Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Melbourne, Florida, and raised in a small nearby beach town by the name of Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. They are located in Central Florida directly east of Orlando.
Who or what were the main influences in your life?
My immediate and extended family members were and continue to be the main influences in my life. My grandparents, parents and older brother are all very impressive and intelligent people. I’m lucky to have had such guidance. I was also fortunate to grow up with some really good and close friends who are very good people and still great friends. Furthermore, the Greek Orthodox Church played an important part in my life. I participated in Sunday school, GOYA, Greek school, Dance group and the St. Stephens summer camps… where I made lifetime friends.
How did you get into your present work?
I am currently an international tax attorney at Baker & McKenzie law firm in Miami Florida. As a kid, I was always interested and involved in my parents’ real estate business. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be involved in business in some aspect. In undergraduate school I studied finance and went on to get an MBA focusing in real estate. Thereafter, I got my law degree and went on further to get an LLM in tax law. Currently, I advise multinational companies in planning their new business ventures world-wide and I also advise private wealth clients with US tax issues ranging from income tax to trust & estate planning.
As a successful American you could and perhaps have joined major organizations that are focused more on mainstream society. Why L100?
In fact, I have joined a number of other organizations. However, it is Leadership 100 that is definitely near and dear to my heart. My great aunt, Irene Ladas, of blessed memory, had been a Leadership 100 member for many years and always invited my family to events. We liked it so much that my parents decided to join and I also separately joined individually. I feel that the Greek Orthodox Church has given so much to me and my family that we as leaders in the business community should do our best to give back to, and even strengthen, the church. Also, I spent a semester at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, which is a big recipient of Leadership 100 funds. Additionally, Leadership 100 events are a lot of fun!
How would you evaluate so far your experience in the organization?
My experience so far has been great. I get a sense of satisfaction from contributing to the Greek Orthodox Church, a Church that is relied on and attended by Greeks around the country not only for spirituality, but also as a gathering place for Greek culture and a sense of community. I have made a number of great friends by attending Leadership 100 events. Many of the more senior members constitute some of the most influential and accomplished individuals in the entire United States, not just within the Greek community. I’m certain that my colleagues who have also joined as young leaders of Leadership 100 will surely leave a similar mark in the future. For example, my friend George Demos, who is a Leadership 100 member, is running for U.S. Congress out of the state of New York – you should vote for him!
As a new generation leader, what are some ideas of yours on the future of Leadership 100?
Leadership 100 is going down the right path by opening up its doors to young leaders. We are the future of this organization and I would like to see an even greater push to recruit young doctors, lawyers and businessmen who will one day make up the leadership of this organization. I think a lot of my generation will be excited to join, it’s just a matter of getting the word out. Furthermore, I think we should be involved in leadership positions within the organization now. I think we can make an immediate positive contribution.
How has your involvement in Leadership 100 proved valuable in other activities of your life?
I have been able to meet some very diverse and interesting people within Leadership 100 and there is always something you can learn from people who are the best at what they do. Those are the kinds of people I’ve met within the organization and have definitely taken lessons by observing and emulating them.
What qualities do you most admire or value in others?
Honesty, loyalty and conviction.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
In addition to my family, through my travels and schooling I have come across and made friends with some really amazing, smart, funny and down to earth people. I consider that being able to surround myself with this network of close family and very good friends, who I can call on for friendship or in times of need, is my greatest achievement.
Who are your heroes in real life?
My family that worked so hard to come from the villages in Greece to the United States, after having lost close to everything during WWII and the Greek Civil War. They were able to come to this country to make a better life for their family through incredibly hard work, effort and very big sacrifices. People who persevere and work to improve themselves, their families, and their communities, (and don’t focus on only fattening their pockets), are very impressive to me.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I’m always doing something related to the water. I have always been an avid surfer. However, lately I have been spending a lot of time offshore fishing in my boat. Otherwise, I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
What are your thoughts on the current economic crisis?
It seems to be improving.
Where would you like to be in your professional and personal life 20 years from now?
Most importantly, I hope to have a strong happy family. In my career, I see myself continuing in the same area of legal practice. I anticipate that I will still be very active in the local legal and business community and in my local church, and of course Leadership 100.
What is your idea of happiness?
Being surrounded by family and friends, having a few laughs.
