Houston, Texas—As the saying goes, “behind every great man, you will always find a great woman” and in Houston, Texas, one couple has transformed husband and wife roles into President and Vice President titles of one of the world’s most respected companies, Gabbanelli Accordions. Mike and Elia Gabbanelli realized each other’s strengths and married “his superior artisan skills” with “her business savvy” to create a dynamic that has propelled their family business into the 21st century.
Gabbanelli Accordions was created by John Gabbanelli in 1961 and has remained revolutionary in the accordion industry. Mike, the youngest son of John Gabbanelli, inherited the rare skills and talent of his late father and was destined to lead the company into the new millennium. Before his unexpected death in 2003, John had encouraged Mike to include his new bride, Elia, into the business. John had recognized early on that Elia’s keen business sense would compliment Mike’s talent and wisdom of the accordion industry. Seven years later, together, Mike and Elia have pushed the international company into the 21st century.
With a deep admiration for the traditional skills in accordion making, Mike has enhanced the company’s legacy of artisanship and originality. Mike’s revolutionary vision continuously drives him to discover the newest designs, parts and mechanisms to increase the quality and look of a Gabbanelli Accordion. “It’s the same instrument as before,” says Mike, “but with better materials and improved techniques to create the instrument”. Mike’s extraordinary talent has transformed him into one of the youngest accordion specialists in the world and has further developed the family business.
Elia, Mike’s wife of seven years, has also been a significant catalyst for Gabbanelli Accordions. Elia was excited to modernize Gabbanelli Accordions and renew the passion of fans across the world. From integrating an internal computerized system that has streamlined everyday business operations to incorporating her extensive knowledge in the culture, language and trends of the Latino market, Gabbanelli’s primary target, Elia has been driving the company forward. Elia and Mike have also reintroduced the company to the world by developing new branding initiatives that have included new online and print mediums.
Although the business operations of the mom-and-pop shop have become more progressive, the traditions of artisanship are still the essence of the company and are particularly seen and heard with each instrument. “It’s heartwarming,” says Elia, “to understand the blood, sweat and tears that is put into making each accordion and then seeing it on stage”. Each Gabbanelli instrument seen on stage or television embodies Mike’s vision and expertise and epitomizes what Gabbanelli stands for, “the best for the best”.
Together, Mike and Elia have found a way to marry artisanship and modernism to help build on the foundation that John Gabbanelli left behind. With honor, pride and joy, Mike and Elia continue to carry the family legacy and the international brand of Gabbanelli Accordions.
