For a look at the rest of the 2020 40 Under 40 honorees, be sure to check out the 40 Under 40 homepage.
Age: 39
Job Title: Managing Director/Partner
Company: Home Theater of Long Island
Where You Grew Up, Live Now: I grew up in Queens, NY and currently reside in Garden City, NY.
Education: Five Towns College on Long Island. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Audio Engineering.
Accomplishments: What started out as a part-time gig for a high school kid trying to earn some extra cash is now a fruitful and lucrative career. I was a warehouse person that slowly climbed the ladder and eventually ran the whole operation.
Awards: CEDIA Award Electronic House ‘Home of the Year Award’ Above $50,000.00 Electronic House ‘Home of the Year Award’ Under $50,000.00 Meridian Premium Partner Award
What I Like Best About My Job: The thrill I get when I close that ‘big deal’ I’ve been working hard on. There really isn’t any other way to explain the instant gratification.
Favorite Pastime: Spending time with my wife and kids for sure. Also, discovering new music and creating playlists.
Last Book: The Bay Audio Guide to Companion Selling, by Ira Friedman.
Favorite Movie Read: Once Upon a Time in America
Best Concert: On the Run 2, Jay-Z and Beyonce
My Hero: My father is my hero. He migrated to America in the 1960’s from Greece with nothing, and sacrificed everything for a better life. Against all odds, he was able to achieve the ‘American Dream’ and build a better life for me. I am forever grateful.
Favorite CE Product: Meridian DSP8000SE speakers in piano black.
If You Could be Anyplace Right Now, Where Would it Be and What Would You Be Doing?: I would be on an island in Greece called Kefalonia. My family is from a small town there called Pessada. I would be sailing across the Ionian Sea.
Biggest Industry Issue: Salespeople need to stop shopping with their own wallet. Too often I notice salespeople proposing subpar equipment instead of being bold and maximizing the sale. We need to drive more clients into experience centers and showrooms to show them the difference.