Paul Cappelli, founder of Villa Cappelli

PAUL CAPPELLI

Chairman & Founder


In 2003 Paul Cappelli, Italian by birth, discovered a crumbling villa near his family's hometown in Puglia, Italy. The 22,000-square-foot property on the Appian Way lacked doors, windows and running water, but it had a vineyard and groves of almond, olive and fruit trees that were among the finest in the region.

 

Paul invested his sweat and passion into an olive oil and condiment business that rivals the finest olive oils from around the world. Every three weeks he travels to Italy, where he manages a team that produces Villa Cappelli products.

 

He has a long run of success in business that includes The Ad Store, the ad agency he founded in Manhattan where he is still CEO and Founder. Paul has produced noteworthy and effective work for some of the world’s most demanding brands, including mike’s hard lemonade, JetBlue Airways, Alitalia Airlines, Coca-Cola, L’Oreal, General Electric, Gillette and Pepsi, and gained industry-wide recognition and numerous awards for his work.


He drives the strategic and creative direction for all Ad Store clients and has directed a good number of The Ad Store’s television commercials. Paul was the creative force behind Coca-Cola’s advertising throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s at McCann-Erickson (“Catch the Wave,” “Max Headroom”) where he was also creative director for L’Oreal, RJ Reynolds and Mennen.


Paul won his first Clio at BBDO, where he worked on Pepsi, Gillette and General Electric. Before founding The Ad Store he was the Executive Creative Director at AC&R Advertising, overseeing work for Estee Lauder, Seiko, Foot Locker, Aruba and many other accounts.


He started in the mailroom at Ally & Gargano.


For villa inquiries, contact Paul.

T: 212.685.8899

E: paul@villacappelli.com

Ed Hames, VP Sales

ED HAMES

SVP


Ed Hames’ 28 year career has brought over 100 consumer products to retail shelves. As Senior VP and Partner of Villa Cappelli, Ed joined with Paul to build an executive team that can grow the business and establish Villa Cappelli as a recognized brand of quality consumer products from Italy. Ed’s experience in business management and consumer product marketing is leading the way for Villa Cappelli to streamline its operations and expand distribution.


An entrepreneur since the age of 18, Ed invented the world’s first consumer AC surge protector. He holds several patents and has worked with such licensed brands as Nintendo, PlayStation, GameBoy, Teddy Ruxpin and many more.


As a senior executive in consumer products, Ed has placed a myriad of products with mass merchandisers, distributors and numerous specialty and independents in the US and abroad.


His passion for fine food led him to Villa Cappelli where he tasted “the best olive oil in the world.” Ed’s expertise brings Villa Cappelli products to people worldwide.


For product inquiries, contact Ed.

T: 212.685.8899

E: ed@villacappelli.com

Steven Crutchfield, Head of Production and Product Innovation

STEVEN CRUTCHFIELD

Head of Production and Product Innovation


Steven, originally from Texas, has become a true Puglia “foodie.” He manages all product creation, packaging, quality controls and innovations. Based primarily in the US, Steven makes frequent visits to the villa to ensure that production is running smoothly and to refine existing products lines as well as identify, and create new products offerings.


Emilio De Chirico, Chief Agronomist

EMILIO DE CHIRICO

Chief Agronomist


Emilio has olive oil running through his veins. A native of Terlizzi, Emilio has farmed the local land his entire life. He is in charge of the maintenance of all Villa Cappelli holdings and ensures that the quality of our extra virgin olive oil is constantly of superior quality. He can spot an over-ripe olive from a “just right” olive at a hundred paces. Emilio is also in charge of our wine-making and grappa production.