I served as a senior executive in the financial software services industry for over nineteen years. I am a veteran of the wealth and financial technology industry earning my BA and MBA from the University of San Diego, I live in La Jolla, California with my wife Michelle and 6-year-old daughter Gabi. When I wasn’t entertaining clients with salty stories of his colorful family’s criminal past, I volunteer for local charities throughout San Diego and serve on the board of trustees at an independent school in La Jolla.
I wrote a book titled Pesos: The Rise and Fall of a Border Family which is about my father who was dubbed “Mexico’s real-life Don Corleone,” Pietro La Greca Sr. ran the biggest money laundering scheme in Mexican history. I go on to tell the story of how his father built himself from the ground up through lies, scams, and sheer belligerence. After sweet-talking his way from Napoli to Tijuana, my father married into one of Mexico’s most powerful families. During the worst period in Mexico’s economic history, my father proceeded to make millions laundering money on behalf of some of the country’s most powerful politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. But my father’s greed soon led to his downfall, earning him the enmity of presidents and drug cartels alike and twice forcing my entire family to go on the run.
My book has vivid descriptions of life along the San Diego-Tijuana border, and I plunge readers into a world where corruption reigns and the line between business and crime is exceptionally thin. My star-studded account of his father’s rise and fall captures major developments in the last sixty years of border history: the 1982 Mexican debt crisis, the corporatization of Mafia-owned casinos, and the rise of violent drug cartels.
About PIETRO PAULO LAGRECA
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to Michelle LaGreca and I have a 9-year old daughter Gabriella LaGreca whom I have nicknamed “The Goose”
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Currently, I own and manage my own commercial real estate and previously I was in the financial services industry for 19 years. Now I hope to see my book become a TV show. However, my focus is that I have a Podcast set to release this year and it is titled: The King of the Peso. It is an 8-part dramatic mini-series with actors Harvey Guillen, Peter Stromarre, and 32 other voiced actors.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
My daughter and I have a mantra we tell each other every day when I drop her off at school: Have fun, be safe and sound, listen and look at your surroundings, build your world, and grow greater.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully living a peaceful life full of laughter, friendships, family, and love. Mostly I enjoy being my wife and daughter’s #1 fan.
PIETRO PAULO LAGRECA & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mike’s Red Tacos, Cocina 35, Hodads, Brigantine, Herb and Wood, Anime and King Fisher
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since I was born at Scripps Memorial in 1971
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
This is going to sound weird … my own family. My father, grandfather, and uncle were the most interesting people I have ever met. When you read my book you will see what I mean.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The original Mister As when it was owned by the Allesio family.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I consider my community both San Diego and Tijuana. This means that I love having the diversity of being able to experience both the American and Mexican cultures.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Dan Fouts. I love football and watched Dan growing up. I had the opportunity to play golf with him once and absolutely loved listening to his stories. I would love to grab a sandwich from the Cheese Shop in La Jolla Shores and sit on the boardwalk talking and eating while watching the ocean.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Either National Treasure, Legally Blonde, or Star Wars Episode IV. My favorite TV show is Big Bang Theory.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hard to say as I am an open book and I exposed myself completely in my book. However, no one knows that I don’t like Charlie Brown. Couldn’t stand the fact he kept trying to kick the ball and Lucy never let him.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sunset horseback ride on the beach in Rosarito
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and daughter.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
My wife was part of Las Patronas which I had the pleasure of contributing to for 6 years. I love what they do for the community. The Polinski Center is awesome too!
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The past will depress you, The future will give you anxiety. Truly live in the moment because that is where happiness is found.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
La Jolla
What I love about my Neighborhood:
The sunsets and views. Truly the Jewel.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Making my family burgers on Friday night, going to a spin class with my wife Saturday morning, picking up a nice treat (crumble cookies, nothing bunt cake, cheesecake from incredible cheesecake company), watching my daughter play a sport or do some theater, meeting up with friends for drinks or diner, going to Harry’s for breakfast on Sunday morning followed by a walk around the La Jolla Open Air Market. Coming home and relaxing before starting the week.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Fun, family, and love.
