Our Donello
Donello Mugnaini, born in 1945, is a person who, if he didn’t exist, would need to be invented. He is, for me and our Company Cucini, a fundamental pillar in the truest sense of the word. He has created everything that exists in the company. A small list:
- The warehouse in Barberino: he built all the sysstems and related structures, stairs, and mezzanines. He conceived and created the heating system. He even painted it, wrapping it up as one would for a piece of forniture.
- Masking: not a single welded component passes without going through a template made by him.
- Painting system: he knows every detail by heart.
His skills are limitless, ranging from mechanics to welding to hydraulics. When I need to create a new project, I go to him in “his” warehouse and say, “Donello, we need to do this. Have fun.”
He looks at me, and the next day at the latest, he has a solution in mind or already on some coded notes.
Donello has been with me since time memorial, and every day, when he arrives with this van, the “toy world” opens up. Finding a solution to every request of mine in an adventure in a child’s playground for him. Even his sky-blue eyes light up when faced with a challenge.
The 4×4 Project
In the distant 2013, I, along with my father, presented a great challenge to Donello, Marco, and Martina: to develop a 4×4 vehicle. The vehicle, in two versions, was put on the table, and with everyone, Donello included, we measured, cut, and stitched together like a tailor, bringing the 4×4 vehicle based on Piaggio to life.
When it technically worked, after being tested and passing all the required inspections, the day of baptism arrived. Marco and I, in love with the “creator,” immediately, without a second thought, called it by the affectionate name the guys in the company used for the most respected and admired person, DONKEY, our Donello.
For those of you who drive our unique 4×4, think that it was created by this man, who with his knowledge and humility, brought an important project to life for our company.
The Donkey 2.0 4×4
When in 2022 we had to develop the 4×4 on the new Piaggio Np6, we didn’t even think of a different name: it was simply baptized Donkey 2.0 4×4.
This new 4×4 also had our legendary Donello as the main creator, coordinated by Samuele, Leonardo, and again Martina.
But this year, we had two releases of the Donkey 2.0; the .1 and the .2, and Donello, despite his health teasing him a bit, was there with us, doing and tinkering.
I think Donello is a great husband, father, and grandfather, and I am very happy for him and his beautiful family.
Donello is a creative genius, and as such, he needs his space and tools to create and you have to keep your distance, because he is as absent and dangerous as a sculptor with a hammer and chisel in hand.
To this day, we can’t keep Donello in check because he is there with his overalls, his glasses, and his celestial headlights on, creating, doing, and undoing everything he wants.
In the company, I’m the one asking, “But Donello, what are you doing today?”
What I ask of Donello in this open letter is to look into the future and pass on his wisdom to the young ones. To the young ones, I ask to draw as much as possible from him because he is a treasure trove of knowledge and wisdom.
“Guys, a warning though. Don’t make Donello angry because, like all geniuses, you might be chased by a flying hammer.”
A wish for our “company treasure” is to remain a young person inside who dreams big and plays with us humble mortals who don’t have his gifts.
A hug,
Simona Cucini