After 14 years working as a Service Manager with a Sydney car dealership, Nick Korbakis went looking for a change. With business partner, Angelo Botzolis, he discovered West Engadine newsagency and they got the opportunity to purchase it. Three and half years later, they couldn’t be happier.
Although selling Lotto, stationery, greeting cards, phone cards, made the newsagency relatively successful, Nick felt that he and Angelo could make further improvements by adding extra services such bill and rent payment facilities. Nick also recognised that building relationships with their customers was a part of business that he enjoyed.
Nick and Angelo like to build friendships with their customers, and have often put on a BBQ to include them, such as when their two football teams go head to head. They realise that they are accountable for all things relating to their business and stick by the philosophy of “look after the customers and the profits will look after itself.”
Nick and Angelo were fortunate that the previous owner, understanding that neither had any experience in the retail industry and both had a lot to learn, took an interest in helping them start out. As their experience has grown, so has their friendship, with both consciously supporting each other and sharing the workload, as well as giving each other time off.
Nick credits his family with being his tower of strength, and showing their support in seemingly little ways – such as simply greeting him with a smile and a kiss when he gets home from work. Never ones to rest on the good work they have done, they have set about organising other billers such as Telstra and Energy Australia to come on board with the bill payment service.
Improvements to the Anzac Oval Youth Centre, a new gymnasium and the aquatic centre are avenues the boys are looking at for ways to capitalise on, and improve their business, as well as providing better service.
While the business remains a large part of their lives, the partners try balance work with home. For Nick, most of his time away from the shop is spent with the family and working around the house.
When he gets the chance he likes to support St.George, as opposed to Cronulla, or relax by going fishing or taking the family on an outdoor adventure. | 
