Costa Anastasiadis

Age:

When he was 19, Costa Anastasiadis thought he would follow his love of soccer and eventually scored a professional contract with the English Scarborough football club. But after only three years, he was forced to return home due to struggles and health issues in the family business.

Anastasiadis was tasked with the responsibility of getting the family out of debts incurred while running the business. With just $60,000 in capital and limited experience, he fit out a store in Sydney using old house tiles and offered gourmet pizzas, displaying fresh ingredients to customers.

Now the business is booming, with over 350 employees, 91% growth and $36 million in revenue as of 2009. Together with business partner Michael Logos, Crust Gourmet Pizza Bars has transformed into a remarkably successful franchise with room for more growth.