How Niman Kenkre is Changing Lives in Florence
This article was made possible with thanks to the goodwill and support of the ‘How To Move To Italy’ Facebook Group, run by Smart Move Italy.
At 52, Niman Kenkre is making a bold move—one that’s equal parts adventure, reinvention, and passion. A single father, he spent nearly two decades raising his son alone, shaping his world around fatherhood. Now, with his son off to college, Niman is seizing the moment to turn a lifelong love for Italy into something more permanent.
His destination? Florence. His mission? Launching an English academy that teaches children through soccer, better known internationally as football. Picture minimal classroom time, just the field, the ball, and an immersive learning experience.
Niman’s never been the type to just go with the flow. He’s got this whole adventurous streak, you know? Always trying new things, always asking “what if?” That’s just him. Honestly, that mix of curiosity and guts? It’s exactly what made him crush it at online poker tables—he just reads people and plays those odds like it’s second nature. You gotta respect that kind of mindset.
A Mind Built for Strategy: From Engineering to High-Stakes Poker
Before his move to Italy, Niman’s career had already taken unexpected turns. He played soccer for the University of Texas whilst earning a Bachelor of Science. This was followed by a Master’s degree from Penn State. He worked as an electrical engineer at Teradyne and Corex Technologies before being recruited to MIT, eventually rising to Director of Engineering over seven years. Whenever he had a little free time, he’d dive into chess—and I mean really dive in, since he actually became a chess master. Not too shabby! Folks pretty much saw him as the kind of guy who was all set for a solid, impressive career.
That challenge turned out to be poker. Not tournaments at first, but high-stakes online cash games. Niman explained, “there are a lot of crossover skills between chess and poker.” Under the online alias “Samoleus,” Niman honed his skills in the world of no-limit Texas Hold’em, leveraging his deep understanding of combinatorics, probability, and psychology. He wasn’t just another player—he was one of the most successful in the world, dominating online cash games until April 15, 2011—Black Friday—when the U.S. government shut down online poker.
With online games gone, Niman transitioned to live poker, while at the same time paving his way forward as a soccer coach with a professional club from 2012. The level of competition poker didn’t necessarily get harder—in fact, live games tended to be softer—but the lifestyle did. Unlike online poker, which he could play from home while raising his son, live poker required travel. Balancing that with his passion for soccer coaching, and being single parenthood, was tough. As the poker economy shifted, the biggest games became smaller, making it harder to earn the same amount in limited time.
For years, Niman played in the largest cash games across the country, primarily against other top professionals. Every now and then, you’d catch Tobey Maguire or Michael Phelps strolling in—sometimes Ben Affleck or Kevin Hart too—either grabbing a seat at the table or just hanging out to watch the madness. It was cool seeing those Hollywood faces now and then. Still, if we’re being real, their drop-ins were just a little extra spice on top of all the drama going on in the high-stakes poker scene.
After a while, that daily poker hustle just didn’t have the same spark, you know? So in 2019, Niman hung up his cards and put all his energy into his son’s soccer dreams. From 2021 to 2024, if you were looking for him, he was probably out on a field somewhere, coaching at these pro club academies and just totally throwing himself into helping young players level up. Then, when his son took off for college—perfect timing, honestly—it just felt right to make a move. Niman was ready for whatever adventure came next.
Why the Investor Visa Made Sense for Italy
That next challenge? Building a new life in Italy. Initially, Niman planned to move on an Elective Residence Visa (ERV), but reality forced a change. Despite having a strong passive income, Italian immigration authorities wouldn’t count his financial assets unless they were guaranteed and cashable—like pensions or annuities. Converting his assets into an annuity made no sense financially.
Then there was the biggest deal-breaker: the ERV didn’t allow him to work. Niman’s football-and-English academy wasn’t just another job idea—it was something he actually cared about, you know? He checked out a bunch of options, but the investor visa really stood out. Solid choice, honestly. It meant he’d have some stability, get real healthcare (always a win), and it set him up for permanent residency down the road. Not bad, right?
Selling His Home to Invest in Italy
To meet the investor visa requirements, Niman made a strategic financial decision—selling his home. This wasn’t just about meeting visa qualifications. When he decided to sell instead of rent, he snagged a pretty great tax break on the extra value his house gained. And get this—it meant he didn’t have to dip into his savings or sell off investments just to make the move happen. So overall, he kept his finances in good shape and could dive headfirst into his new spot in Italy. Gotta admit, that’s some smart (and friendly) money management!
Navigating Italian Red Tape
Unlike the ERV, the investor visa can be more complex to apply for and require legal help. Many attorneys quoted around €15,000 for full-service support, but Niman found a determined young lawyer who charged significantly less. The only drawback? Limited English. Luckily, Niman’s Italian was strong enough to bridge the gap, with AI-powered translation tools helping where needed.
But his biggest bureaucratic headache? The FBI background check. While the state report was simple, his federal background check got lost in the system. Now, with time-sensitive deadlines looming, he’s still waiting for resolution.
A School Where Football Teaches English
Niman’s passion for football and education is at the heart of his Florence move. His academy, designed for 6- to 11-year-olds, uses football as the primary tool for teaching English. The program is already patent-pending across the EU, setting the stage for future expansion.
Market research pointed to Milan, Rome, Florence, and Bologna as the best locations for financial viability. After considering all factors—including business potential, cost of operations, and lifestyle—Florence won out. It wasn’t just about the numbers. The city’s rich culture, accessibility, and, of course, the legendary Bistecca Fiorentina made it an easy choice.
As a former high-level football player and coach, Niman has the expertise to make this work. He’s prioritizing organic growth over rapid expansion, ensuring quality over speed. Down the road, he’ll bring in coaches, English teachers, and consultants. For now, it’s all about laying a strong foundation.
The Everyday Realities of Starting Fresh
Moving countries isn’t just about work—it’s about rebuilding life’s little details.
- Phone Plan: Keeping a U.S. number is essential for handling business back home. Verizon’s international options were weak, and T-Mobile required at least 50% U.S. usage. His workaround? Switching to T-Mobile now and eventually moving to Mint Mobile.
- Finding a Home: Niman wants to live close enough to Florence’s center to soak up its energy but also needs a car for work. The Gavinana neighborhood, across the Arno, offers a good balance.
- Setting Up Essentials: Internet, utilities, and local bureaucracy will all require navigating. But with fluent Italian and helpful connections, Niman is ready for the challenge.
The Emotional Side of Reinvention
Leaving Boston after 27 years isn’t just about logistics—it’s emotional. The U.S.’s diversity, fast-paced sports culture, and even simple pleasures like buffalo wings and NBA basketball will be hard to leave behind.
But the toughest part? Being away from his son.
Niman raised him alone, and the idea of living an ocean apart was initially overwhelming. But after deep conversations, they reframed it: quality over quantity. Instead of quick, routine visits, their time together will be more intentional, filled with experiences that matter. That shift in mindset made all the difference.
Trust the Best Chapters are Ahead
Florence represents more than a new home for Niman—it’s a new way of living, an adventure that blends purpose and passion. His journey proves that reinvention doesn’t have an age limit. It’s about taking the leap, embracing uncertainty, and trusting that the best chapters are still ahead.
