I was born in Katerini, Greece, back in August 3rd, 1975.
Until 2003, I had an interesting career in my country, having plenty of local and some national moments of success. But it was not enough. I wanted something more…
On January 21st, 2004 I landed in Romania. I did not know anyone at all, but I decided to stay here. There was a combination between the country’s potential, the challenge of rising Real Estate segment and the biggest bet I ever made with myself.
Before coming here, I thought I knew a lot. But soon I realized that there was much more to learn. The ones who helped me advance the most were 3 categories of people:
- the serious Romanians, who guided me in order to learn avoiding the “obstacles”;
- the serious foreigners, who shared with me their international perspective of business and their techniques that bring success;
- my clients in general, who showed me what Real Estate is all about.
Romania changed me as person. Not my values, my principles, those remain unchanged. But my perception of life, my approach to all kinds of problems, questions and worries we all have. I started this blog in order to express myself, as I was not able, at that time, to find “open doors” in the media. It started as a joke, but nowadays it has become part of my daily activity.
Some of my Romanian friends get upset with my analyses, or (100% real) stories. “You are here and you talk so bad about the country that welcomed you”. Except the fact that I consider that truth is the best “weapon” in order to solve our problems, I need to share with you something: I see Romania’s enormous potential and I have high expectations from this country, these people. This is why I am so straight forward. Only when you care about someone, you try to improve him too. If not, you simply remain silent, take what you want and quietly leave. Not my case…
Throughout the hundreds of messages I have received so far, I realized that plenty of Romanians or foreigners found my words, analyses, stories and advices useful. I would be happy to find out that this blog can become important for people wishing to invest in Romania.
Thank you for being a part of my community. I will be looking forward to receiving your feedback for all you see written here.
The best is yet to come!
Ilias
[relevant-to-adsense]
Few days ago, on Tuesday, I had presented to you an interview of Mr Gavin Ryan, an expert in Private Equity and Venture Capital Funds. As far as I understood from your feedback, this subject was really interesting for you, as the official information about this segment is really limited. This is why I decided to address to Mr Ryan again, summing some of your questions and adding some new ones. This domain is really interesting and I think that it worths to know ... 
Happy birthday Ilias! La multi ani!!!! I do hope to folow your articles and publications for many years to come.
The best still lies ahead, navigating trough rough seas, as always, but keeping a steady course.
Health and success are my wishes.
Best regards
Dear Ilias,
For a "contrarian" view of economics, stock markets, real estate, and geopolitical matters, i watch a newsletter called GEAB/LEAP2020, wich sometimes has very interesting arguments. One in particular, is the behaviour of western Europe housing market, in the near future. I leave here the link:http://www.leap2020.eu/GEAB-N-56-Special-Summer-2011-is-available-Global-systemic-crisis-Last-warning-before-the-Autumn-2011-shock-when-15_a6679.html
As always is one more opinion, and not a "holy guide", but nevertheless, matter for some reflection.
Best regards.
Pedro Matos