Ninth video interview in the series “Flashes of Life & Roots”: featuring Giacomo Linaro, a pioneer entrepreneur of the Economy of Communion
The interviews from the “Flashes of Life & Roots” project are back: we decided to interview a series of “pioneers of the EoC” to gather the “precious pearls” contained in the experiences of those people who, in different parts of the world and in different cultural contexts, have responded in a radical way to a common vocation: that of giving life—with their own lives—to the Economy of Communion.
The ninth protagonist of our series of interviews is Italian entrepreneur Giacomo Linaro. Born in Liguria 76 years ago into a family with no means, he was unable to continue his studies and soon had to learn a trade—repairing washing machines and refrigerators. In 1972, Whirlpool offered him the opportunity to manage technical assistance in Liguria, and he seized the opportunity to start his own business, but on condition that he do so with people who shared the ideal of communion. His encounter with the Focolare Movement had in fact lit a light in him that has never gone out.
«From the beginning, we said to ourselves: we have to earn enough money to live and to run the company, but the rest, the profits, we have to use for the poor.».
The turning point came in 1989 with the birth of the cooperative named after Roberto Tassano, a friend and fellow idealist. And when Economy of Communion was launched in 1991, Giacomo and his partners were perfectly in tune with the proposal and immediately joined:
«We were born to help the poor, and we realized that doing so could also mean giving them a job, even if we didn't have one ourselves.»
Over the years, the cooperative grew, became a consortium of cooperatives, and became a driving force for development in the area, recognized by institutions of all political persuasions as a true common good. From the five initial members of the first cooperative, over the years, jobs were created for over 1,500 people, maintaining the high quality of services offered despite the high number of workers coming from difficult situations.
The relationship with the local community became so strong that when the cooperative's headquarters were threatened with eviction, all the mayors in the area—from Genoa to La Spezia—mobilized. “They held town council meetings in our factory, all of them: six or seven towns, all in assembly. Everyone agreed,” recalls Linaro. The result? The Liguria Region created a foundation to build new headquarters, approved unanimously by representatives of all political parties
«We never said ‘we are with so-and-so’. We are people who want to live the ideal of communion».
The consortium group became a point of reference for public bodies, religious orders, and health services, offering work to people in difficulty, including those recovering from addiction, with rigor and humanity: “Those who relapsed into drugs were suspended, but they knew that losing their job meant losing an opportunity. And many succeeded thanks to their work in the cooperative, while they had failed in rehabilitation communities.” Giacomo does not hide the difficulties:
«We made many mistakes, but when you share them, in unity, they are resolved. I call it Providence».
For Linaro, the economy of communion is not a strategy, but a vocation.
«You have to be professional, keep your accounts in order, work with justice. But above all: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.».
His advice to young entrepreneurs is clear:
«It's difficult on your own. Find colleagues with whom you can build communion. That's where miracles happen.».
Listen to the interview and become part of this movement too!
Find previous interviews in the Flashes of Life and Roots series on this page.