“We launched our company in New York City. We have since expanded to several countries around the world, now including Athens, Greece to support our European business.”

— George Stroumboulis

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS

MS. YURI ARTHUR

Kalispera, ladies and gentlemen. I wish I could continue in Greek but I feel that would be very painful for everyone in the audience. So, I’m going to speak in English, although I did take Greek lessons, so unfortunately… So, it's such an honor to be here today amongst friends to show something, it would maybe one of the best combinations of what the United States and Canada have to offer. And it's something where you're bringing back jobs, opportunities, potential and dreams to Greece. I think there's no greater honor than to return to the Patrida and to bring with you promise for a really exciting future. So, SIHARITIRIA (congratulations) for that, it's a very exciting time and we're very happy to be here. I think, you all probably are familiar with Ideoli but just in case you aren't, I think it's always the job of the slightly objective third party to basically talk about the achievements that the firm has had, in case you don't know. So, I have to say my favorite example is actually California Pizza Kitchen, which is a US restaurant chain. I spent many, many college nights there consuming affordable pizza and studying under the wonderful lighting. There was also the American Girl Collection Stores in New York. And when I was speaking with Ambassador George J. Tsunis who really wished to be here today but just couldn't because he's in a mandatory diplomatic conference in the United States. He said that he had spent way too much time in the New York American Girl Store with his two beautiful daughters. And I did have to share that. I had taken my niece there once and the menu for the doll was very expensive. But when you have good lighting I guess it all works out, right? The prices don't look as bad, so… but obviously there are other exciting projects such as Tesla, The Tesla Factory in Texas, Hilton’s True Brand Hotels and also Microsoft Headquarters and Wework, all types of solutions customized based on the need of the client, it's what you want, what you envision and anything that you think you want to see happen. So that's what's special about Ideoli. And I do not have a doubt that they're going to make a huge impact in this region and in Greece as well because there are so many exciting developments happening in Greece. I think teenagers obsessed with Instagram or possibly fans of the game of thrones will say that lighting is very important. I have to say we agree. Coming from the US government where we do not really have nice lighting. I have to say that I envy the lighting in the private sector and I think when you can accentuate the natural beauty of something like that wonderful building over there, it's just the key to making a truly memorable experience. So, I really hope you all will continue to work with Ideoli. I wish nothing but the success of Ideoli and I’m very excited to see what the firm can do not only in Greece but in Europe as well. Thank you very much. SIHARITIRIA!

AMBASSADOR ROBERT PECK

So, no former diplomat can go everywhere, anywhere, without notes but I promise this is not going to be an evening of a long speech. First of all, as a former diplomat may I thank Yuri from the American Embassy for being here tonight. As a former diplomat we all know the important role that embassies play in promoting and supporting companies abroad. Sometimes roles of embassies are not well understood but I can say from personal experience they do play a very important role and they do care. So, thank you for your support to Ideoli. It really is a great pleasure for my wife Maria and I, the Greek half to be here this evening. And we really salute the choice of venue tonight because the Lalalounis families, I think have given a wonderful legacy to Greece in creating this remarkable museum. And how appropriate that Ideoli chose this particular museum which showcases and celebrates the beauty and design of jewelry through the centuries. Often custom-made pieces for very discerning patrons and benefactors. Ideoli has set ambitious goals, not only to become a leader but a point of reference in the sector. And the company's focus on customization, cutting edge design and client service, I believe will set it apart from its competitors. I have known George for over 10 years from my time as ambassador to Greece between 2011 and 2015 and I was always impressed by his energy, his dynamism but also his positive karma and energy. And particularly in the world we live in today that positive vibe is so important and inspiring to team members. And then later I met Chris and understood his unique professional background and his reflective nature. I had a front row seat as Ideoli was founded and am proud to serve offline as an informal mentor and sounding board. Really, I believe in that value of intergenerational experience and for me it was an opportunity, for me to learn as much as I hope I could impart from time to time some valuable advice to George Chris and his team. This dynamic duo of George and Chris personifies the entrepreneurial spirit and grit required to succeed. And this they impart on a daily basis to their team as leaders, both men have skill sets that are remarkably complementary, a winning combination indeed. And underpinning rather everything they do is a commitment to integrity, excellence. And for me, a value that I hold here is a corporate social responsibility. They have weathered almost every kind of challenge imaginable, especially the pandemic, but persevered. And at times, I can tell you I wondered whether they had the DINAMI (strength) to surmount those obstacles, but they did because they had a belief and a determination. And I watched as they developed a network of virtual teams across the world and recruited, as has been mentioned talented staff as the company's global reach expanded, they believed in Greece as a launching pad for Europe when the country was at very low ebb. I was there. But they recognized early on the remarkable talent in the country and this… as has been said has played an important part in the company's success. I obviously have no crystal ball, diplomats may sometimes think they have one, but I don't. But believe that Ideoli's presence will soon resonate across the sector, especially in a country where the arts culture and inspired design have such a pervasive influence. Aesthetics and form matter while function in today's very competitive environment has to be cutting edge and energy efficient. And a strong local presence I believe will no doubt lead to opportunities in Greece but in the whole region. George and Chris were a bit modest but Yuri was very helpful in outlining just how successful Ideoli has been to date in winning important key contracts with leaders in the United States business environment. In retail, restaurant, hospitality, commercial and industrial industries. Finally, we all know that the world economy faces many challenges and no country is immune, but undaunted Ideoli remains committed to the opportunity here in Greece, Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean and look forward to collaborate with many of you here this evening. So, I salute Ideoli. I thank you all for coming on behalf of the company, and all the best for great success of Ideoli in Athens. EFHARISTO POLI!

GEORGE STROUMBOULIS

Θα μιλήσω στα ελληνικά για λίγο και στη συνέχεια θα μιλήσω στα αγγλικά για να μπορούν όλοι να καταλάβουν.Σας ευχαριστώ που ήρθατε και σας καλωσορίζω. Είμαστε κάτω από την Ακρόπολη, ένα σύμβολο της Ελλάδας. My name is George Stroumboulis and I’m the CEO of Ideoli group. And I just want to thank everyone for taking the time. I understand it's always a challenge coming to events like this and finding the time. So, thank you for coming here. My background, I’m a Greek - Canadian and American citizen, born and raised in Canada. And I say that my background will lead into why we're here in Greece but growing up to immigrant parents in the restaurant industry, they were drilling home every day, why it's important were Greek. Some may say it's kind of brainwashing but it worked. So, we're here, growing up you always appreciated what it means to be Greek, working hard. And my father actually speaking of parents, he just flew in from Toronto today, so to be here, so thanks for coming Paa and everyone else. We started working in Greece when it wasn't convenient, right? We ideally launched and with my business partner Chris Hartswick who's going to come and speak in a little bit. We took a leap and when the economy was bad, jobs were hard here, we said, you know what, why don't we try to recruit and hire Greeks in Greece and have them work for us with everything we're doing back in the United States? And it was, you know, a lot of people were trying to offshore jobs, we're like let's just try it. Even though I’m a Greek background, we don't know how it is to work with Greeks, right? Every day there's cultural differences, there’s a time zone difference and I’m Greek, so obviously I was pushing it. My business partner's American, so he's like, alright, let's just tries it. So, we hired a couple people here, specifically in the lighting space. And to date it was probably the best business decision we ever made. They were just kicking ass, hard workers, thinking differently, resilient, stubborn but there's good. Yeah. So, we realized, you know what this is great and as the years went on and we started building our team, it became evident that when the time is right, we need to actually come here and build a footprint. And everyone's optimistic now. It seems that the government, there's upbeat, people think that, you know, it's a great time, there's foreign investment coming in here. So we said, you know what, it's time for us to officially be there. We can't just do this half and half. So that's why we launched Ideoli Europe to support our European business which happens to have the office here in Athens. So we did that. And the more optimistic we're getting, we're already looking into the future. So, we're here now, we have an office in Marousi and we're hiring and we're going to have several new employees from now until the end of the year. And as time goes on, we're looking to bring production and manufacturing to Greece as well. Not to service the Greek market but to tap into the talent here and to be able to support our business globally. So, our office here is to support the region, the Middle East and then the global scale as well. So, our job, mine personally, my business partner, all our colleagues who came here today to support us, our job is to prove to you why you should be working with us. We're really good at what we do. We're very passionate and we know we can bring value. We're not trying to create a ‘Me Too’ company, right? So that's what we're here to do. I could talk all night and I know we don't want to do that but last thing, just for fun. As we're sitting here, you can see behind me, I was actually talking to a local Athenian tonight and he lives here, he sees that 10 times a day and he just looks over. He's like, man, this 45 year old man still impressed and he shows me his arm and he was just proud to be here. And you see that, you're like it's amazing. So, anyways we would love to put it out there. Let it manifest, when, not if but when the Parthenon marbles come back to Greece, we would love to work with the acropolis museum to light it with Ideoli product. So, let's get him back, let's put a goal out there. And, yeah, so that's what we're going to work towards.

CHRIS HARTSWICK

Kalispera, and thank you for joining us here tonight. Hopefully I didn't butcher that too terribly. As George mentioned we are so very excited to be here in Greece to have officially launched Ideoli; setting up our new organization, our new office and all of our new employees here. My first, my personal first real exposure to Greece was about five years ago, it was right here in Athens. And honestly, I instantly fell in love; it's such a great place. We knew this was somewhere we always wanted to be. And the more people I met, the more talent I was exposed to. There's so much talent here and the passion that all the local Greeks I’ve met have, that's present in everything they do and how they speak and the meetings we've gone to, it's been overwhelming. And it's essentially told me that this is where our European hub has needed to be. We're now delighted to say today that we've officially completed the sort of initial expansion on both our products and our facility certifications. So, we're ready. We're here; we're ready to support the local Greek and European markets. And again, we couldn't be more excited about any of that. As George mentioned again, we're planning on over the next few years expanding even more. That's going to be bringing assembly, manufacturing here, expanding our facilities, expanding our personnel to really sort of establish and put a stronghold on this region, so Ideoli can just be involved in every way possible. Thank you again. Again, I look forward to developing an even stronger connection with all of you, stronger connection to this wonderful country and I just can't explain how happy I am to be here. EFHARISTO!

George Stroumboulis with mentor/advisor, Bob Peck. Former Ambassador of Canada to Greece.

And those are the official remarks that were given at the event. So, you can see there's a lot of energy in what we're trying to do in the region. We're extremely excited to be launching in Europe. Our foundation, our bread and butter is United States, the United States. We are strategically positioning ourselves also in Europe to support our American clients over here. Countless accounts we have helped here in the United States with our products and then expanding globally. So, we have accounts like Mattel, American Girl that we've done work for them here in the states and they wanted to expand into the Middle East. So, we're able to do that with our technical know-how, our knowledge and just that expertise internationally. We've done it with Wework, with Tesla and other brands. So, this is, it was a big deal for us. That's why we've been off the pod for the last couple weeks just dealing and supporting and really launching that successfully. So, hopefully you enjoyed this unique, different twist of an episode of Invigorate Your business. Please make sure to just follow, like, comment, and share your feedback. Good, bad or ugly, just share it. I love it. I hear it. Feedback, maybe I’ll get emotional maybe not but I love that feedback. It lets me know what's working, what's not. The following week, we'll be back to having just ultimate very interesting guests. And if you ever want to be on the podcast, be featured, just get in contact with the team and we'll have that discussion. So, thank you very much and have a great one. Thanks for listening to this episode of Invigorate Your Business with George Stroumboulis. Please, hit subscribe and like buttons and follow me on all the main podcast streaming channels. Also, please share your comments when you can. I appreciate your help in expanding this network to a worldwide audience. Until next time stay invigorated.

CHECK OUT MORE: Video from the Launch

The Ideoli Europe team, from left to right: Kosta Varnavopoulos (Managing Director, Europe), Georgios Mavridis (Product Design), George Stroumboulis (CEO), Chris Hartswick (CPO), Janeen Canzone (SVP).

At the Lalaounis Museum, right under the Acropolis for the ultimate launch event.

With my father and best friend, Evangelos Stroumboulis.

Speaking under the majestic Acropolis with the view of the Parthenon.

LAUNCHING A COMPANY IN ATHENS, GREECE

Launching a company in Athens, Greece, involves several steps and considerations. Here is a general outline of the process:

Business Idea and Plan: Start by developing a clear business idea and a detailed business plan. Identify your target market, competitors, revenue model, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap for your company's growth and success.
Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your company, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation. Each legal structure has different implications in terms of liability, taxation, and registration requirements.
Name and Trademark Registration: Choose a unique and meaningful name for your company and check its availability with the Greek General Commercial Registry (GEMI). You may also want to consider trademark registration to protect your brand.
Register the Company: Register your company with the Greek General Commercial Registry (GEMI) or the One-Stop Shop for businesses (GCRIS). This step involves submitting necessary documentation and paying registration fees.
Tax Registration: Register your company with the Greek tax authorities (TAXISnet) to obtain a tax identification number (AFM) and a value-added tax (VAT) number if applicable.
Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on the type of business you are starting, you may need specific licenses or permits from various government agencies or municipalities. Research the requirements and obtain the necessary approvals.
Open a Bank Account: Open a business bank account with a Greek bank to handle financial transactions related to your company.
Social Security Registration: Register yourself and your employees (if any) with the Greek social security system (IKA) to ensure compliance with labor regulations.
Office or Business Location: Set up a physical office or business location in Athens, Greece, that aligns with the needs of your business.
Recruit Employees (If Applicable): If your company requires employees, follow the Greek labor laws and regulations when recruiting, hiring, and managing your workforce.
Insurance: Consider the insurance needs of your business, such as liability insurance, property insurance, and employee insurance.
Financial Management: Implement a reliable accounting and financial management system to keep track of your company's financial transactions and comply with tax regulations.
Marketing and Promotion: Develop a marketing strategy to promote your business to your target audience. Utilize various marketing channels, both online and offline, to increase brand awareness and attract customers.
Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that your business complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements in Greece.

It's essential to work with professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and business consultants familiar with Greek regulations and procedures to navigate the process smoothly. Greece's business environment and regulations may vary, so conducting thorough research and seeking expert advice will be beneficial in launching your company successfully in Athens, Greece.

ABOUT IDEOLI GROUP

Ideoli Group stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of custom decorative lighting, captivating clients worldwide with their exceptional creations. With a dedicated focus on strategizing, designing, producing, and shipping lighting fixtures, Ideoli Group has earned a reputation as visionaries in the industry.

Drawing upon their expertise in all aspects of lighting, from cutting-edge technology to precise engineering and exquisite design, Ideoli Group offers a comprehensive solution for lighting needs. They cater to a diverse clientele, including distributors, designers, specifiers, electrical contractors, architects, and end-user clients, spanning various industries.

What sets Ideoli Group apart is their unwavering commitment to customization. Each project receives meticulous attention, ensuring that every lighting fixture reflects the unique vision and requirements of their clients. Whether it's illuminating grand hospitality spaces or creating mesmerizing retail environments, Ideoli Group's bespoke lighting solutions leave a profound impact.

Operating from a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in China, Ideoli Group maintains unparalleled quality and efficiency. What sets them apart is their ownership of the factory, granting them complete control over the production process. This, coupled with their New York facility for final assembly and creative endeavors, allows them to adapt swiftly to client demands.

As a trusted partner in the journey to exceptional lighting, Ideoli Group thrives on collaboration. Their team of lighting aficionados is committed to translating clients' dreams into reality, guiding them from concept to execution with utmost professionalism.

Embrace brilliance and embrace the future of lighting with Ideoli Group - A true beacon of innovation where light meets imagination.

ABOUT THE LALAOUNIS MUSEUM

The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, commonly known as the Lalaounis Museum, is a renowned museum in Athens, Greece, dedicated to the art of jewelry and goldsmithing. It was founded by the renowned Greek jeweler, Ilias Lalaounis, in 1993 and is located in the historic district of Plaka.

Key points about the Lalaounis Museum:

Founder and Vision: The museum was established by Ilias Lalaounis, a prominent Greek jeweler and goldsmith, whose passion for preserving the art of jewelry-making led to the creation of the museum.
Exhibits and Collections: The Lalaounis Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 4,000 jewelry pieces created by Ilias Lalaounis himself and his team of skilled artisans. The exhibits showcase a wide range of jewelry designs, from ancient-inspired pieces to contemporary creations.
Greek Heritage and Inspiration: One of the unique aspects of the Lalaounis Museum is its focus on ancient Greek history and mythology as a source of inspiration for many of the jewelry designs. The museum's exhibits often incorporate motifs and symbols from Greek antiquity.
Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs and workshops for visitors, including jewelry-making demonstrations, lectures, and guided tours. These programs provide insights into the art of jewelry craftsmanship and the history of Greek jewelry.
Museum Building: The museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building in the heart of Athens' historic Plaka neighborhood. The architecture itself is a sight to behold, adding to the overall experience of visitors.
Temporary Exhibitions: In addition to its permanent collection, the Lalaounis Museum hosts temporary exhibitions that feature the works of contemporary Greek and international jewelry designers and artists.
Jewelry Shop: The museum also has a jewelry shop where visitors can purchase modern jewelry pieces inspired by ancient Greek motifs and crafted by skilled artisans following the Lalaounis tradition.

The Lalaounis Museum serves as a tribute to the rich heritage of Greek jewelry-making and showcases the artistry and craftsmanship that have been handed down through generations. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in jewelry, art, and Greek cultural heritage. For the most current information and details about the Lalaounis Museum, I recommend visiting their official website or contacting them directly.

ABOUT THE ACROPOLIS

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic historical and architectural landmarks in the world. It is located on a rocky outcrop in the city of Athens, Greece. The word "Acropolis" is derived from the Greek words "akron" (meaning "highest point") and "polis" (meaning "city"), signifying its prominent location overlooking the city.

Key points about the Acropolis:

Historical Significance: The Acropolis has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It served as the fortified citadel and religious center of ancient Athens, housing important temples, shrines, and other significant structures.
Parthenon: The most famous and recognizable building on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. The Parthenon is an iconic example of ancient Greek architecture and is renowned for its elegant Doric columns and intricate sculptures.
Other Structures: Besides the Parthenon, the Acropolis contains other notable structures, including the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea (the monumental entrance to the Acropolis).
Ancient Ruins: The Acropolis was heavily damaged over the centuries by wars, earthquakes, and various interventions. Many of its original sculptures and artifacts have been moved to museums for preservation, and ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve its historical significance.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Acropolis was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.
Tourist Attraction: The Acropolis is a major tourist attraction and draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. It offers breathtaking views of Athens and provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in ancient Greek history and culture.
Archaeological Site: The Acropolis is also an active archaeological site, with ongoing excavations and research being conducted to unearth and understand more about its ancient past.
Acropolis Museum: Adjacent to the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of artifacts and sculptures from the Acropolis site. The museum offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of the historical context and significance of the Acropolis.

Visiting the Acropolis is a remarkable experience, as it allows travelers to step back in time and appreciate the magnificence of ancient Greek civilization. Its enduring beauty and historical significance continue to inspire and captivate people from all walks of life.

GREEK VERSION OF THE REMARKS

ΓΙΩΡΓΟΣ ΣΤΡΟΥΜΠΟΥΛΗΣ

Θα μιλήσω στα ελληνικά για λίγο και στη συνέχεια θα μιλήσω στα αγγλικά για να μπορούν όλοι να καταλάβουν. Σας ευχαριστώ που ήρθατε και σας καλωσορίζω. Είμαστε κάτω από την Ακρόπολη, ένα σύμβολο της Ελλάδας. Ονομάζομαι Γιώργος Στρουμπούλης και είμαι ο CEO της Ideoli Group. Θέλω απλώς να ευχαριστήσω όλους για τον χρόνο που αφιερώσατε. Καταλαβαίνω ότι είναι πάντα πρόκληση να συμμετέχετε σε εκδηλώσεις όπως αυτή και να βρίσκετε τον χρόνο. Ευχαριστώ, λοιπόν, που είστε εδώ. Σχετικά με το παρασκήνιό μου, είμαι Έλληνας-Καναδός και Αμερικανός πολίτης, γεννημένος και μεγαλωμένος στον Καναδά. Και λέω αυτό για να σας δώσω μια ιδέα γιατί βρισκόμαστε εδώ στην Ελλάδα. Μεγαλώνοντας με μετανάστες γονείς στον κλάδο της εστίασης, μας επιμέναν καθημερινά να καταλάβουμε τη σημασία του να είμαστε Έλληνες. Κάποιοι θα μπορούσαν να το αποκαλέσουν επιρροήστρια, αλλά λειτούργησε. Έτσι, είμαστε εδώ, και πάντα εκτιμήσαμε το τι σημαίνει να είμαστε Έλληνες και να εργαζόμαστε σκληρά. Και μιλώντας για γονείς, ο πατέρας μου μόλις έφτασε από το Τορόντο σήμερα, οπότε ευχαριστώ που είστε εδώ, Παππού, και όλους τους υπόλοιπους.

Ξεκινήσαμε να εργαζόμαστε στην Ελλάδα όταν δεν ήταν εύκολο, σωστά; Ιδανικά ξεκινήσαμε με τον εταιρικό μου σύντροφο, τον Chris Hartswick, ο οποίος θα μιλήσει σε λίγο. Πήραμε μια τόλμηση, όταν η οικονομία ήταν κακή, οι δουλειές δύσκολες εδώ, και είπαμε, ξέρεις τι, γιατί να μην δοκιμάσουμε να προσλάβουμε Έλληνες στην Ελλάδα και να τους απασχολήσουμε με ό, τι κάνουμε στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες; Και ήταν, ξέρεις, πολλοί προσπαθούσαν να μεταφέρουν θέσεις εργασίας σε άλλες χώρες, αλλά εμείς είπαμε ας το δοκιμάσουμε. Ακόμα και αν έχω ελληνικό υπόβαθρο, δεν ξέρουμε πώς είναι να εργάζεσαι με Έλληνες, έτσι; Κάθε μέρα υπάρχουν πολιτιστικές διαφορές, υπάρχει διαφορά ζώνης ώρας και εγώ είμαι Έλληνας, οπότε φυσικά ήμουν πιεστικός. Ο εταιρικός μου σύντροφος είναι Αμερικανός, οπότε είπε, εντάξει, ας το δοκιμάσουμε. Έτσι, προσλάβαμε μερικά άτομα εδώ, ειδικά στον τομέα του φωτισμού. Και μέχρι σήμερα, ήταν πιθανώς η καλύτερη επιχειρηματική απόφαση που πήραμε ποτέ. Ήταν απλώς αξιοθαύμαστοι, σκληροί εργάτες, σκεπτόμενοι διαφορετικά, ανθεκτικοί, επίμονοι αλλά και καλοί. Ναι. Έτσι, συνειδητοποιήσαμε ότι αυτό είναι εξαιρετικό και όσο περνούσαν τα χρόνια και κατασκευάζαμε την ομάδα μας, έγινε σαφές ότι όταν έρθει η κατάλληλη στιγμή, πρέπει να έρθουμε εδώ και να καταστήσουμε παρόν. Και τώρα όλοι είναι αισιόδοξοι. Φαίνεται ότι η κυβέρνηση είναι αισιόδοξη, οι άνθρωποι πιστεύουν ότι είναι μια καλή στιγμή, υπάρχουν ξένες επενδύσεις που έρχονται εδώ. Οπότε είπαμε, ξέρεις τι, είναι καιρός να είμαστε επίσημα εδώ. Δεν μπορούμε να το κάνουμε μισοτελειωμένο. Για αυτό και δημιουργήσαμε την Ideoli Europe για να υποστηρίξουμε την ευρωπαϊκή μας επιχείρηση, η οποία τυχαίνει να έχει το γραφείο εδώ στην Αθήνα. Έτσι κάναμε. Και όσο πιο αισιόδοξοι γίνουμε, κοιτάμε ήδη στο μέλλον. Έτσι, είμαστε εδώ τώρα, έχουμε γραφείο στο Μαρούσι και προσλαμβάνουμε και θα έχουμε αρκετούς νέους υπαλλήλους από τώρα μέχρι το τέλος του έτους. Και όσο περνά ο καιρός, σκοπεύουμε να φέρουμε παραγωγή και κατασκευή στην Ελλάδα. Όχι για να εξυπηρετούμε την ελληνική αγορά, αλλά για να αξιοποιήσουμε το ταλέντο εδώ και να υποστηρίξουμε την επιχείρησή μας παγκοσμίως. Έτσι, το γραφείο μας εδώ υποστηρίζει την περιοχή, τη Μέση Ανατολή και στη συνέχεια την παγκόσμια κλίμακα. Επομένως, η δουλειά μας, η δική μου προσωπικά, του εταιρικού μου συντρόφου, όλων των συναδέλφων που ήρθαν εδώ σήμερα να μας υποστηρίξουν, είναι να σας αποδείξουμε γιατί θα έπρεπε να εργάζεστε μαζί μας. Είμαστε πραγματικά καλοί σε αυτό που κάνουμε. Είμαστε πολύ παθιασμένοι και ξέρουμε ότι μπορούμε να φέρουμε αξία. Δεν προσπαθούμε να δημιουργήσουμε μια εταιρεία που μοιάζει με άλλες, σωστά; Αυτό ακριβώς είναι αυτό που κάνουμε εδώ. Θα μπορούσα να μιλήσω όλη τη νύχτα και ξέρω ότι δεν θέλουμε να κάνουμε αυτό, αλλά μια τελευταία πράγματα, απλά για διασκέδαση. Ενώ κάθεστε εδώ, μπορείτε να δείτε πίσω από μένα, μιλούσα πραγματικά με έναν ντόπιο Αθηναίο απόψε, που ζει εδώ, και το βλέπει 10 φορές την ημέρα και απλά κοιτάζει. Λέει, φίλε, αυτός ο 45χρονος ακόμα εντυπωσιάζεται και μου δείχνει το χέρι του και ήταν υπερήφανος που βρίσκεται εδώ. Και βλέποντας κάτι τέτοιο, σκέφτεστε πόσο καταπληκτικό είναι. Λοιπόν, θα θέλαμε πραγματικά να το φέρουμε στο προσκήνιο. Ας το κάνουμε να υπάρχει. Όταν, όχι αν, αλλά όταν οι μάρμαροι του Παρθενώνα επιστρέψουν στην Ελλάδα, θα θέλαμε πολύ να συνεργαστούμε με το Μουσείο της Ακρόπολης για να το φωτίσουμε με προϊόντα Ideoli. Άς το φέρουμε πίσω, ας βάλουμε έναν στόχο. Και, ναι, αυτό είναι αυτό προς το οποίο θα εργαστούμε.

ΠΡΕΣΒΕΥΤΗΣ ΡΟΒΕΡΤ ΠΕΚ

Έτσι, κανένας πρώην διπλωμάτης δεν μπορεί να πηγαίνει παντού, οπουδήποτε, χωρίς σημειώσεις, αλλά σας υπόσχομαι ότι αυτό δεν θα είναι μια βραδιά με μακρόσυρτο λόγο. Καταρχάς, ως πρώην διπλωμάτης, θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον Yuri από την Αμερικανική Πρεσβεία που βρίσκεται εδώ απόψε. Ως πρώην διπλωμάτης, όλοι γνωρίζουμε τον σημαντικό ρόλο που παίζουν οι πρεσβείες στην προώθηση και υποστήριξη επιχειρήσεων στο εξωτερικό. Μερικές φορές ο ρόλος των πρεσβειών δεν κατανοείται καλά, αλλά μπορώ να πω από προσωπική εμπειρία ότι πράγματι παίζουν έναν πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο και νοιάζονται. Οπότε, ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξή σας στην Ideoli. Είναι πραγματικά μεγάλη χαρά για εμένα και την σύζυγό μου Μαρία, την ελληνική πλευρά, που είμαστε εδώ απόψε. Και πραγματικά αποθεώνουμε την επιλογή του μέρους απόψε, διότι η οικογένεια Λαλαούνη, νομίζω, έχει δώσει ένα υπέροχο κληρονομιά στην Ελλάδα δημιουργώντας αυτό το εξαιρετικό μουσείο. Και πόσο κατάλληλο είναι που η Ideoli επέλεξε αυτό το συγκεκριμένο μουσείο που παρουσιάζει και γιορτάζει την ομορφιά και τον σχεδιασμό του κοσμήματος μέσα από τους αιώνες. Συχνά, είναι εξατομικευμένα κομμάτια για πολύ απαιτητικούς πελάτες και χορηγούς. Η Ideoli έχει θέσει φιλόδοξους στόχους, όχι μόνο για να γίνει ηγέτης αλλά και σημείο αναφοράς στον τομέα. Και η εστίαση της εταιρείας στην εξατομίκευση, τον προηγμένο σχεδιασμό και την εξυπηρέτηση των πελατών, πιστεύω ότι θα την κάνει να ξεχωρίζει από τους ανταγωνιστές της. Γνωρίζω τον Γιώργο για περισσότερο από 10 χρόνια από το χρόνο μου ως πρέσβης στην Ελλάδα από το 2011 έως το 2015 και πάντα εντυπωσιάζομαι από την ενέργειά του, τον δυναμισμό του αλλά και το θετικό του καρμά και ενέργεια. Και ιδιαίτερα στον κόσμο που ζούμε σήμερα, αυτή η θετική διάθεση είναι τόσο σημαντική και εμπνευστική για τα μέλη της ομάδας. Και αργότερα, γνώρισα τον Κρις και κατάλαβα το μοναδικό επαγγελματικό του υπόβαθρο και τη σκεπτόμενη φύση του. Είχα μια πρώτη σειρά θέας όταν ιδρύθηκε η Ideoli και είμαι υπερήφανος που λειτουργώ ως μη τυπικός μέντορας και πεδίο δοκιμής. Πραγματικά, πιστεύω στην αξία της διαγενεακής εμπειρίας και για μένα ήταν μια ευκαιρία, για εμένα να μάθω τόσα πολλά όσα ελπίζω ότι μπορούσα να δώσω από καιρό σε καιρό κάποιες χρήσιμες συμβουλές στον Γιώργο, τον Κρις και την ομάδα τους. Αυτό το δυναμικό δίδυμο του Γιώργου και του Κρις ενσωματώνει το επιχειρηματικό πνεύμα και την αντοχή που απαιτούνται για να επιτύχουν. Και αυτό που μεταδίδουν καθημερινά στην ομάδα τους ως ηγέτες, είναι η δεξιοτεχνία που ενισχύει τους και καθοδηγεί. Και βασίζονται σε μια δέσμευση για ακεραιότητα και αριστεία. Και για μένα, μια αξία που κρατώ εδώ είναι η εταιρική κοινωνική ευθύνη. Έχουν αντιμετωπίσει σχεδόν κάθε είδους πρόκληση που μπορεί να φανταστεί κανείς, ιδιαίτερα την πανδημία, αλλά παρέμειναν ατρόμητοι. Και κάποιες φορές, μπορώ να σας πω ότι αναρωτιόμουν αν είχαν τη ΔΥΝΑΜΗ να ξεπεράσουν αυτά τα εμπόδια, αλλά τα κατάφεραν γιατί είχαν πίστη και αποφασιστικότητα. Και παρατήρησα πώς αναπτύσσουν ένα δίκτυο εικονικών ομάδων σε όλο τον κόσμο και προσλαμβάνουν, όπως έχει αναφερθεί, ταλαντούχο προσωπικό καθώς η παγκόσμια επίδραση της εταιρείας επεκτείνονταν, πίστεψαν στην Ελλάδα ως ένα τελευταίο αναπτυξιακό σταθμό για την Ευρώπη όταν η χώρα βρισκόταν σε πολύ χαμηλό.

Κυρία ΥΟΥΡΙ ΑΡΘΟΥΡ

Καλησπέρα, κυρίες και κύριοι. Θα ήθελα να συνεχίσω στα ελληνικά, αλλά φοβάμαι πως θα ήταν πολύ άβολο για όλους σας στο κοινό. Έτσι, θα μιλήσω στα αγγλικά, αν και πήγα μαθήματα ελληνικών, οπότε δυστυχώς... Είναι μεγάλη τιμή που βρίσκομαι εδώ σήμερα ανάμεσα σε φίλους για να παρουσιάσω κάτι που μπορεί να είναι μία από τις καλύτερες συνδυασμένες προσφορές από τις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες και τον Καναδά. Είναι κάτι που φέρνει πίσω θέσεις εργασίας, ευκαιρίες, δυνατότητες και όνειρα στην Ελλάδα. Νομίζω ότι δεν υπάρχει μεγαλύτερη τιμή από το να επιστρέφεις στην Πατρίδα σου και να φέρνεις μαζί σου την υπόσχεση για ένα πραγματικά συναρπαστικό μέλλον. Άρα, ΣΥΧΑΡΙΤΗΡΙΑ για αυτό, είναι μια πολύ συναρπαστική στιγμή και είμαστε πολύ χαρούμενοι που είμαστε εδώ. Νομίζω πως όλοι είστε πιθανώς γνωστοί με την Ideoli, αλλά σε περίπτωση που δεν είστε, νομίζω ότι η δουλειά του αντικειμενικού τρίτου μέρους είναι να μιλά για τις επιτυχίες που έχει συντελέσει η εταιρεία, αν δεν το ξέρετε. Επιτρέψτε μου να πω πως το αγαπημένο μου παράδειγμα είναι στην πραγματικότητα το California Pizza Kitchen, μια αλυσίδα εστιατορίων στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες. Έχω περάσει πολλές, πολλές νύχτες του κολεγίου εκεί, καταναλώνοντας προσιτή πίτσα και μελετώντας κάτω από το υπέροχο φωτισμό. Υπήρχαν επίσης τα καταστήματα της American Girl Collection στη Νέα Υόρκη. Όταν μιλούσα με τον πρέσβη George J. Tsunis, που ήθελε πολύ να είναι εδώ σήμερα αλλά δεν μπορούσε λόγω υποχρεωτικής διπλωματικής συνάντησης στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες, είπε πως πέρασε πάρα πολύ χρόνο στο κατάστημα της American Girl στη Νέα Υόρκη μαζί με τις δύο όμορφες κόρες του. Και αυτό το μοιράστηκα. Είχα πάει εκεί μια φορά με την ανιψιά μου και το μενού για το κούκλο ήταν πολύ ακριβό. Αλλά όταν έχεις καλό φωτισμό, νομίζω ότι όλα λειτουργούν καλύτερα, έτσι;