Born and raised in Sonoma, Vince Albano has been working in his family’s business, Mary’s Pizza Shack, since the age of 8. He has held nearly every position imaginable, from pizza box folder to food prep to general manager. He studied business at California State University, Chico, but left early to join the expanding family business. Today, he is CEO of Mary’s Pizza Shack, carrying on the legacy started by his noni (grandmother) more than 60 years ago. In his free time, he enjoys yard work, traveling and spending time with his wife, Dana, and children Vinny (26), Isabella (21) and Dominic (16 months).
How often do you eat pizza? What is your favorite kind?
Too often probably—about two to three times a week. Most often the Toto’s Combo: salami, pepperoni, cotto salami, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell pepper, black olive and linguica.
What is one lesson or saying from your noni that sticks with you?
You can do it, you can do it! When you put your mind to it you can do almost anything.
Do you have any special family traditions?
Family gatherings for special holidays and birthdays. Crab feed for Christmas dinner is a family favorite. We still all get together as often as we can. Noni, mom and dad and our aunt Anna always made sure there were holiday family dinners. They taught us they could argue and may not even talk for a while but somehow made up and got together for special holiday dinners.
What are the best parts and greatest challenges of operating a family business?
Family working together daily and enjoying each other outside of work. It can be a lot at times. But we were taught how to forgive and make up. Holding onto resentment is only personally debilitating. The best parts are achieving a common goal and celebrating the success together.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Fantasy Football. It takes up much too much time but I absolutely love it. I probably could have made a career out of it had I known how big it would get. I’ve been in a league with nine other guys for more than 25 years. We used to have to add up our players’ points from the Press Democrat sports section.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Vacations—it’s worth every penny making life memories. I prefer vacations versus buying things.
What is your go-to coffee order?
Small mocha, two shots, long pull, light chocolate and no whip cream. I guess I am high maintenance.
