Vans-Magazine_17th-Edition V2

“Hello Family,
It’s with great pleasure I speak to you in this new edition of the Vans
Magazine, as I have just recently joined the DTC buying team as an
Assistant Buyer. This opportunity is a dream come true.
I have always been fascinated by actions sports, music and art. If I wasn’t
playing the guitar or drawing, I would be skating, snowboarding or
surfing on whatever board I could find.
I moved to the United States at the age of seven. It was the first time I
was confronted with a fundamental change in my life. My environment
was different and I had to adapt. As an introverted kid, this wasn’t easy. I
would sit for hours looking at the older kids skating around in the streets
around my neighborhood. It did not take long for my parents to surrender
and gift me my first ever skateboard.
It’s through skateboarding, I learned that nothing comes for granted.
That dedication and commitment, is what helps you to succeed in what
you want to accomplish. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall, you
must get back on your feet and try again. Difficult times are when you
grow as a person and when you learn the most. You can use frustration
as the fuel of your success, because you can only succeed if you try.
I couldn’t be happier to join a brand I was looking up to as a kid… But I
had no idea how strong the family was. Since I joined I have met people
with the same values, hobbies and eagerness to share, and this gives me
even more energy. It’s our job to continue and push ourselves and our
consumers to always strive and be the best versions of ourselves: by
being creative, dedicated, open and understanding. I am very proud to be
part of something I believe in and contribute as much as possible.
Let’s keep up the tremendous work.
Thank you for your welcome”
Leo GENTILI
Assistant Buyer Vans EMEA