Meet the Team: Tony, Operations Coordinator at ViaMonde

Meet Tony, our Operations Coordinator at ViaMonde, brings a unique blend of technological expertise and deeply personal experience to his role.

Tony’s educational journey led him to Penn State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Software Engineering. Before joining ViaMonde, he cultivated extensive work experience in operations and systems management, encompassing warehouse management, service department oversight, inventory control, and receiving. In all his previous roles, Tony's focus was consistently on leveraging technology to enhance company structure and efficiency.

While his initial career aspirations leaned towards software development, a compelling opportunity presented itself. "When Jennifer approached me with a project, I jumped at the opportunity to assist others seeking Italian citizenship," Tony explains. As ViaMonde rapidly expanded, he realized he didn't need to join a large corporation to utilize his degree and passion for technology. "My passion stems from helping others reclaim their heritage and achieve their dreams of relocating to Europe, just as I did."

This diverse background in both work experience and education has equipped Tony with a robust skill set, primarily centered on technology and project management. He possesses a profound understanding of ViaMonde’s services from both the client and operational perspectives, which ensures an optimal experience for clients and the ViaMonde team alike. Furthermore, Tony is instrumental in maintaining the company website and actively assists in the design and implementation of new services as the company continues to expand.

Tony’s own journey to Italian citizenship led to his passion for helping others. He initially attempted to apply for citizenship independently in his ancestral hometown. "I moved there, signed a one-year lease on an apartment, and attempted to begin the recognition process," he recalls. "Unfortunately, the local officials were not knowledgeable about the process and showed no willingness to learn."

Having previously engaged Jennifer's company to review his documents, he sought her advice when he encountered these roadblocks. "I relied heavily on Jennifer's advice," he states. Ultimately, they concluded that his ancestral hometown was not suitable for his application, and the best course of action was for him to travel to Sicily, where ViaMonde could see him through the process with the assistance of local connections. "A few months later, with only a few minor hiccups, my process was complete, and I collected my red passport from the questura."

Drawing from his personal experience, Tony offers his number one piece of advice for anyone considering a relocation to Europe: "Don't try to do it by yourself. Regardless of how much research you've done or how prepared you believe you are, you will encounter unexpected obstacles. I recommend working with someone who has real experience and local connections, whether it's an expat friend you met on a previous trip or a company specializing in relocation. Had I hired a company from the outset, I would have obtained my citizenship months sooner and saved thousands of dollars."