Erika Tessarolo is the young Italian entrepreneur who has conquered the world with her innovative production of mechanical bulls, exported globally, particularly to the United States. Her company, M.Art Technology, is based in Manerba del Garda, in the province of Brescia, and her brand ShowGames.com is a symbol of “Made in Italy” excellence. Erika’s story has deep family roots, as her family has been active in the entertainment industry since 1989. Although she was a young girl with dreams of dance and art, Erika was immersed in the entrepreneurial atmosphere of her family, which had a profound influence on her.
In 2008, the economic crisis threatened the family business, delivering a harsh blow to the entertainment sector. Erika, then a young adult, decided to join her father, who was more of an inventor than an entrepreneur, to help him navigate through the crisis. Her father, a great enthusiast of America, had never fulfilled his dream of taking his products overseas. Erika, with determination, convinced her father to adapt the production to the American market, transforming the mechanical bull into a typical rodeo attraction, the popular American sport.
In 2014, Erika entered the American market, but not as an intermediary. She decided to approach the market directly, establishing a personal relationship with customers, which made all the difference in her success. Erika considers every customer as part of her family and is dedicated to creating a human connection based on communication, collaboration, and reliability, even offering remote assistance.
In 2020, Erika founded her own company, taking over the entire family business. Her passion for mechanical bulls goes back to her father’s love for America. He had visited the United States multiple times and, after seeing mechanical bulls in Connecticut, began designing and building safer bulls, without ever compromising on the fun. He is credited with inventing the mechanical bull.
Erika creation, the mechanical bull, is a blend of advanced technology, safety, and beauty. The goal is to offer a safe rodeo experience even for beginners. In the beginning, Erika built the bulls with her own hands, but as the business expanded, she relied on local master craftsmen, bringing work to her community and enhancing the craftsmanship skills in the area. Each mechanical bull is custom-made for the client, with attention to detail that makes each product unique. Her passion for art is reflected in the details, such as the bull’s facial expression and color choices, giving each model a unique personality.
Another innovative aspect of Erika’s bulls is remote assistance. As early as 2019, she developed a system that allowed her to monitor the mechanical bulls remotely, solving any problems without the need to send a technician on-site. This technological approach further improved product quality and helped reduce costs, making her machines even more attractive on the market.
Safety is a top priority for Erika. Her mechanical bulls are certified for use in amusement parks without the presence of an operator, thanks to cutting-edge safety systems. Each bull is equipped with a protective inflatable mat and safety barriers that minimize the risk of injury. Additionally, the bull’s movements are adjustable via computer, allowing them to be tailored to the rider’s experience level, whether a beginner or a professional. The electronic system is designed to stop the machine immediately when the rider lets go of the safety rope, ensuring a safe and risk-free riding experience.
Each mechanical bull can be customized according to the client’s requests. Erika has created bulls with various themes, such as one for New York with a gray and white coat, and one for Houston that embodies the true spirit of Texan rodeo, with a tiger-stripe coat and a mat resembling the Texas flag. Additionally, Erika has worked on other machines, such as mechanical bowling pins for bowling alleys in the United Arab Emirates and horses for amusement parks in Italy.
Erika’s philosophy is rooted in innovation but also in sustainability. She uses high-quality materials that allow her machines to be reused and recycled. Her company has grown thanks to the passion, hard work, and trust she has built with her customers. Erika is a true Italian excellence, internationally recognized for her contribution to the entertainment industry. Despite her numerous successes, Erika remains humble and driven by the belief that dreams are important, but it is equally essential to be ready to adapt to the challenges that life presents.
Today, her company is solid, and her philosophy is based on pursuing one’s dreams with passion and determination, while always keeping an open mind for new opportunities and challenges.
