Dominique’s journey from immigrant to head of Australia’s only privately-owned national office supplies business, Complete Office Supplies (COS), is a tale of family, perseverance and passion. After fleeing Egypt following the 1967 Six Day War, 13 year old Dominique and his family settled in Western Sydney, speaking no English and with just $90 in their pockets. A year later, Dominique dropped out of school and became a Telegram Boy, then an apprentice Typewriter Mechanic, all the while perfecting his English. Two years later, he became a Sales Rep for the neighbouring Office Supplies store, until 1976 when he and a colleague figured they could start their own business, and Complete Office Supplies (COS) was born. His father was his biggest supporter, loaning his entire pension to Dominique to expand the business. But, like many businesses, Dominique faced financial challenges. And, after buying out his partner, Dominque lost everything, including his father’s money. No bank would even talk to him about a loan.

Hear how Dominique turned everything around. Today COS has an annual turnover of $300 million, employing over 550 staff, with 9 distribution centres around Australia. It is also still a family-run business, with Dominque’s wife and father working within the business at times, and with both his daughters on the COS Executive Team today. Family Business equates to about 70% of all business in Australia, with an average turnover of $12M. Dominique’s story is one of grit and success and tells just how important family business is within the Australian economy.