Tell us a bit about you:

I am a central coast local, born in Gosford and went to school at Lake Munmorah High.

I was one of those kids even after completing my Higher School Certificate, didn’t really know what sort of career I wanted to pursue.

It was my dad who first introduced me to the Mister Minit franchise.  I was home with nothing to do, and he said, “why don’t you come to work with me at the Mister Minit store in Brookvale”.

Even though the drive was horrendous; some 2 hours each way, I did this for 4 years and never looked back.  I loved the work being hands on, and the variety of the services Mister Minit provides.

It was late 2017 when I was told the store at Lake Haven Centre was available.  I couldn’t believe my luck; I knew I loved the work and being close to home was a real bonus.

So, I trialled the store for a week, and there was never any doubt, I wanted this opportunity and was lucky enough to purchase the store.

I’ve now owned and operated my own business for over 6 years, and they say time flies when you are having fun.

What do you enjoy the most about what you do?

I enjoy not knowing what’s coming over my counter next, be it a shoe repair or a pushbike someone wants engraved to make their gift even more special. 

I never have any two days that are the same.  

What do you think it is about your business that is crucial to the current success you are experiencing?

I’d like to say it’s my personality, but what I do you can’t just order on -line, you can’t get your shoe repaired, battery changed, keys cut etc.  It’s an offer that we all need and an offer that will remain around for a long time to come.

The Mister Minit brand has been around since 1957 in Australia and currently there are 326 shops in Australia and New Zealand, and still growing strong.

The training of the Mister Minit staff is of a very high standard.  Whenever they bring out something new, be it a new style of car key to be cut, or the new laser engraving machine we now have, Mister Minit makes sure all staff are correctly trained and have the tools to operate all new equipment to the highest of standards.

How do you get any free time when the Centre trades 7 days a week

I’m lucky enough to have every Sunday off as my little brother David, started the family trend and joined the business.

What’s so special about this Centre and the community?

The community is the only place I know, I grew up here and love the area and the people who many of which are regulars at my store.

The Central Coast is continually growing as I have read and seen new developments happening in the Warnervale area which is perfect for my business as each new house is being built that’s more keys I’m cutting.

What do you do away from work.

My other passion away from work is acting.  My first acting experience was in a school production called ‘Under the Sea’.  This experience changed my life, I knew now that acting and all areas of theatre production were going to be a big part of my life moving forward.

In 2019, I was appointed board member of a local theatre company, being Jopuka Productions who are situated in Tuggerah.  I have learnt a lot both on and off the stage and this steered me to direct my first performance, which was very successful.  I stared in a musical and more recently running the tech desk for the production of Annie, at the Red Tree Theatre which opened on 2nd  Feb.

Acting also changed my life in another very important way, I met my wife/best friend in an acting class in Wyong around February 2017 and married this amazing woman in May 2023.

What does the future hold?

We are looking at starting a family in the not-too-distant future.  With regards to theatre, I have been offered various roles behind the scenes, one I am very proud of is Stage Manager for Heathers’ the Musical, based on the 1980’s movie staring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.

We asked Anthony these last few questions:

Best thing about your wife – Her smile

Favourite food – Roast lamb

Country you would most like to visit – the UK. 

Favourite thing you do at Mister Minit – Engraving.

Favourite stores in Lake Haven Centre – Oh can’t go wrong with EB Games, or Sweet Surprises, as I have a very sweet tooth.