Last year was a significant milestone for Australias largest bedding retailer, Forty Winks. The business has been helping Australians get a better nights sleep for 30 years thanks to its extensive range of beds, mattresses, and related products. It is the countrys leading bedding specialist, with over 90 independent stores operating across Australia.
Last year, Con Dekazos was appointed to the role of CEO to lead the continuing growth and profitability of the business. With grassroot beginnings in retailing, where his family owned and operated a travel goods business, Con brings a wealth of retail knowledge and an appreciation of operating family businesses. He fondly recalls looking after the shop on the weekends at the age of 10, serving customers while his father was out making deliveries. Truth be known, I would have rather been playing ball with my friends than working every weekend. Upon reflection, I learned a great deal about customer service and the hunger for closing a deal.
In later years, as he studied his undergraduate and postgraduate business degrees part time, Con worked in a variety of industries ranging from manufacturing, wholesale, and then back to retail. He commenced his formal working career in paper manufacturing with Australian Paperinitially in a cadet position, which gave him a great opportunity to work cross-functionally around the large multinational and learn the dynamics of different departments. He was able to travel and live around Australia, understanding and working with the printing industry and paper distributors.
