Alumnus, CEO Credits SHU for Business Accomplishments

Stelios Stavrianos ’15, founder of Cylinder Vodka in Stamford, is grateful for his Sacred Heart education.

Stelios Stavrianos ’15 has always been a self-starter and a big thinker. In his teens, he worked multiple jobs while contemplating how to be a successful entrepreneur. He credits Sacred Heart University for the skills and knowledge he gained to make his career dreams come true.

Stavrianos founded The Core Bev Group in 2012 and introduced Cylinder Vodka to the alcohol industry in 2017. The non-GMO, gluten-free, ultra-smooth, premium vodka is served in restaurants throughout the state, and its success increases daily.

The Stamford resident, who majored in business administration with a focus on international marketing, said he picked Sacred Heart for his higher-level education because of its “awesome” business program.

“I had a lot of really amazing professors who pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Stavrianos said before a recent alumni panel hosted by SHU’s Center for Career & Professional Development at the iHub at West Campus. He described his instructors as tough, always testing students’ knowledge. “I wanted to learn as much as possible … they gave me invaluable life lessons and they taught me how to be innovative,” he said.

With a strong education and the drive to do great things, Stavrianos went on to found his beverage business in Stamford. The company’s next big product is a ready-to-drink espresso martini.

Stavrianos’ advice for students: “When you’re done with your homework, become an expert in whatever it is you care about or want to do for living. This will accelerate your career.”