The Power of the Team: From the Field to the Kitchen

By: Mike DiSarro

I’ve always believed in the power of a great team.

Back in high school, I was fortunate to be part of some very successful teams here in Westwood. We won games. In fact, our football team won two state championships, and we made a ton of memories. We achieved goals that only come when a group buys into something bigger than themselves.

You know what really stuck with me? Not everyone on the team was a starter. I played sparingly on those state championship football teams, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t incredible to be part of the group when we were celebrated last year, 20 years after we won the first of those titles.

Not everyone was a Tri-Valley League All-Star. Very few of us went on to play sports in college, but everyone contributed.

There were the guys who pushed the best players in practice, the ones who didn’t get their names in the paper, the players who brought energy to the locker room and the sidelines. They were just as important to our success as the ones who made the big plays on game day. That lesson stayed with me long after the final whistle blew.

Now, as the owner of Neroli Mercato & Ristorante, that team mindset is the heartbeat of everything we do. A great restaurant doesn’t thrive because of one person, it thrives because of a team.

From the dishwashers and bussers to the servers, line cooks, chefs, and yes, the owner, everyone plays a role in making sure our guests have an exceptional experience. Every task matters. Every person counts. Just like on those high school teams, we succeed when we support one another, work hard, and understand that no role is too small to make a big difference.

I’m proud of the success we’ve built at Neroli, and I’m even prouder of the people who make it possible every single day. When you visit us, you’re not just enjoying a meal — you’re experiencing the results of a team working together behind the scenes, just like we did back in the day when we threw on the green and white uniforms.

To those of you who are on the team but may not see your name in lights – I SEE YOU. Your teammates see you. Your coaches see you. Your parents see you. Keep doing what you’re doing and understand it all matters. Special teams are special from top to bottom.

Once you’ve been part of a great team, you never forget how powerful it can be.