It’s not easy to build a successful business from nothing.
But Nikolas (Nick) Korfias is one of the few who did it, before passing away at age 42 after battling multiple myeloma.
“He was just an exceptional friend, brother…He did it all on his own without anyone’s help, which I think is a testament to his character,” said Nick’s brother, George Korfias to Neos Kosmos.
When hard work pays off
Nick was born on the Greek island of Kalymnos, where he grew up with his four siblings.
His father moved to Australia in 1972, married his mother, and worked in the Northern Territory.
As a young teenager, Nick arrived in Australia with limited English proficiency and started school in the middle of Year 9.
Thanks to his hardworking nature, intelligence, and focus on his goals, he quickly “picked up” the language, said George.
“My brother would study day and night like I remember him, at 12am still hitting the books…He would study really hard for his exam because he wanted to get into university,” George recalls.
He also remembers Nick’s advice, as he reflects on their differences.
“I was more concerned about going out with my friends and he (Nick) always used to tell me, ‘George, you need to study hard. You need to make something of yourself.”
Unlike many, Nick followed his own advice, and got into TAFE on the Sunshine Coast and studied international business.
He then deferred for a year to attend Griffith University on the Gold Coast, where he graduated “with honours and distinctions.”
“That was a really big thing for our family, to see someone succeed like that,” shared George.
Building a successful business “from the ground up”
After moving to Melbourne, Nick worked at a freight company to gain experience in international business.
He eventually started his own transport company, “from the ground up.”
Despite being young, and “without any help” he built a “little empire” and established a notable presence in the transport industry.
“It’s not easy, like no one can just start off without any help, right? You’re usually born into wealth or, you know, kids are giving all this stuff without any hard work. But my brother put in the hard work and had the business for about 10 years.”
Nick’s lasting impact
George speaks about his brother with deep admiration.
He describes Nick as “loving, kind, and caring”- qualities that set a strong example for his four siblings.
As a well-known and respected figure in Port Melbourne, Nick made a “great impact on people’s lives,” said George.
His self-made success inspired many, especially his younger brother, who always looked up to him.
“He was just such a beautiful person inside and out. And whoever met him looked up to him. And so did I as a younger brother, I wanted to be like my brother.”
“Make something that you can be proud of”
While unhappy working for others, George decided to explore new job opportunities with some guidance from Nick.
“My brother pushed me to better myself. He pushed me really, not work for other people but ‘make your own destiny’ and ‘make something that you can be proud of.'”
In 2019, Nick got diagnosed, and saw firsthand how important support is for people in the hospital.
After studying the NDIS sector for six months, the two brothers started their own NDIS provider business, Partner N Care.
The business has now expanded across Victoria and has a few participants in other states.
“He was very proud of that, and he wanted me and him to keep going in life.”
But life had different plans.
Nick experienced periods of remission followed by relapses, as the disease progressed.
“He fought pretty much to the end and that’s why I call him a warrior.”
“It’s all about being together, loving each other”
Despite leaving “too soon” and at a young age, George said Nick was truly “one of a kind”—a rare individual who faced challenges with remarkable strength.
He also left behind a legacy and a business that George plans to continue in his honour.
“I’m going to continue on the business for him and see where we can reach. Because that’s what he wanted. And he’s always taught me to be a boss and take care of things.”
One of the most important lessons George learned from his older brother was the value of strong family bonds.
“He wanted everyone to be close together and, he would help people…It’s all about being together, loving each other and not letting things get in the way.”
