Lazaros Kalemis, CEO & Founder

Lazaros Kalemis is the CEO and Founder, of Alpha Card Services, LLC., since its inception on Oct. 1, 2000.

Kalemis, 39, oversees the strategic direction of the Huntingdon Valley based business solutions provider that processes over 2 billion dollars in payment transactions annually. With recognition in the last five consecutive years in Inc. Magazine’s
“Inc. 500 I 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies” and the Annual Philadelphia 100, Alpha Card is fast becoming one of the largest Independent Sales Organizations in the Credit Card Processing Industry. Lazaros is also one of 5 CEOs inducted into the 2011 Philadelphia 100 Hall of Fame to recognize at least 5 consecutive years of Alpha Card Services being listed on the Philadelphia 100.

Lazaros Kalemis was selected as a winner of the 2012 Philadelphia Business Journal “40 under 40” award competition. Lazaros was chosen as a 40 under 40 winner by the Philadelphia Business Journal based on his exceptional leadership qualities, positive contributions to the business community, generous philanthropy and significant accomplishments throughout his professional career. The 40 Under 40 award recognizes young professionals in the Delaware Valley for outstanding success and contributions to their community. The winners were selected from more than 250 nominations and represent some the region’s most entrepreneurial and influential up-and-comers in the Delaware Valley.

The core business model that Kalemis designed for Alpha Card Services is to be a comprehensive business solutions provider for merchants.  By offering this product suite of merchant friendly products, Merchant services, Payroll, Cash Advances, POS Systems and Gift and Reward Card Services. Lazaros has created a model that generates multiple revenue streams and a value-added approach that is an industry first.

Additionally, Kalemis designed and implemented some creative customer service policies that were unheard of in the industry and differentiated the company from a growing number of competitors.  A zero hold time policy for customer and rep support calls, quality assurance procedures, a dedicated retention department and same day application approval were all implemented and received very positively by the industry.  By 2010, Alpha Card Services was a $14 million business with 45 full time employees & 607 independent sales contractors.  Over a 9 year period, this is nearly a 14,000% organic sales growth for the company. 

Previously, Kalemis held the position as CEO of Kaleo Publications, a global business reference directory publisher; He co-founded Kaleo Publications at 19 years old eventually employing 135 employees in 3 offices in Pennsylvania, Arizona and California. Due to a fight with cancer in 1998 he sold his interest in the business to his business partner.

Kalemis is also the founder of the Alpha Card Cares initiative, which mobilizes the collective financial and organizational efforts of Alpha Card employees, management, customers and vendors, to support a variety of causes and organizations, such the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk, and the Greater Philadelphia ALS Walk.

Lazaros Kalemis has led a positive, successful and challenging life.  As a two time survivor of cancer, Lazaros' life motto is to “live every day and make every decision like you are dying tomorrow."  This personal mission statement has been incorporated into every aspect of his life - business, community involvement, philanthropic endeavors and family.  A native of Philadelphia, PA., Kalemis earned a B.A. degree from LaSalle University in 1997. Kalemis is married to his wife Angela, and has two daughters Zoe and Evdocia. He enjoys skiing, golf and basketball.