What began as a hobby many years ago has now led Marco Martinato to choose ‘passion over a good income.’ That passion is written all over the 58-year-old founder’s face when he talks about his gin label, Hartingowe, with shining eyes. He founded it as a part-time GbR partnership with his nephew Nico in 2020 and took the step into full-time self-employment this summer.
As a sales engineer, he traveled the world for decades. On weekends, his handmade gins brought enjoyment to friends. Marco Martinato had not planned from the outset to turn his hobby into a company, but in the end it was a logical development. ‘I always worked for my employer as though it were my own company,’ he says. ‘Now it was time to put that energy into something of my own.’
Every stage of life has its advantages
Some people may be surprised when someone over 50 takes the risk of self-employment and even gives up a well-paid job to do so. Marco Martinato, however, thought the step through carefully. Starting part-time was very successful (as the GZ reported on 10 March 2022). But the work could no longer be done on the side. It was time to become fully self-employed. ‘The advantage of my age is that I can take the steps with enough composure,’ the founder says. ‘To start a business successfully, you should consider each step carefully.’
He received support from WiReGo, including advice on business questions and funding opportunities. Even more important, though, were the associated network and contacts within the region. ‘If you want to grow your company, you need to network,’ Martinato knows. ‘WiReGo is an ideal contact for that in the district.’
He also reaches out to other distilleries to exchange ideas and organize events together. ‘I’m glad there are so many great distilleries in the Harz,’ Martinato says openly. ‘We all benefit from competition, because more choice raises the region’s profile and stimulates demand.’
From unknown brand to spirit of the year
The range now includes several gins, liqueurs and spirits. A new, innovative gin with tonic already incorporated is about to launch. The company has won numerous competitions, even in England, the home of sloe gin. Hartingowe ranks among the world’s best spirits. For Marco Martinato, entering competitions is a welcome form of independent quality control.
‘We want people to speak well of us,’ Marco Martinato stresses. ‘That’s why we pay close attention to the quality of our products and service.’ He plans to bring in more employees in the future. ‘When you’re at full capacity, creativity gets lost,’ the founder knows.
