thing about your product that would surprise potential customers? Vespa: How safe and comfortable it is. How it can change your life. BORO: Do you have a great piece of advice for someone wishing to start their own business? Vespa:Be resilient and confident to face start up “surprise”. BORO: When did you first develop an affinity for Vespas? Vespa: Back as a kid for me, as I owned a Vespa when I was sixteen years old— like many others in Europe. Damian loved them when he visited Italy for a photography shoot. BORO: Are there any myths or misconceptions you›d like to debunk? Vespa: Riding a Vespa is safe and cheap. BORO: How long have you been open? Vespa: About 1 year BORO: Was this your first venture into owning a business? Vespa: No, both partners have side projects— photography & catering. BORO: What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned? Vespa: Marketing is expensive for a small company, so we focus on providing the best services and best prices to leverage the old school word of mouth. The mission at Vespa Queens is riding Vespas and Piaggios above the crowd. So we parked our bikes at Vespa Queens this month to check in with owners Damian Sandone and Michel Roger to see what allows them to run such a successful business. BORO: How did you develop the idea to start your own business? Vespa: Damian and I have had a passion for the brand for a while, and somehow have both been connected with an Italian lifestyle. Damian is a freelance photographer, and was doing a shoot in Italy when he first discovered Vespa. He realized that while his photography career was doing well in NYC, he only worked 4-5 days out of the month and wanted a hobby that would keep him busy. He soon found Vespa Queens and volunteered his time to learn about Vespa culture—and ended up taking over with his business partner—me. I was into Vespas awhile back in Europe and instead of buying a Vespa for my Italian wife in New York, I decided to buy the business with Damian. BORO: What makes Astoria/LIC a great fit for your company? Vespa: Astoria and LIC are up and coming neighborhoods, and Vespa fit perfectly in this new trendy neighborhood. Also the proximity of Manhattan is a key asset. 37-43 Crescent Street • Long Island City, New York 11101 718-786-7772 • www.vespaqueens.com
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