Home: Scarsdale, NY. Birthplace: Toronto, Canada. Profession: Financial planning. Organization: Avenue Wealth Management. Title: President and Senior Wealth Advisor. Alma mater: Western Governors University. Languages spoken: English and Greek.
Current project: Providing financial education and seminars for businesses. Recent recognition: Keynote speaker at major conferences. Recent professional development: Attending law school at night. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving to New York City with $100 in my pocket. I never looked back. Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, reading, skiing and golfing. Recent travel or adventure: Travelled across Europe on a cruise and visited seven countries. Last book read: The Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale.
Personality profile: Smart, energetic, very perceptive. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Reliable. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutually beneficial. What is your greatest joy? Motivating others to succeed. What is your guilty pleasure? Watching my old childhood movies. What natural talent have you neglected? Playing rugby. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Farmers, because they embody family, community, and sustainability. What is at the top of your bucket list? Skydiving.
What was your first paying job? Newspaper boy. What was your favorite college course? Calculus. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Wall Street. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Inspirational quotes. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My Grandmother Smaro. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Learn from your mistakes. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Dedication.
What is your big idea?
Always put the customer first.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Embracing technological advancements like AI and blockchain. What change would you like to see in the world? Environmental protection is achieved by protecting our natural resources for the planet's long-term health. What message do you want to send out into the world? Fix your mindset and protect your money. What mega-trend most excites you? Medical advancement.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? John Candy. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A private investigator. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Be true to myself and seek peace from within. What advice would you give your younger self? Work hard, but remember to take breaks. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Spending Christmas day with all of my family in my younger years.
Personal mission: To use my financial skills to impact the lives of others positively. Favorite quote: “Ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you” (Jesus). Desired epitaph: Your love will light my way.
