Yesterday I was sitting on the beach drinking coffee in Athens, Greece when upon paying the bill the Greek waiter inquired as to whether my father and I were American.  Never disputing the markedly obvious, I affirmed we were, and the ensuing discussion left me appreciating my country and every opportunity that’s presented to me.

This waiter, in his very broken English, with every word carefully chosen, explained to my father and I that he dreams to go to America to talk with someone about some ideas he has.  He wanted nothing more than to supply someone with money and ability nothing more than four or five entrepreneurial possibilities he’s dreamed up.

Upon further explanation, he revealed that it is common knowledge in Greece that there are ultimately 5 families that control all the money in the country.  They also control businesses, government and ultimately the people of his country.

It is those families that dictate who starts a business, who benefits from the risk of sticking your neck out and who succeeds in financial and entrepreneurial endeavors.

If one were to set out and independently form his own business, the families would step in and by way of taxes bankrupt the company.  Hence, the desire to make his pitch to someone, anyone, in the United States.

To any extent possible he wanted to make his own way, and more apparent, get away from pouring coffee in that beach side cafe in Greece.

I must say, the beaches of Athens are exquisite.  But it is these experiences gained while traveling in foreign lands that make the otherwise desolate plains of the United States look so much more beautiful than any painting the sunset over the mountains of Greece could ever inspire.

Our government here in the United States is as corrupt as ever. Never before has money has such a visible influence in politics, and yesterday on the beach I realized that despite all that, living in the United States is still pretty damned… good.

Business, Marketing, Travel Business, entrepreneurship