Tell us about your business?
Founded in 1998 by my father Nicholas Toskas – an industry veteran, NICCO Timber Windows & Doors began as a boutique manufacturer with a team of three people committed to upholding traditional joinery methods.
Prior to founding NICCO, my father’s experience in the joinery industry began in the late 1960s. Initially working with his family running a local hardware store in Sydney’s Marrickville which led him to start a timber window and door business with his two brothers. When they chose to go their separate ways (yes there’s a story there), my father carried on with a vision to create something of his own.
Today, NICCO is a second-generation family business run by me – John Toskas. My passion for the industry and family business was instilled at a young age. I have been with my father from the inception of NICCO and am proud to champion his legacy, as well as my vision, to be the most trusted name in custom-made timber windows and doors.
Working closely with architects, builders and designers across both commercial and residential projects, the 40+ team at NICCO bring together traditional joinery expertise with advanced manufacturing technology to produce high performance timber windows and doors.
With an unwavering commitment to quality, service and expertise as championed by my father, NICCO delivers industry leading solutions to meet our client's needs with integrity and authenticity in line with our purpose of building a sustainable future. This is reflected in our commitment to our people, the environment and the future of NICCO to enable this.
What has been your greatest success?
Having my wife, Stacey, join the business in 2020. Her experience in the corporate world together with her business nous, and dedication to our family and the business has been instrumental to our success. Although at times it can be challenging working with your spouse, the successes we share in business and personally makes it all worth it.
What do you value about FBA?
There was a time when my younger brother and I were partners in the business. FBA was recommended to us by our accountant as a resource to help us navigate the ins and outs of running a family business. We were in a growth phase at the time and my brother, and I wanted to avoid any potential family issues. We did eventually find our paths were on a different trajectory, so we engaged an FBA Advisor to help us navigate our separation in business. My brother and I still have a good relationship because of this engagement.
I also value the FBA community and the opportunity to learn from other family businesses. I feel we are better equipped to navigate the future of our business and have access to resources and experts that you don’t get anywhere else.
We’re excited for the future, particularly with initiatives like the FBA’s Emerging Leaders Program which our daughter, Alyssa, is currently undertaking.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Ensure there are agreed strategic objectives set for the business and everyone’s roles are clearly defined, and expectations and KPI’s are agreed.
Communicate, communicate, communicate. No matter how hard the conversations are, one must be honest with themselves first before they can be honest with others, especially family.
Learn more about NICCO Timber Windows & Doors
Support family business.
