A trio of experienced professionals with strong roots in Harford County is using their own approach to building businesses that thrive. Together, they’ve created a model grounded in partnership, shared expertise, and long-term impact.
“Ten years ago, I had an IT company, DNA, and I dreamed of an empire, but didn’t know how it was going to work out,” said Tony Hatzigeorgalis, CEO of Watchtower Business Services. “I then brought in Dean and Justin, and we united.” That evolution led to the creation of Watchtower Business Services, a parent company launched three years ago that now partners with a range of ventures across industries to propel them forward.
The model is intentionally hands-on. “We are venture capitalists that trade equity for partnership,” said Justin Gera, one member of the executive team who heads up business development. “We are essentially an executive backbone that you can imagine attaching to any small business if they meet our requirements. We immediately give that company an energizing force. All of the knowledge, expertise, tools… this has a place, and it’s of extreme value.” Rather than passive investment, the team embeds itself in businesses, helping owners scale beyond what they thought might be possible.
That leadership is anchored by both experience and a strong ability to work together as lifelong friends. Dean Hadjis, CFO, previously also served in the same role for Peter Angelos and brings that knowledge to Watchtower. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Hadjis said. “That’s what makes this possible.”
Today, Watchtower is based in nearby Elkton, but its ties to Harford County remain strong. The portfolio reflects that range with HVAC operations like Complete Mechanical Solutions and agricultural ventures like Fresh Source Farm. “We target companies that we can make a difference in,” Hatzigeorgalis says.
Community remains central to Watchtower’s mission. “We help promote and sponsor events,” Hadjis said, noting partnerships with local schools and nonprofits. “Anything that we can do to help spread the word, promote other people, and plug through our vast network is a huge [part of our] effort.”
The executives have a shared straightforward philosophy. Hatzigeorgalis said, “Don’t talk about it -- be about it.”