Ethan Latsinos nominated several times for dedication to service

When you go to the Athlete’s Foot in Tamworth, 19 year old Ethan Latsinos doesn’t just fit and sell you a shoe, he educates about shoes and feet, and then sends you packing with a skip and a jump in your step according to the multiple customers that nominated him for the awards.

The young salesperson should also be the poster boy for retail employment, after he stumbled into the perfect job and career on the back of handing out “over 100 resumes across Tamworth retail outlets after finishing school.”

Mr Latsinos has been nominated for the Young Outstanding Employee of the Year, an accolade he didn’t even know existed until he got an email a few weeks ago.

“It came out of nowhere, I thought the business awards were just for businesses, not staff as well,” he said.

“I have been with Athletes Foot for two and a half years now and it has just been perfect.” 

His family have always run restaurants in the area, and after finishing school Mr Latsinos decided to go the same way, although after not having much luck finding hospitality work expanded his job search to all retail, and has never looked back.

“We always owned restaurants and I was going to do that, but then this job came up and I gave it a go and it was perfect – I love to talk to people, in fact I don’t shut-up – I love it,” he said.

“I really like how honest it is here, we don’t try to sell as much as we can, we find the right shoe for someone – you can’t get that online.” 

As for the future the young go-getter is dreaming big, and has the plan to get there.

“I have always been fascinated by business, I always read about it and study different aspects,” he said.

“I would love to one day start my own company, but in the meantime I am aiming to become a franchisee at some stage.” 

“I can’t wait to go to the Business Awards – any excuse to wear a suit, and I already have the right shoes.” 

Tickets are already on sale for the August 10 Quality Business Awards.