#176 Sergio Gori FK Group: on sponsoring JEC Forum Italy and what hydroplanes and startups have in common

What truly fuels meaningful connections? Is it just networking—or
does the setting itself spark energy and inspiration?

A Conversation with Sergio Gori, CEO of
FKgroup, at JEC Forum Italy

Today, at a warm 29°C, I had the chance to ask Sergio why he
decided to sponsor JEC Forum Italy.

His answer genuinely surprised me—actually, it was a massive
revelation.

Most people would expect a response along the lines of “We want
to increase our visibility” or "We want to give back to the
community.” But that wasn’t the case.

Instead, Sergio spoke about the importance of fostering an
environment where the hardworking people in our industry can
truly connect. Networking, as he sees it, is brain food—an
essential ingredient for growth and collaboration.

But it’s not just about making connections—it’s about the
atmosphere that fuels them. A setting like Villa Erba, with its
breathtaking park and panoramic views of Lake Como, isn’t just
picturesque; it inspires conversation, sparks fresh ideas, and
revitalizes the energy of those who gather.

As CEO of FKgroup, Sergio always brings insightful perspectives,
and I thoroughly enjoy our conversations. To capture the beauty
of Villa Erba’s park and the stunning lake scenery, I asked him
to step outside with me—so we could bring you a glimpse of this
remarkable setting.

This is part one of a two-part series we are rushing out to you.
Sergio and his team, alongside the organizers of JEC Forum Italy,
invite you to a factory visit this Friday.

In this video, Sergio expands on why factory visits have become
more crucial than ever in proving originality and authenticity.
As he puts it: "You see everything—the ugly and the good."
Curious what he means? Watch the video to find out.

Part two, coming soon, takes a fascinating turn. We found
ourselves observing a hydroplane—those iconic Cessnas landing on
water—as it approached Como. For Sergio, these pilots—he’s one of
the rare few—are truly skilled.

Contrary to intuition, landing on water is anything but easy, he
explains. In fact, rather than hitting the brakes, you need to
fully engage the throttle upon touchdown. Can you guess
why?

We also delved into the romance of the boats that glide across
these waters. The verdict? It’s either black or white. No middle
ground.

All of this—and more—in Part II.

For now, make sure to register for the factory visit this Friday!
The bus departs from Villa Erba at 8 AM sharp.

What do hydroplanes and startups have in common? A lot more than
you might think.

I had the privilege of interviewing Sergio Gori,
owner of FKgroup, in the stunning gardens of
Villa Erba at Lake Como—a setting as inspiring as the
conversation itself.

Sergio is not only a leader in the composites industry, but also
the sponsor of the recent JEC Forum Italy and most importantly a
passionate pilot with licenses ranging from gliders to
hydroplanes.

And it turns out, flying a hydroplane is a perfect metaphor for
entrepreneurship.

Here are some of the lessons he shared:

Hydroplanes are unpredictable.
When you touch down, you're not a plane, not a boat, not a car.
You need power, precision, and a bit of luck. Just like in
business, especially in startups—conditions change fast, and you
need to adapt on the fly.

You must focus on the horizon.
Looking at the water can disorient you. In business, focusing too
much on short-term turbulence can make you lose sight of your
long-term vision. Keep your eyes on the horizon.

Failure is not the opposite of success.
Sergio says: “There are two kinds of hydroplane pilots—those who
have crashed, and those who will.” In entrepreneurship, mistakes
are not just inevitable—they're essential. The real opposite of
success? Doing nothing.

Use your brain—200%.
Composites is a complex, innovative field. It demands creativity,
resilience, and constant learning. Sergio believes this is what
makes the industry so rewarding—and why FK Group thrives in
it.

From crashing gliders to building a global company, Sergio’s
journey is a powerful reminder: progress comes from action, not
perfection.

To all the startups and innovators in the Composites
Lounge community—embrace the turbulence. Learn from
every landing. And never stop flying.

FK Group is ready to welcome you at there premises and
JEC Group with Targi w Krakowie Sp.z
o.o. to JEC Forum Central Europe in September 2025 and
JEC Forum DACH in 2025 in collaboration with AVK