Nicholas Kahrilas, a distinguished business leader and sports enthusiast from Lexington, Massachusetts, has carved a unique path in both the corporate and sports worlds. As an All-American High School Wrestler and a collegiate athlete, he demonstrated early on his commitment to excellence. Nicholas’s academic journey took him from Lexington High School to UCLA, culminating with an Executive MBA from Harvard. His professional achievements are notable, including his roles as President of Republic Paint Company, Painters Warehouse Stores, and Platinum Legacy, and eventually leading the Kahrilas Group as President and CEO. His philanthropic efforts, particularly towards UCLA, and his passion for paddle tennis, where he won a National Championship with his son Cole, highlight his multifaceted persona. Nicholas’s business acumen, combined with his sportsmanship and community involvement, make him a respected figure in both the boardroom and on the sports field.

Q&A with Nicholas Kahrilas

Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing in Lexington, Massachusetts?

Nicholas Kahrilas: Absolutely. Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts was a great experience. It’s a town with a rich history, and I was actively involved in sports, becoming an All-American High School Wrestler and continuing to letter in wrestling during my college years.

How did your father’s role in the Patriot Missile Program influence your career choices?

Nicholas Kahrilas: My father, Peter J. Kahrilas, ran the Patriot Missile Program for Raytheon from 1968-1980. His dedication and success in such a significant role definitely instilled in me the values of hard work and striving for excellence in whatever I do.

Can you share a highlight from your time as a student at UCLA and Harvard?

Nicholas Kahrilas: My time at UCLA, where I graduated in 1982, and at Harvard for my executive MBA were both pivotal. At UCLA, I not only focused on my studies but also remained active in sports and campus life. The executive MBA program at Harvard expanded my business acumen significantly.

As President and CEO of Kahrilas Group, what are your key focuses and goals?

Nicholas Kahrilas: In my role at Kahrilas Group, my main focus is on leading our team towards sustainable growth, innovation, and excellent customer service. I also emphasize the importance of great communication within the team and with our clients.

What drove you towards philanthropy, and can you tell us about some of the causes you support?

Nicholas Kahrilas: My commitment to philanthropy stems from a belief in giving back to the community. I have donated to UCLA and have been recognized with the Paul Harris Award for Rotary. Being part of the Million Dollar Round Table for Insurance from 2007-2012 was also a testament to this commitment.

How do you define success in business, and how do you measure your own success?

Nicholas Kahrilas: Success for me is about achieving desired and measurable outcomes, including financial profitability, market share growth, and innovation. Personally, it’s also about work-life balance and personal fulfillment. I set quarterly goals and measure progress towards these, using feedback from my YPO group and my own self-assessment.

You mentioned experiencing ups and downs in your business life. What keeps you motivated during challenging times?

Nicholas Kahrilas: The experience of making and losing fortunes has taught me resilience. During tough times, I lean on my family and the wisdom of mentors like David Price, Jim Collins, and Stanley Black. Playing a game of paddle tennis or engaging in exercise also helps me refocus.

Speaking of paddle tennis, can you tell us about winning the National Championships with your son?

Nicholas Kahrilas: Winning the National Championships in Paddle Tennis with my son Cole as a doubles team was an incredibly proud moment for me. It’s a testament to our hard work, dedication, and the strong bond we share.

Lastly, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs starting their journey?

Nicholas Kahrilas: My advice would be to set clear goals, embrace both success and failure as learning opportunities, and always maintain great communication with your team and clients. Also, remember the importance of balance in life and cherish the support of real friends and family.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Business and Life: Nicholas Kahrilas emphasizes the importance of resilience, having experienced both successes and failures in his business ventures. His journey illustrates the value of perseverance, learning from setbacks, and the significance of setting and measuring goals for continuous improvement.

• Philanthropy and Community Involvement: Nicholas’s dedication to giving back to the community is evident through his philanthropic efforts, particularly his contributions to UCLA and his recognition in the Rotary Club. This underscores his belief in the importance of supporting educational and community initiatives.

• Balancing Professional and Personal Passions: A unique aspect of Nicholas’s life is his ability to balance a successful business career with personal interests and family. His achievements in sports, notably winning the National Championships in Paddle Tennis with his son, Cole, highlight his commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the importance of nurturing personal relationships.

Published by: Nelly Chavez