Our average compatriot will probably find John Papajon’s definition of business incomprehensible. He believed that they were not just “means” of economic life, but a form of human communication that, fueled by enthusiasm and passion, rewarded individual and collective progress. And of course profit.

He deeply believed in this throughout his life, and now that he has “passed away” at the age of 94, he left behind not only a huge fortune, but also a truly magnificent philanthropic work with donations in excess of $100 million in the United States and in Greece. He was one of the most famous emigrants, tying his name to Iowa, where he ended up at just 9 months old when his parents immigrated to the US from Evia.

One would think that he was another precocious and demonic Greek who managed to realize the American dream. Stereotypes aside, John Papadzion was very different from the rest of the successful Greek Americans because he had a vision of inclusion. A generosity that eluded the classical perks scheme.

His most famous achievement was in creating new entrepreneurs. Thus, he convinced many educational institutions in Iowa to join forces to give young children the tools and opportunities to work independently. To date, the 4,000 alumni of this initiative run more than 8,000 businesses. Papaion absolutely believed that you don’t help the one you give the fish to, but you help the one you teach to fish.

He himself had many troubles in his life. Not knowing English, he was forced to attend some lessons twice in elementary school. His father died early, and to help his family, he went to the landfill and collected recyclables that could be resold. He helped demolish his school and then sold the old bricks.

He was late in graduating from university because he was working. And then he immediately wanted to open his own business. He got to the fuses, but the subject seemed boring to him. At that time, a new financial instrument was being developed – mutual fund management. He sensed an opportunity and excelled in that area.

He never forgot Greece. He supported the Hellenic Initiative from the very beginning and until this year he sent money to all sectors where there was a need in our country. At the same time, he was also a great collector, having built a huge sculpture park in Iowa with his wife Mary. “I don’t want to get rich for myself. But to give to others,” was his conviction…