Tell us a few words about yourself.

I grew up in the New York City metropolitan area, and my paternal family roots are in Crete. My father was born in the village of Kaina in the Apokoronas region of Chania, with family lines extending to Vamos, Georgioupoli, and Sfakia — connecting to the lineage of Daskalogiannis. On my maternal side, my roots are in the Piraeus region of Athens, with family ties reaching Kranidi, Epirus, the Dodecanese, Zakynthos, Aegina, Kalymnos, and Kefalonia — and a connection to the Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos.

What is Rízes, and how did you decide to create it?

Rízes Hellenic Genealogy Research was born from a combination of my background in education, technology, history, and research. I chose the name "Rízes" very intentionally — the Greek word immediately captures both the genealogical concept of roots and the cultural connection to Greece. The logo itself reflects my own family history; two of the figures are modeled after real ancestors, including one who remains a "missing link" in my own research — a reminder that even genealogists continue searching.

Has interest among Greeks of the diaspora grown?

Enormously. I see two groups: third and fourth generation Greek Americans who feel something important was lost when their grandparents felt pressure to assimilate, and first-generation Greeks living abroad who want their children to maintain a connection with Greek culture. Social media has played a major role in this cultural rediscovery — genealogy sits right at its center.

Where does entrepreneurship end when dealing with something as sensitive as roots?

Entrepreneurship must always be balanced with responsibility. A genealogist learns the deeper story of your family — memories, traditions, photographs, long-held stories. In many ways your genealogist becomes something like the best friend you never knew you had. This is why genealogy must always be practiced with respect, honesty, and care.

Hospitality or tourism?

When members of the Greek diaspora travel to Greece to discover their family roots, they are not really tourists. They are reconnecting with places that are part of their own story. What they experience is something much closer to the ancient Greek idea of φιλοξενία — a sense of welcome, belonging, and shared history. For many people, these journeys become more than a visit. They become a return.