Meet Panos Chalvantzis: Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Panos Chalvantzis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Panos, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of my own business was a product of a long-standing desire to work for myself, a quest for independence and for doing something that I love. Getting it off the ground was one of the most challenging and most exhilarating things I have done up to that point. The thought process started with market research where I realized that genuine inspiration and in-depth knowledge were lacking in my industry so I wanted to create a company that would make a difference and eventually become known for solving problems others were either not addressing or did not know how to respond to. I also knew I had to create a need in order to differentiate myself from others, and creating a buzz was, I must admit my favorite part of the thought process since it allowed me to be creative and utilize all my previous experiences, but this time for something I could call my own.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of managerial experience in the media, luxury travel and real estate investment sectors. My passion for exploration and adventure led me to set my focus on the travel industry. With my lead, Travelive has grown into a recognized trailblazer in the tourism sector. Travelive an award-winning luxury destination management company with offices in Boca Raton and Athens, Greece is a preferred supplier for Virtuoso, Signature Travel Network, Travel Leaders Network, Altour and Ensemble agents all around the world. Travelive is featured in Travel + Leisure’s A-List of the World’s Top Travel Agents and is among the Top Travel Specialists of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. On-site offices in Europe oversee contracting, partner relationships, confirmations, sales and act as 24/7 customer service departments. With this, Travelive can offer its clients the advantages of working with a US company (with the local, financial and legal benefits) while also offering the full support and security of an on-site representative office. In South Florida I am the Principal Broker of Helio Realty LLC, a luxury real estate brokerage firm. Helio Realty is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company representing clients worldwide in a broad spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, property management, residential leasing and luxury vacation rentals. Our team of dedicated professionals has a broad range of experience in the luxury real estate and hospitality sectors. By fusing our in-depth sales and marketing background with dedication and enthusiasm, we offer clients a competitive advantage in an ever-changing market. We have extensive experience in the South Florida real estate landscape – specifically from Palm Beach to Miami.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am all about fine dining! Some of my favorites are: Miami: Kiki’s on the River. Amazing Greek food! Boca Raton: La Nouvelle Maison for the best French Cuisine. Palm Beach Island: Renato’s for incredible Italian food. Try Ossobucco Milanese!