Nicholas S. Gouletas, Chairman and CEO, American Invsco Corp.
The amazing journey of Nicholas S. Gouletas spans Athens to Chicago, to Las Vegas and 40 markets in between. An inspiring, rags-to-riches story of a poor 8-year-old immigrant is filled with hope and determination. In 1944, near the end of World War II, the Gouletas family fled Greece for the promise of the U.S. in search of a better life and a place to have the opportunity to build their very own American dream.
Looking back, Gouletas, Chairman & CEO of Chicago-based American Invsco (AI), the nation’s leading con-dominium developer, has come a long way since his family set foot on American soil. "Building is in our blood," he affirms. "The first thing my parents did was save a few dollars to purchase our initial home, a $7,000 two-flat in Chicago. Even then, I sensed the importance of owning property. My father worked two or three jobs, and my mother did piecework until two a.m. That’s where my strong work ethic comes from. At 14, my brother and I built a basement apartment and garage and before you knew it, our two-flat became a three-flat. From there on – we just kept building."
In 1969, at 31, Gouletas formed American Invsco, focusing primarily on real estate brokerage. His first listing was a condominium. In 1972, he did his first condominium conversion, – a 100-unit project. "We sold it out in 90 days. Back in the ‘70s, most people didn’t even know what a condo was," mused Gouletas.
For over 35 years, Gouletas and his American Invsco team have been true pioneers in residential real estate, successfully developing, marketing and managing over 40,000 condos in 40 American cities with property values over $4.0 billion. Gouletas was featured on the cover of Forbes magazine and a quote in response to his induction into the Realtors Hall of Fame said it all so well, "When I look at Chicago’s skyline, I see Mr. Gouletas’ imprint across the city."
In 2005, Gouletas set sights on Vegas, purchasing The Meridian Private Residences. "I wish I had 10 of these projects in Las Vegas. It’s the only mid-rise this close to the Strip, just a seven-minute walk. It offers an elegant Mediterranean atmosphere, resort-style pools, romantic courtyards and lush landscaping over its 16 acres. It’s a beautiful, relaxing place. I plan to spend a lot more time in Vegas seeking out new opportunities.
"Home-ownership empowers indivi-duals financially and psychologically, as it benefits the economy and sur-rounding community. Whether your goal is to live more comfortably or broaden a portfolio, American Invsco is dedicated to providing the support you need every step of the way."
Advise on chasing after your dreams: "The most valuable asset is your character, the second is reputation. I don’t care where you start. America gives you the opportunity."
A moment Gouletas won’t forget:"The Chicago Sun-Times did a feature on us in the real estate section. A photographer caught the reporter and me gazing in awe at the Mies Van der Rohe skyscraper we’d just purchased. His picture captured the essence of that moment. It was there in a way my life came full circle. The very corner where the building stood was the one where my dad dropped me off on as a kid when I sold ice cream."
Nicholas S. Gouletas - the visionary who intuitively applied what he learned from his parents, worked tirelessly and built a $4.0 billion real estate empire, is living proof that all things are possible in America.
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The amazing journey of Nicholas S. Gouletas spans Athens to Chicago, to Las Vegas and 40 markets in between. An inspiring, rags-to-riches story of a poor 8-year-old immigrant is filled with hope and determination. In 1944, near the end of World War II, the Gouletas family fled Greece for the promise of the U.S. in search of a better life and a place to have the opportunity to build their very own American dream.
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