A Greek father and son duo are paving the way to create everlasting monuments in the heart of Sydney.
Located in Sylvania, Sydney, you’ll find Andrew Stefadouros, and his son Patrick, who started up their own family business, which specialises in Orthodox monuments.
The business, Metropolis Monuments, opened up in April this year, and has already become a well-known company around NSW, Victoria, and surrounds, known for creating granite, marble and limestone monuments, as well as vaults.
They also design and develop various cross designs, statues and lettering, and cater predominantly to the Greek community, having one of the largest showrooms and display centres within the nation.
The story behind Metropolis Monuments
In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, Andrew and Patrick revealed how the business came about.
“My dad has been in the industry for 35 years, and recently parted ways with his previous business, so we then decided to open our venture together,” Patrick told The Greek Herald.
“It’s about carrying on a legacy.
“We’re both really passionate about the industry and the job itself is so fulfilling because we get to help out families in very stressful and tough times, and if we can make that process as easy as possible for them and give them something to remember their loved ones by, it’s very rewarding.”
The 25-year-old co-owner said he has been in the stonemason industry for the last eight years and shared what he loves most about catering to his clientele and creating everlasting monuments.
“I love just seeing how happy they [the clients] are once they see the final result and have something they remember their loved ones by,” Patrick said.
“Our pieces are something that pretty much last forever, and they’re a timeless legacy. It feels so special to create something that carries on in that way.”
Why stonemasonry?
Andrew shared what drove him to get into the industry in the first place.
“I was originally a stone mason, and then I was given the opportunity to get into the industry 35 years ago,” Andrew said.
“It was tough to get into, because we were probably the only Greeks trying to get into the business, and we kind of had to struggle at the start until people got to know us and trust us, and then just one thing led to another and here we are now.”
Andrew explained what he thinks is most important to keep up the business, as well as a happy clientele.
“Just offering a good quality job to the client, that’s something that is very important for us,” he said. “We’re also pretty good at what we do, and love providing a good service to the people.”
Working with family
When asked what it’s been like working alongside his son, Andrew said, “it’s been excellent.”
“We get on well, and we’re a father and son, so we complement each other,” he added. “Things he may lack in, I excel in, and vice-versa, and we’ve both got the experience and we really enjoy it.”
Patrick added that he’s also been loving the experience and is learning more and more about the job each day.
“I really enjoy it. My dad has been my mentor for the last eight to nine years and I’ve learned his way of doing things, but with more of a modern twist,” Patrick said.
“This job is something I’m quite passionate about because it’s all I’ve been doing since finishing my Higher School Certificate, and I love that I get to meet so many people from all walks of life, and I get to hear their stories and it’s such a fulfilling part of the job.”
Community response
Andrew and Patrick revealed how supportive the community has been so far since they opened.
“We’ve had quite positive feedback so far. It’s been good, we’re very grateful,” Andrew said.
“It’s been very positive… it was hard at first to get the name out, but slowly, slowly, God willing, we’ll keep growing and helping families out,” Patrick added.
To get in touch with Andrew or Patrick Stefadouros, visit www.metropolismonuments.com.au or call 9534 1879.
