Emmanuel Constantino knows how a potent mix of hard work, business smarts and boldness can take a business from the brink of closure to high performance. 

A decade on from purchasing a failed Kwik Kopy business back in 2013, the Bondi Junction franchisee can feel proud of the impressive turnaround.

Through the past decade he has put in 14-hour days, five days a week, to maximise the business potential – and provide stable employment for his loyal staff of five.

“I just worked very hard to rebuild confidence with customers and suppliers,” he says. “We regained trust, and we deliver our “We Make Possible” attitude to our customers every single day.”

Franchisee’s bold approach over 10-year

What Emmanuel brought to the business is a fierce tenacity and boldness, amplified during the pandemic.

He maintained his work ethic and paid staff above the minimum levels during the pandemic.  

“I wanted the staff to feel their jobs were stable, to maintain their mental health, to come in and help me save the business.”

In addition to connecting with every client by phone or online, Emmanuel took to the streets to drum up more business.

“I grabbed some social distancing signage and went into every open business asking if they needed anything. I handed out a few of the Kwik Kopy branded social distancing signs.”

In part he wanted to know how other small businesses were coping. It also of course drove business his way. 

Another bold move was turning to local government for work. 

“During lockdown I looked at where the money was. It was in government and local council, so I approached them for business. I told them, ‘right now you need to be seen to support local businesses, and I’m one.’”

The Kwik Kopy franchise owner’s audacious bid for government work paid off. 

“You’ve got to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you have to be very strong, and they granted me the work. 

Creating opportunities

“What I’ve done, I’ve created opportunity. You have to be out and about to get business, have to have a face out there. It’s not just about waiting for the phone to ring and emails to come through.”

Building your business is also about being a bit different, he says.

“You need to have a unique offering and enough hooks in the system to be able to secure customers. We have the right processes and systems to deliver a perfect, well-groomed, grade A quality job in the market. You’re only as good as the last job you do.”

The printing industry is in Emmanuel’s blood; he started his career 38 years ago in his father’s lithographic printing business. After taking over the business and growing it across three states, with 116 staff, he took a year out and travelled.

On his return to Australia Emmanuel planned to act as a consultant, helping others build their businesses. But an opportunity to buy the Kwik Kopy franchise was too good to miss.  

“I’m fully immersed in the Kwik Kopy purpose of empowering entrepreneurs to make their mark on the world” he says.

Fantastic support structure for Kwik Kopy franchisees

“Head office take care of marketing and websites so store owners can be focused on pitching for new business. There is a strong support mechanism for new franchisees and the opportunity to be part of programs such as performance groups, and a monthly sales club. 

“The offering and support structure is absolutely massive,” he says. “Kwik Kopy has a really good system. We are a great business and have the right people at the steering wheel.”

Emmanuel says the franchisor’s innovations in technology, and in services, have boosted the business.

“Signage has become a big commodity, and this is an area we’ve embraced. We provide all three aspects of the Kwik Kopy business: design, print and signage. We’ve even done a couple of really big jobs, including a car wrap for a local charity!

“Technology is changing every year at a fast moving pace,” he says. “The developments drive efficiencies in our business such as better pricing and workflow.”

Working for the business community

For almost 10 years Emmanuel has been a member of the local Chamber of Commerce and is now in his eighth year as president.

“The Chamber of Commerce is the voice of all local businesses,” he explains. “We educate, advocate, connect and help businesses grow.”

This is a volunteer role, but he admits it has reaped rewards for the Kwik Kopy outlet. 

“It’s very important to be part of the Chamber of Commerce. It adds gravitas and value because you are connected with the community and that gives you leverage.”

Continually building the business is more than a full time job – but the Kwik Kopy weekday model has definite advantages.

Bold, agile and focused

“Today you have to be more agile, to be able to shift and turn,” he says. “I spend long hours in the week at the office – I leave at 9pm.

“So when it comes to Friday night, I shut down for the weekend. I relax and rest, spend time with my family,” he says. 

This year in April, Emmanuel was awarded the Cloud Marketing Award at the Kwik Kopy Awards dinner. This is off the back of receiving the Chairman’s Award in 2022.

Later this year Emmanuel and his staff will relocate to another Bondi Junction site for the next chapter in the franchise story. 

Emmanuel has another five years left on his 15-year Kwik Kopy contract before renewing – and he plans to sign up again.

“I’m not going anywhere!” he says.