A few weeks ago I received an email from Marco Bogazzi inquiring about an ad on BoqueteGuide. I sell a few ads to businesses who are interested in reaching those of you who read this blog, usually to businesses I know.
Marco told me he makes furniture in Caldera and he sent excellent references and a link to his website. I liked what I saw, but after a recent experience, not a great one, with kitchen cabinets I wanted to see the real thing not photos. I ordered an entertainment center from Marco. He worked from a drawing I sent him and produced a quality result.
Marco has two buildings for fabrication in Caldera. He and his wife immigrated to Panama, not to retire but to realize the dream of making custom, quality furniture from designs Marco helps to create. In his previous life Marco did design work in the US for other companies, at times he would see the result of his labors, at times they would never be produced. Marco desired control from beginning to end. When Gina at Rancho Caldera gave him the opportunity, he moved to Caldera and set up shop, at first working for Gina, now as an independent business.
The small wood shop employs several local people, trained by Marco. He, being an Italian American can, and is taking advantage of a treaty between Panama and Italy, that allows Italian citizens to work legally in Panama.
After the cutting of the wood and assembly of my cabinets Marco moved them from the shop above into a separate facility for staining and finish. After the disappointment in my kitchen cabinets, I wanted to see the work in progress so I visited. The quality of the work was excellent, the multi layered finish perfect.
We scheduled a time and date for delivery and despite the remoteness and difficult access to my house, the schedule was kept.
Marco and team showed up installed everything, and Marco returned a week later to add glass and knobs I purchased. Consider me a satisfied buyer, this is one local contractor I will and do recommend. Check his website out for more ideas about his products.
If you want to work in Panama and can establish Italian citizenship you might want to research this law for both residence and work permits.
The Law 15 of February 1, 1966 covered by the Treaty Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the Republic of Panama and the Republic of Italy, allows that citizens of each of the contracting parties enjoy in the territory of the other national treatment with regard to admission to business or professional of any kind and the pursuit of such activities with the exception of the exercise of the retail trade.
The Treaty had been kept in force until the entry of the Decree Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008 which suspends the granting of this type of residence permit. In 2009, through the efforts of the Embassy of Italy and several law firms, the National Migration restored the effects of the Treaty of Friendship signed between Panama and Italy.
Marco is an asset to the community,take care of him
We had work done by Marco two, maybe three years ago, several free standing pieces. He works with you to make sure you get exactly what you want and the quality of his work is outstanding. Both he and his wife are lovely people, and their kids are so cute. You can trust Marco, his prices are firm and he delivers on time. Great guy, great workmanship.
Marion
great to know before you move to Boquete and buy furniture…and knowing he`s there, I might be able to practice my Italian some…..(I dont know much Spanish….yet)
Marco crafted an entertainment center for our house in Boquete and it turned out beautifully. He is a consummate craftsman who takes great pride in his work.I would recommend him without reservation.
I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing my brother’s furniture designs and products, first hand, from the early days when his talent would bring him to create uniquely “sculpted” pieces that bemused family, friends and customers, to subsequent phases when his designs struggled to define a unique element of innovation in woodworking and furniture making. For the benefit of his existing customers, I can confirm the relentless preparation in these early phases has allowed him to reach new levels of maturity in his current designs and products.
Sergio
(Marco’s brother)
I have contracted Marco several times over the past 6 years and have never been anything but pleased. The quailty of the wood, craftmanship and customer service is unmatched. I have purchased furniture for both of my Atlanta offices, my home and as gifts.
After getting to know his wonderful wife as well I learned that she is a professional artist and culinary institute trained chef as well. I too used her services for catering and received the same quality product and service.
Together they have served me well over the years. I wish they were closer! Americas loss IS Panamas gain. Thank you Marco and Abigail! Keep up the great work.
MARCO i.m proud of you you are doing a great job,keep up good work, love to you ,ABIGAIL and L.M.F. from PAP.S.
As a follow up to my earlier comment about the excellence of Marco’s work, I did write a noticia for Boquete.org several years ago extolling the virtues and honesty of Marco. Now, as a follow up I would say that I don’t know what oil he uses to finish his pieces, (I know he doesn’t normally use varnish) but the six or seven free standing pieces in our home he made for us are the only custom pieces (kitchen cabinets/bed/other furniture)and 40 year old oak pieces we brought with us that have not suffered from this extra-wet rainy season. I have mold on varnished kitchen cabinet doors, mold inside cabinets, mold on fans, mold on ceilings and all this with fans going daily and a dehumidifier in constant use. The only pieces that I don’t have to worry about are those Marco made for us — all beautiful and totally mold free. I just wish Marco had been here 10 years ago when we first came, if that had been the case he would have been our carpenter of choice and I would not now be battling mold on woodwork.
Lee, I know your entertainment center and anything else Marco made for you, is not only beautiful, but also is entirely mold free in this extraordinarily rainy year. What can I say, great service, great prices, outstanding work, customer oriented, wonderful design ideas, honest — AND NO MOLD.
Marion
I used to work with Marco and I have to say he is one of the best designers I have ever met. His sense of aesthetic, attention to details and passion for design are out of this world. I am happy to see him doing what he loves and wish him the best … and of course, putting in some good words to his potential customers!