The Importance of Father's Day with George Vlahos

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How has your father’s influence impacted your financial advisory work?

I grew up in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighborhood in the 90’s with my two brothers and amazing parents. My dad was an endocrinologist working at St. Paul’s Hospital when, at the age of 45, was unfortunately and unexpectedly diagnosed with life-threatening cancer. This was a huge shock to my family and was difficult for us to process. My dad’s health declined rapidly and just ten months after he was diagnosed, he passed away. Before everything happened, my family was financially stable and in a good position. However, after his passing, we realized we did not have a secure financial plan in place. As a kid back then, I was unaware of the gravity of the situation, but in retrospect, I know that my parents did not have any financial security planning in place. We had no life insurance and a house with a mortgage that could not be paid off. We were forced to sell our home and were left financially unstable.

Through that experience, I recognized the financial challenges that my family went through and it became the driving force for my business. Chrono Wealth Management was created to ensure that my clients have a plan in place for when unexpected things happen in their lives whether it’s illness, premature death, or any other unforeseen events. I hope to help my clients the way I wish my family had been helped and to make my dad proud of what I am building through my business.

How have you honoured your father and other father figures through your business?

When I created my business, I was inspired by my family’s Greek background. After my dad passed away, my grandpa became a father figure for me. To pay tribute to him, I took my grandpa’s last name (Chronopoulos) and the stem (Chrono) to make Chrono Wealth Management. The stem (Chrono) also means time which I thought was relevant to my business. My practice was named Chrono Wealth Management to convey that the brand is timeless and is a family legacy.

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How have father figures in your life shaped your idea of success?

It is important to have mentors who are looking out for your best interests. One of my mentors in the finance industry is an advisor who has been pivotal to my growth. When I joined the financial advisory industry at 23 years old, regularly seeking guidance from him helped me establish my goals and learn to overcome challenges. Additionally, other men in my life and family have all played an important role in helping me define my idea of success. I am lucky to have found different paternal figures in my life and career to look up to.

What does Father’s Day mean to you?

Personally, Father’s Day is a day to look back and appreciate everything my dad has given to my family—we had a great childhood. Every year, I go to the cemetery to pay respect to my dad’s grave. I know it can be sad for some people if they have lost their fathers, but for me, it is a day of reflection, appreciation, and gratefulness for the father figures in our lives. Father’s Day helps us aspire to be and value the good male figures in our communities.