Fontanini 2017

Emanuele Fontanini
Founder of Fontanini ®
Emanuele Fontanini
President
Stefano Fontanini
Chief Financial Officer
Bagni di Lucca, Italy
Home of Fontanini
HISTORY OF FONTANINI
In 1973, Roman, Inc. became exclusive distributor for Fontanini® Heirloom Nativities®. Already a world famous name in Italian
craftsmanship for 65 years before the Nativities became widely available in the United States, the much sought-after collection was
prized for its lifelike sculpting, meticulous hand painting and attention to detail. The partnership with Roman has made Fontanini®
Heirloom Nativities® the most popular in America for more than 40 years.
The family patriarch and company founder Emanuele Fontanini, embarked on his career of figurine crafting in 1893 as a talented
13-year-old apprentice to an artist in Bagni di Lucca, an area of Tuscany known for its great arts and crafts. Fontanini expanded his
knowledge and skills in art through travels to European cities. He returned to Bagni di Lucca to launch his company in 1908, using
money earned from the sale of his wares throughout the continent.
Working with the finest painters and sculptors in Tuscany, Fontanini began crafting figures and decorations of heirloom quality in a
single room shop. In time, the House of Fontanini gained recognition and acclaim for its work and Fontanini’s sons, Ugo, Mario and
Aldo, joined him in the business. Later, Mario’s sons, Ugo, Mariano and Piero became the third generation to head up the rapidly
growing enterprise. The family’s fourth generation is taking the House of Fontanini into the 21st Century. Today, the namesake of
his great grandfather Emanuele, along with his brother, Stefano, have assumed the leadership roles. Founder and family patriarch
Emanuele died in 1977 at the age of 97 with the House of Fontanini well established and ready for continued growth.
It was fitting that the House of Fontanini would distinguish itself as the premier designer and maker of heirloom quality Nativities
and figures; for it was in another Italian village – hundreds of years earlier – that St. Francis of Assisi introduced the celebration of
Christ’s Birth with a “Living Nativity”. It is also the custom of Italian families to sculpt figures of people from all walks of life as they
pay homage to the newborn King. Fontanini focuses on this illustrious heritage and devotes both talent and skills to the production
of the Fontanini Heirloom Nativity Collection.
MISSION STATEMENT
Roman Inc.'s mission is to be the leader in providing consumers with high-quality, innovative, unique gifts and decorative
accessories that enhance people's lives and are ideal for all occasions, holidays, and personal use. Guiding our efforts is the
philosophy that our employees, customers, suppliers, artists, and sales representatives must be successful if Roman is to
be successful. In keeping with this philosophy, we are dedicated to:
• Encouraging employees to fully develop their individual talents and skills to grow the business.
• Establishing and strengthening close, professional relationships with suppliers, customers,
artists, and representatives.
• Providing world-class customer service by meeting customer needs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Operating at the highest ethical standards.
This dedication will help us achieve strong sales and profit growth, enabling all with whom we associate to prosper.