The Lalikos Family: Living with Love, Adventure and a Deep Commitment to Community
Winter Park 32789 Neighbors, April 2025
The Lalikos family has built a life filled with love, adventure, and a deep commitment to both family and community. Ben and Christina Lalikos, along with their two sons, Alex and Zach, embody a love for life that is clear in all they do. From their early love story to their dedication to community service, their lives reflect passion, dedication, and a strong sense of family values.
Ben and Christina’s love story began in downtown Orlando, where mutual friends introduced them. For Ben, it was Christina’s beautiful eyes that first caught his attention, but it was her intelligence, kindness, and sense of humor that truly won him over. Their connection deepened over time, culminating in a romantic proposal in one of the most iconic locations in the world, Central Park in New York City. As they rowed across the lake, Ben surprised Christina with an engagement, and they spent the weekend celebrating in NYC with their loved ones.
Their wedding was equally magical. They invited family and friends to a destination wedding in Sonoma, California, where they exchanged vows in the heart of a vineyard. The weekend was spent celebrating love and laughter in the breathtaking wine country, setting the stage for a lifetime of adventure together.
Travel has always been a significant part of Ben and Christina’s relationship. Their honeymoon in Kauai, Hawaii remains a cherished memory, but another trip that stands out is their holiday adventure in Europe before having children. From witnessing the holiday lights in Madrid and enjoying flamenco dancing to ringing in the New Year at the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, their travels have been filled with unforgettable moments.
Now, as a family of four, their travel traditions continue. They aim to visit a different National Park each year and have already checked eight off their list, with the ninth planned for this summer. Another favorite family tradition is starting their summers with a long weekend in Longboat Key, a time for relaxation and being together.
Alex, who is eleven years old, is a bright and active fifth grader at Audubon Park K-8. Described as an excellent student, Alex loves spending time with his family and friends. However, his greatest passion lies in sports. He is an all-around athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, flag football, and tennis. When he’s not playing, he’s cheering for his favorite teams: the Boston Red Sox for baseball, the Boston Celtics for basketball, the Kansas City Chiefs for football, and all Florida State University (FSU) sports.
Alex’s energy and enthusiasm for athletics are contagious, and his parents love supporting him on the sidelines. Whether it’s a little league game or a competitive basketball match, Alex plays with heart and dedication, traits his parents admire and encourage.
Zach is nine years old and a third grader at Audubon Park K-8. Like his older brother, Zach excels academically and enjoys spending time with his family and friends. His interests mirror Alex’s in many ways-he also loves baseball, basketball, flag football, and tennis. But what sets Zach apart is his love for video games.
When it comes to sports, Zach’s team loyalties differ slightly from his brother’s. He roots for the LA Dodgers in baseball, the Boston Celtics in basketball, the Atlanta Falcons in football, and all University of Florida (UF) sports-a natural choice given his mom’s alma mater. The friendly sports rivalry between the brothers adds an extra layer of fun to their household.
Ben and Christina share a strong educational background and successful careers. Ben holds an undergraduate degree from FSU and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. His career in commercial banking led him to be part of the leadership team that started Cogent Bank in 2018. “At Cogent, I get to follow my passion of working with businesses and nonprofits to make Central Florida a premier community for families and businesses,” Ben shares.
Christina, on the other hand, earned her undergraduate degree from UF and a master’s in Speech and Language Pathology from UCF. She works as a Speech and Language Pathologist at Westminster Communities, where she provides therapy to a diverse group of Central Florida residents. “Helping people regain their ability to communicate and return to their daily lives is incredibly rewarding,” she explains.
Giving back is an essential part of the Lalikos family’s values. Ben has served on the board of the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless for nine years, including leadership roles. “Serving the community through nonprofit work is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career,” he says. Through Cogent Bank, the family also supports organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Ability Housing, One Stop Housing, The Faine House, and Victory Cup.
Since 2014, the Lalikos family has called Winter Park home, moving to their current house in 2022. “We chose Winter Park for its tight-knit community, highly rated schools, and its unique charm,” Ben shares. “The large oak trees, brick streets, and the mix of historic and modern homes make it a special place.”
Their neighborhood is known for its strong sense of community. “We love that neighbors wave hello when walking their dogs or driving by. There’s a warmth here that makes it feel like home,” Christina adds. The community hosts an annual neighborhood party each spring, welcoming both old and new residents. Holidays are another highlight, with neighbors hosting gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Looking ahead, the Lalikos family are excited about their summer trip to Maine and their first European adventure with the boys. With their commitment to family, community, and adventure, they continue to make the most of every moment, living by the motto that guides them: “Once you commit, you see it through.”