Every family has a story stitched into the fabric of America’s diverse tapestry, but few recount it with the warmth and wisdom of Rock LaManna. As Rock takes us back to his childhood home in St. Paul, Minnesota, we’re invited to the dinner table of an 11-child family, where faith and hard work aren’t just values—they’re the ingredients to a life well-lived. His tales of an Italian-Polish household reveal a microcosm of the immigrant experience, punctuated by his mother’s entrepreneurial flair and his father’s journey from newspaper seller to a successful businessman. The legacy of Rock’s parents is a beacon for anyone seeking to marry tradition with innovation. Transitioning from familial anecdotes to entrepreneurial insights, Rock shares the contours of his own business voyage. From the inception of his second company, he narrates the challenges that come with self-funding and the cultural ethos inherited from his father, Carlos. His emotional pilgrimage to Italy and an audience with the Pope marks a turning point, unveiling the true wealth of life beyond business success. It’s an intimate look at the crossroads where personal values intersect with professional endeavors, offering a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating their own paths. Finally, our conversation ventures into the lessons Rock imparts through LaManna Consulting Group and his book, “They Named You Right.” It’s here that entrepreneurs can unearth ‘Rocks Diamonds,’ his Ten Commandments for business success, blending spiritual and strategic guidance. His planned journey to Japan, respect for Japanese craftsmanship, and the significance of having the right team underscore the importance of precision and intention in business and life. Connect with Rock to access a treasury of experience that promises to guide, inspire, and transform your entrepreneurial journey. #puglia
Podcast
Video
For over twenty-five years, Dawn has helped people create a dolce vita by connecting to their purpose and by continuing their legacy.
History of Bari with Vintage Photos
Join Italian Roots and Genealogy on Facebook Bari montage very nice Francesco Nicoletti and Maria Carnevale with their grandson Giovanni My mom’s family comes from Bari and in fact her oldest brother did not migrate from there until after WWII. My grandmother’s family was from Acquaviva delle Fonti and my grandfather’s from Toritto. Like most people from Bari at the time, most of the men farmers and many of the women were seamstresses. I have
Researching Biccari, Foggia, Puglia
A moment and a movement; New Biccari. With Erick and Giuseppe Lucera and Rich Leto The book illustrates how a moment in time when the author returned to his ancestral village let to research into the movement of people from Biccari to Philadelphia. Erick along with cousins in Italy Gennaro and Giuseppe Lucera trace the 1200 Biccarese citizens to America, ending up mostly Philadelphia. Using data analytics and his cousin’s local stories from previously published
Researching Calabria and Puglia
Leto Family Visit Our Shop Rich Leto talks about when and why he started researching his family from Calabria and Puglia and when they arrived in Philadelphia. Also, what it was like growing up Italian in Philly. Podcast Click here to join our group on Facebook Video
Researching Matera Puglia and Campoli Appennino Lazio
Graziella Paolicelli Bob and Desire talk about her family roots in Matera Puglia and Campoli Appennino Lazio Click here to join our group on Facebook Find on the map My Italian cousin Graziamaria and I in Milan 2008 Graziamaria and me in 2019 Colucci’s visit Ferrandina Colucci’s visit Matera
Puglia During Carnevale
Trulli “Up close and personal” MY MINI PUGLIA TRIP Taking a mini vacay to Puglia sounded like a good idea when my best friend suggested it. He said “Putignano is Venice’s version of Carnevale.” So, three weeks ago we board the big bus with a group of thirty ready-to-party Italians. At the beginning of the trip, the group leader recited the traveling prayer for a safe trip (none of which I understood, even though I
History of Puglia Italy
My mom’s family if from Toritto and Acquaviva Delle Fonti, Bari. Although, I do have come ancient de Hautville ancestors from the region on my dad’s side. My uncle Giovanni stayed behind when my grandparents came to America, and raised his family there until the late 1940’s. My cousins have an interview that they did with him in Barese and I hope to someday have that translation. My great grandfather, Francesco, owned a cow and
