Vassilis Kalantzis was born in Bolati, Korinthos, in 1965 and studied Business Administration at Deree (1984). His first job was at Wella Hellas in the sales department and then he moved to Bold Advertising in the client service division. However, the HORECA (Hotel/Restaurant/Café) sector always fascinated and enchanted him.
Between 1992-2010, he created some of the most historic and popular venues in the center of Athens (En Delfis café, Manteio bar-restaurant, Mommy’s bar-restaurant). In 2009, he founded Granikal, one of Greece’s most important spirits import and distribution companies. In 2014, he co-founded the Three Cents premium mixers, a successful company in Greece, exporting to 35 countries. A zealous supporter of new projects (Mala Peruviana, Sipit), Vassilis never stops trying.
Vassilis is married to Alexia Miteko (a Pierce and Deree alumna) and has three daughters.
Q&A
Q: What are three enduring values Deree has taught you?
- Learning is a life-long practice
- What is success if you have no one to share it?
- Appreciate diversity
Q: Describe Deree in three words.
Culturalism, Friendship, Opportunity.
Q: Which is your fondest memory from your time at Deree?
My first days on campus.
Q: What do you miss most from your days at Deree?
Every day life.
Q: If you could go back in time, is there anything that you would do differently?
Try to enjoy more things since it was one of the halcyon periods of my life.
Q: Where was your favorite spot on campus?
Library.
Q: Who was your favorite teacher(s) and why?
I do not want to treat many brilliant teachers unfairly, but Mr. Harry Vlavianos was the one that showed me how to interpret history in order to comprehend tomorrow.
Q: After graduation, have you maintained a relationship with your school and classmates?
Not as much as I would like.
Q: Looking back, how did your time at Deree help you become the person you are today?
Deree College taught me that education is a journey, not a destination.
Q: What advice would you give a new Deree student?
I avoid giving advice. I believe that every human being is uniquely exceptional and has to discover their own truths.
Q: Where do you get your inspiration from?
From people around me. Without them, we are insignificant.
Q: What is your motto in life?
Nothing, like something, happens anywhere – Philip Larkin.
ACG Alumni: We Stay Connected!
