ATHENS, Greece — George Sakellaris, an iconic businessman and trailblazing Northeastern graduate from Greece, shared details of his entrepreneurial journey.
In 1965, an 18-year-old Sakellaris left behind his family’s farm in a small village in Sparta, where he cultivated a strong work ethic, to immigrate to the U.S. He found a job with New England Electric and worked his way up while investing in studies.
Today, he is the president and CEO of Ameresco, a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Speaking to an intergenerational group of Northeastern alumni and leaders last week, Sakellaris, a university corporator emeritus, said: “Challenge the…