At 89, Vincenzo Di Cosimo—known affectionately as Mr. D across the Italian-Canadian community—still maintains an active presence at his mega-hotel in Niagara Falls while enjoying rounds of golf in Florida, where he regularly outplays his sons. His journey from a small village near Naples to becoming one of North America’s prominent hoteliers embodies the quintessential immigrant success story.
Born into a prosperous farming family in a village of 2,000 inhabitants in Benevento province, Vincenzo charted his own course at 19, departing from his family’s agricultural traditions. “Life is made of dreams and desires,” he often tells students when sharing his story. “The desire must become action coupled by passion. Money will follow if you have those ingredients.”
His entrepreneurial journey in Canada began unexpectedly in the construction industry, where he built a successful wrought iron business employing over 50 workers, mostly Italian immigrants. A pivotal moment came when labor disputes led him to sell his shares and venture into hospitality, starting with a modest snack bar. This transition marked the beginning of his meteoric rise in the hotel industry.
Today, Mr. D’s crowning achievement stands as one of North America’s largest hotels at Niagara Falls, employing over 1,500 people. His business philosophy centers on partnership with his staff, many of whom have remained loyal for over four decades. Each year, he hosts a grand celebration for 3,000 guests, embodying his first rule: “Respect your workforce and ensure they feel confident approaching management anytime they need help.”
His most memorable career milestone came with acquiring the Hilton franchise. “It was a dream come true,” he reflects. The decision to sell his other properties and focus entirely on this venture proved transformative for his family’s legacy. The hotel is now expertly managed by his sons, allowing him to semi-retire at 49—though retirement is a loose term for someone still actively engaged in business at 89.
Despite his decades in Canada, Vincenzo maintains strong ties to his Italian heritage. He speaks weekly with his brother in Italy, and all his children are fluent in Italian. Every morning, he meets fellow Italian immigrants at local coffee shops to discuss current affairs, including Italian politics. His hotel’s Italian restaurant serves as a bridge between his two worlds, with “Mr. D’s Dish”—fresh linguine with cherry tomatoes—standing as a customer favorite.
For young Italians contemplating international careers, Mr. D offers clear advice: “You need courage and resilience. Young people have to believe in what they’re doing, and if they can’t find what they’re seeking in Italy, they need to extend their outreach.”
Looking back at the moment his ship departed Naples, while his family wept, young Vincenzo remained stoic. “Why do I have to cry? I am going to be rich in America,” he had declared, words his mother often recalled him saying as a boy. Today, that boyhood dream stands realized in the form of a hospitality empire, built on the foundations of hard work, respect for others, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
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