NEW YORK – Marc Demetriou recently spoke with The National Herald about his life and his book, Lessons From My Grandfather: Wisdom for Success in Business and Life. The Kirkus Review called Demetriou’s book, “A highly readable motivational book derived from the wisdom of one humble man.”

“The last trip I went on with my grandfather was to Cyprus,” Demetriou said.“He was from Kyrenia but we didn’t visit that part of the island. We did spend time with family and also vacationed all over the Island. It was extra special because several times on our journey we met people along the way that knew my grandfather and his family. It was an amazing trip and I will never forget it.”

Demetriou noted his love for Cyprus, Greece and the people here and overseas, even though he was born here in the United States, and so were his parents. He has a true affinity for the culture and “the great Greek way of life” which he attributes to his grandfather and his family upbringing as a whole.

Inspired by his pappou’s wisdom and his immigrant story of coming here with nothing and getting ahead in life is why he wanted to write this book. “We’re losing those immigrants and his generation. I wanted to share his wisdom so that everyone can understand that they too can achieve success in business and life like he did. Controlling life rather than letting life control him was a key factor to his success,” Demetriou told TNH. “My goal with this book was to share my mentor with the world so his story can help to inspire, motivate, and empower thousands, if not millions of people one day to live their very best life. It is my way of giving back because I was advantaged to have my grandfather in my life for 37 years until his passing at 97. Now everyone can have him as their mentor as well.”

Faith is also vital. Demetriou mentioned the family attends St. Nicholas Church in Wyckoff, NJ, and his pappou “always felt he had an angel on his shoulder,” and “had faith but also believed in himself and his abilities as well as doing the right thing and being a good person.”

His grandfather, Demetriou said, “sent money back to help his family in Cyprus and always helped others along the way. He got ahead in life because he was likable, trustworthy, passionate, positive, joyful, and appreciative. He knew that there is always someone less fortunate than you, no matter where you are in life or what your situation is. He was awake and alive to the suffering of others and always felt that doing for others was a positive force for the soul.”

Demetriou said “my grandfather thought of me as the son he never had and we were literally best friends. He was always telling me stories and giving me great advice and guidance. He also read two newspapers a day and would cut out articles and give them to me. I had this unbelievable mentor in my life and it just hit me one day that I needed to share him with the world.”

When asked about the work-life balance, Demetriou said, “there are 24 hours in a day, and how you use those hours is up to you. We all have demands in our life, but time management is very important. Every minute in our lives is precious. But to have a family life-work balance, you need to stay focused and use your time wisely. Time management, organizational skills, and scheduling are all very important. You don’t want to miss out on spending time with family. Especially when your kids are young so be sure to treasure every minute with them. Success in business and life doesn’t come without hard work, commitment and sacrifice. But, having the proper balance will enable you be a true success.”

Not only a national ranked mortgage and finance expert as a residential loan originator, Demetriou is also a top-rated motivational speaker who has appeared at the Mastermind Summit along with world-renowned motivational speaker Tony Robbins and Barbara Corcoran from ABC’s Shark Tank. He is also a certified and licensed instructor, offering continuing education credits to accountants, realtors, financial planners, and managed care professionals throughout New Jersey. He was also cohost on WVNJ’s popular The Real Estate and Money Show. Demetriou is the proud father of three daughters, Alexis, Julianna, and Charley. The book is available at grandfatherlessons.com and marcdemetriou.com.