Interview with Gregory Demetrious was Conducted by Writers and Authors
Gregory P. Demetriou is a man of many talents. Once an NYPD detective, he is now the CEO of Lorraine Gregory® Communications, a successful marketing agency. He is also the author of Ask A CEO: Hints, Tips, and Observations. In this exclusive interview, Gregory shares his journey of transitioning from law enforcement to the business world, how a near-fatal incident shaped his life, and his passion for writing.
Career Transition:
Writers and Authors: What was the most challenging aspect of transitioning from an NYPD detective to a business owner and CEO?
Gregory P. Demetriou: The most challenging part was a complete reimagining of “who” I was. Losing the Detective moniker, which was a real matter of pride, was disheartening. It took many years before I would consider myself a CEO in any real way.
Writers and Authors: How did your experience in law enforcement shape your approach to business leadership?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Law enforcement taught me the art of listening. I conducted hundreds of interviews, with both victims and suspects, and developed a strong ability to listen carefully. This skill transferred seamlessly to business leadership. Listening closely to clients, prospects, and team members allowed me to better understand their needs and wants, making it easier to formulate appropriate plans and strategies.
Near-Fatal Incident:
Writers and Authors: Can you share more about the near-fatal shooting incident and how it impacted your life and career trajectory?
Gregory P. Demetriou: That day was a tragic turning point in my life. My police career, which I loved, effectively ended that day. The emotional trauma was compounded by the loss of my colleague, Police Officer Thomas Schimenti. The incident led to years of struggling with PTSD, but it also set me on a new path, one that eventually led me to business and entrepreneurship.
Building a Business:
Writers and Authors: What were the initial challenges you faced when you purchased the small print and mail business 30 years ago?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Although I understood the production side of the business, I was virtually illiterate when it came to the financial side. It took years to gain an understanding of cash flow, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and other financial reports. During the early days, I was essentially flying by the seat of my pants without a clear strategy in place.
Writers and Authors: What key decisions or strategies contributed to transforming it into a successful marketing agency?
Gregory P. Demetriou: The economic downturn of 2008-2009 was a turning point. It became evident that the business needed a larger share of the marketplace to survive. Moving away from the commodity of print and mail was daunting, but it was necessary. Building the agency offerings required a significant financial commitment. We had to hire marketing professionals and support staff before we even had agency clients. It was a bold move, but it paid off.
Writing Journey:
Writers and Authors: How did you discover your passion for writing, and how has it influenced your career?
Gregory P. Demetriou: My passion for writing dates back to the fourth grade when I realized I could translate ideas into words. However, that talent lay dormant for many years. I started writing again for our company newsletter, though I’ll admit, my early work was embarrassingly amateurish. As I continued to write, I improved and eventually began contributing to national publications. I’ve written for the Huffington Post, Forbes Ad Council, and Long Island Business News. Now, I’m proud to have compiled my writings into my book, Ask A CEO.
Writers and Authors: What inspired you to compile your writings into Ask A CEO: Hints, Tips, and Observations?
Gregory P. Demetriou: I wanted to share my journey as a CEO and offer insights into the many aspects of growing and running a company. My experiences, successes, and failures have taught me valuable lessons that I hope can benefit others.
From decorated NYPD Detective to CEO of an award-winning marketing agency, Greg Demetriou knows a thing about resilience and reinvention. When his career was cut short by a near-fatal, in the line of duty shooting, Greg needed to reimagine his life.
Never one to fear a challenge, he embarked on a new business path. With the conviction that failure was
not an option, he immersed himself in learning the insand outs and challenges of growing an organization. Though the road was not always smooth, the small print and mail business he purchased 30 years ago is now a successful, full-service marketing agency. Along the way, Greg used his passion for writing to chronicle his experiences. This book is a compilation of those works-hints, tips, and observations-put together to impart a sense of the journey and day-to-day life in the corner office. Purchase on Amazon
Leadership Insights:
Writers and Authors: What are some of the most important leadership insights you’ve gained from your career?
Gregory P. Demetriou: One of the most important insights I’ve gained is that I’m not the smartest person in the room. It’s crucial to know what you know, but just as important to recognize what you don’t know. Surrounding yourself with people who complement your strengths and weaknesses is key to effective leadership.
Writers and Authors: How do you believe these insights can help other aspiring leaders and CEOs?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Hearing from someone who has lived through these experiences can be incredibly helpful. Throughout my career, I’ve learned a lot from other CEOs, and much of what I share in Ask A CEO comes from listening to fellow business leaders. Their advice and insights have been invaluable to me, and I hope to pass that on to others.
Common Business Challenges:
Writers and Authors: Can you share an example of a common business challenge you faced and how you resolved it?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Cash flow is a constant challenge for any business. Running out of cash can put you out of business before you even realize what’s happening.
Writers and Authors: What advice would you give to other CEOs dealing with similar challenges?
Gregory P. Demetriou: There are alternative forms of funding, such as Small Business Administration loans, but CEOs need to be cautious. Factoring receivables can provide immediate cash, but it comes at a cost—usually around 10%. Before going down that road, make sure you have a plan to get out of it.
Personal Branding:
Writers and Authors: How has your personal brand evolved over the years, and what role does the Greg’s Corner Office website play in it?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Lorraine Gregory® Communications needed a visible and accessible leader in the public marketplace, and I became the face of the company. Greg’s Corner Office became the platform where I could establish my personal brand without overshadowing the company’s image. It allows me to present myself as an expert in the field while still promoting our business.
Writers and Authors: What tips do you have for other business leaders looking to build their personal brand?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Write, speak, join boards, network—essentially, become known. Establishing yourself as an expert in your field takes time, but it’s worth the effort.
Future Goals:
Writers and Authors: What are your future goals for Lorraine Gregory Communications and your personal endeavors?
Gregory P. Demetriou: The company is aggressively growing, both organically and through acquisitions. We’re looking to expand our presence on a national level. Personally, I plan to continue sharing my experiences with the business community through guest appearances on podcasts and other platforms. I’m also planning a follow-up book that will include interviews with national and international CEOs from my Ask A CEO Interview Series Show.
Advice for Aspiring CEOs:
Writers and Authors: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a CEO or start their own business?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Success in business requires a combination of fear, desire, and courage. Fear of failure drives you to work hard, desire keeps you focused on your goals, and courage helps you trust both your mind and your gut.
Writers and Authors: How important is resilience and the willingness to reinvent oneself in achieving long-term success?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Business is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Anyone can perform at high levels for short bursts, but long-term success requires pacing yourself, staying resilient, and being willing to reinvent yourself when necessary.
Writers and Authors: How has networking with other CEOs and business leaders influenced your journey?
Gregory P. Demetriou: Networking has expanded both my personal and professional world. Knowing other CEOs and having contacts to turn to for advice or referrals has been crucial to my success. It’s important to have a network of fellow business leaders who can provide support when needed.
Writers and Authors: Can you share a specific instance where advice from another CEO significantly impacted your decision-making?
Gregory P. Demetriou: I’m fortunate to have several CEOs on my advisory board. Over the years, their advice has been invaluable. Our meetings cover all aspects of the business, from the good to the bad, and sometimes even the ugly. Their input has often guided my decision-making in critical moments.
Gregory P. Demetriou’s journey from NYPD detective to successful business leader and author is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of listening. His experiences offer valuable insights for aspiring CEOs and business leaders, reminding us all that success is a marathon, not a sprint.
This interview was conducted by Writers and Authors. Keep up with Gregory P. Demetriou’s work by visiting Greg’s Corner Office and exploring Ask A CEO: Hints, Tips, and Observations for more leadership insights and advice.
