Hi, I’m Gavin – Here’s Why I’m Building Vicinia

Hi, I’m Gavin.

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I live in Lugano, I’m an avid FC Lugano fan (you’ll find me at every game in the Spalti
section), and I have a wife and two brilliant boys who keep me busy.
But recently, I’ve been spending my spare time thinking about something a little bit
different.
I kept hearing the same story over and over from people living in small apartment
buildings — including in my own building in Besso:

• “Nobody reads the emails.”
• “I don’t know where the latest document is.”
• “We lose track of who’s responsible for what.”
• “What is our Administrator actually doing?”
• “When will the lift be fixed?”
• “Nobody reads the emails.”
• “I don’t know where the latest document is.”
• “We lose track of who’s responsible for what.”
• “What is our Administrator actually doing?”

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And when I looked around, I realised most of the tools out there are built for big
property companies.
Not for the people who are just trying to keep their own small building ticking over
without losing their patience (or their WhatsApp group).

A Word for the Real Heroes
Now — a quick word for the real heroes here: the custodians, the residents
who take on the job themselves of running the building.
What a job. Honestly, hands up — I wouldn’t want to do it.
I imagine it’s fine... until something goes wrong.
Yes, you can use Banana software to keep the numbers in order — it’s great for the
simple stuff.
But what about everything else?

The communication.
The decisions.
The discussions.
That’s where Vicinia comes in.
The whole point of Vicinia is to make your life easier.

If it doesn’t do that? It’s failed.

Let’s Clear This Up About Administrators
And let me say this clearly — I don’t hate administrators.
Honestly.
As a resident, we actually want the same thing. Administrators often get a bad rep,
but after speaking to a few, I’ve realised something:
We don’t always know what they’re doing or what they’re up
against.
There’s a communication gap.
Vicinia can help fix that.
Better, simpler communication between residents and administrators.
No more crossed wires.
No more guessing.
No more passive-aggressive notes in the hallway.
Everyone wins.

I’m not from a big tech company.
I’m just a regular guy in Lugano who saw a problem that’s annoyingly common and
wanted to build something better.
If you’ve ever helped run your building — or been the one chasing your neighbours
for answers — you’ll know why this matters.

Let’s Chat – I’d Love to Hear From You
While you’re here, feel free to get in touch.
Whether you’re a resident, an administrator, or someone who’s bravely taken on the
job of running your building — I’d love to hear from you.
Tell me:
What’s the biggest issue in your building?
What’s the one thing you’d love Vicinia to help with?
What’s driving you mad or making you want to give up?

What’s the most frustrating part of managing or living in your building?
Where do you think FC Lugano will finish this year?

Honestly… whatever you want.

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You can reach me anytime — I’d genuinely love to hear your stories, your
headaches, and your ideas.
Even if it’s just to talk football.

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Thanks

Gavin

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