Mark Gasbarro is proud to have followed in his late father’s footsteps from Providence College to the wine business. While still a student at Classical High School in Providence, the son began learning the family business, Gasbarro Brothers Inc., from the bottom up.
For several years he worked stocking shelves, making deliveries and learning how to satisfy customers. After graduating from PC with a degree in accounting, he became an assistant manager at the Providence business.
For five years, his duties included buying inventory, cultivating relationships with wineries, overseeing billing and managing a small staff.
Then, in 2002, his father, Lombard, died from cancer. Mark Gasbarro suddenly was thrust into the role of company president and fourth-generation owner.
He has proved more than prepared for the challenge.
Sales have since gone up nearly 75 percent. Revenue has nearly doubled.
Gasbarro, cited a “tireless dedication to acquiring wines from around the world” as one factor in the growth of the business. In his 40 Under Forty application he also credited “in-state delivery … in-store wine tastings … and making customer service a top priority.”
Along with running a busy business, he works tirelessly to raise money for the American Cancer Society. In 2003 he hosted the first of what have become annual wine tastings benefiting ACS. So far the events have raised more than $320,000, one-third of the way to his goal of $1 million.
Gasbarro, who is married with two children, is also an active supporter of his college alma mater.
In June, he became president of Providence College’s National Alumni Association board of governors.
An annual wine tasting he created called Cabernet Cabaret raises money for need-based scholarships. Through 2008, the event had raised more than $90,000. •
