Evans Agrapidis is the Senior Partner of Agrapidis & Maroules, Evans is a thought leader, influencer, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Evans provides the leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Agrapidis & Maroules.
Evans Agrapidis joins other leading Bestselling Authors, International Speakers & entrepreneurs, CEOs, and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have Evans join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Evans Agrapidis is one of the founders of Agrapidis & Maroules law firm based in Jersey City, New Jersey. He takes great pride in the success and accomplishments that his law firm has been able to obtain over the last 30 years of service. His firm specializes in personal injury cases and has helped thousands of clients win their legal issues. Evans Agrapidis has brought a wide range of issues to a close including cases related to; construction site accidents, work-related accidents, automobile and motor truck accidents, wrongful death cases, and a wide variety of personal injury cases as well. His offices are located in Jersey City on John F. Kennedy Blvd. and on State Highway Route 17 in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey.
Evans Agrapidis graduated from Syracuse University as an honor student with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He further pursued higher education and ultimately attended the Seton Hall University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor. After he completed law school, he worked in the Federal District Court of the District of New Jersey with Honorable John W. Devine. He is also proud to be an active member of the New Jersey State and New Jersey Federal Bars as well as the New York State and New York Federal Bars. Presently he is a member of both the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Lawyers of Distinction.
Let us start by telling us about your business.
My firm, Agrapidis & Maroules, was created over 30 years ago. Our focus is on representing clients that were injured in any type of accident or situation, such as an automobile accident, a work-related incident, a fall, a construction site incident, a dog bite, any type of injury scenario. Our firm focuses on representing the injured.
We have also been involved in real estate development over the years, but that is separate from my legal practice. In my early years of practice, my focus was a bit broader as I was not turning away many clients, and I was introduced to real estate developers and related legal matters.
Q: Please tell us how you make sure your customers will become raving fans of your company?
I am a senior partner. I make sure that I am the one that meets with the client when they come to our office. We have several lawyers, but I like to meet with clients and look them in the eye and give them the assurance that I will be personally involved in their case. Even though I may not be the one handling it, all of the decisions run through me. I assure them that they are going to get a personal touch by us and that once we represent them, we want them to be customers for life.
Q: Please tell us the one thing that separates your business from the competition.
We have a very personalized touch. When an individual retains an attorney, many times for the first time, they are intimidated. I like to give them a feeling of comfort and compassion from the start. They will meet with a lawyer, not a paralegal. At many other firms, the first meeting may be with a paralegal. I like to let them know that even though we are attorneys, we are easy to talk to and are down to earth.
Q: And to finish this section, please tell us what the one major key to your company’s success is?
We often get complimented on how nice our staff is, and that is a reflection on me and my partner that we hire staff that is courteous, friendly, and accessible. I think that is important. We let our staff know that when clients call or drop by, and we are not there, that our staff is an extension of our firm. I think that is key to providing a good experience for our clients. We believe in treating our staff right so that they treat clients right.
Q: For our readers just starting to build a company, what advice can you give entrepreneurs just starting out with a new venture?
I would advise them not to be in a rush. Success takes time. A senior attorney once told me, and I liked this motto: You learn your skills in your 20s, you start to know what you are doing in your 30s and begin to create your success, and then you have achieved your success and whatever your definition of wealth is by your 40s. The point is that it takes time for all of those things to come together. Enjoy the process as you work towards success in your new venture.
My dad was a restaurant guy and he told me, “Treat the cups of coffee like a steak dinner.” What that means is when a client comes in with a small matter, treat that client the same as a client with a large matter. That cup of coffee, or that small matter, if you treat the client right, might refer you a steak dinner down the road. When you are starting out in business, there is no matter too small.
Q: For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business as successful as yours, what big piece of advice can you give them when times get a little challenging?
As a leader, you need to set an example, in your office or in your business, of strength. Show leadership to your employees. As our office began going through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, back in March I had a law firm meeting and tried to be an example of strength, courage, and leadership to my team. When they see that, they tend to follow. It gives them a feeling of stability.
Today I will be going to my office, and we are going to have our annual Christmas party. For the first time in 32 years, we are unable to have it at a restaurant as has been our custom. Because of COVID, my staff felt uncomfortable going out to a restaurant. We will still take a lot of precautions, but I wanted to still keep the spirit of the holidays and have a party at the office. We are going to sing Christmas carols and help each other feel confident that we as a team are going to get through this. We are all getting dressed in our Christmas sweaters and Christmas ties, and we are going to be strong and encourage each other. My staff is really looking forward to it. To me, that is leadership and that is important.
Q: In today’s fast-changing business environment, how do you stay abreast of things?
I deal with legal matters and client concerns from 9 to 5, but most days I also reserve a little time in the evening to catch up with marketing trends and take care of financial and administrative matters. I like to handle those matters at a different time. By separating your day that way, it helps me to think clearly and focus on the current matter. I do not let a changing environment overwhelm me. A lot of things are not applicable. You get hit with so much information. If something is working, there may not be a need to change it.
Q: What is your “Why”? In one sentence, why do you get up in the morning?
Each day is a gift. I’m just grateful to get up and see what life will offer each day. That is mine why. It is very simple. It’s not money. I am grateful to get up and have a new day. Let’s see what it brings.
Q: In one sentence, what is the most important thing one has to do to be a great leader?
By setting an example of hard work and professionalism, your employees will follow that example and care more for your business.
Q: In one sentence, describe how important your customers are to your business?
The more satisfied your customers are, the better your job security will be. No matter how talented you are, without satisfied customers, your business will not succeed.
Q: In one sentence, describe a positive way that technology can make the world a better place?
Technology has improved our ability to keep existing relationships with people strong, and to me, that is key to making the world a better place. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, technology has allowed us to stay connected with loved ones and keep our world well informed.
Q: In one sentence, tell us something positive to motivate our readers?
When you approach any day, do it with a thirst to live it, not to just get through it. Each day is a blessing, so make it count.
Q: In one sentence, tell us how you start your day to get ready?
As soon as I wake up, I listen to morning meditation and set my intentions for that day. I follow the meditation with a brief prayer and then a little exercise.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you handle rejection and setback?
I reflect on how I can get better, so it does not happen again, and then I let it go. I try to put the setbacks in the rear-view mirror and then I look forward to the moment at hand.
Q: In one sentence, describe what your hiring philosophy is?
I look for someone who has the personality to fit in my existing office and make our karma even better. It is important to hire an employee that fits out office culture which is friendly and compassionate.
Q: In one sentence, describe how you keep your sanity in a competitive business environment?
My mother always told me to stay grounded with a smile and a positive attitude because there are more important things than just business. This attitude allows me to better handle stressful situations.
Website https://evanscagrapidis.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amlawnj/
Evans Agrapidis, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We appreciate you participating in this important roundtable interview series, and helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Agrapidis & Maroules, nothing but the best.
