t takes immense courage and self-belief to start your own business in the height of a global pandemic and at the tender age of 20, but that’s exactly what Sydney-based joiner Nicholas Kingsley did. Now, at the age of 24, Nicholas is the Managing Director of Kingsley Building Solutions and a rising star in the shopfitting industry. His journey, rooted in humble beginnings and fuelled by childhood ingenuity, is paving the way for a remarkable future ahead.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Nicholas says: “When I was younger, my parents couldn’t afford to indulge us with the latest toys and gadgets. Instead, I found myself tinkering with whatever my dad had lying around the house.”

His early projects, from crafting timber go karts to assisting his uncle in building homes during the holidays, ignited a passion for joinery and a profound appreciation for transforming materials into functional spaces.

“My favourite part about the whole experience working with my uncle was how proud he was looking at the finished project and getting the satisfaction that he built it. That sense of accomplishment fuelled my desire to pursue a career in joinery.

“I then started at a trade school enrolling into what was called shopfitting – as soon as I heard it was indoors and out of the sun, I said ‘sign me up’.

“My course teacher taught me two important things about shopfitting that made me believe that this was what I wanted to do in life. The first, a humorous yet moving observation that ‘rubbish sticks to carpet’ – a reminder of the precise attention to detail demanded by the craft. The second lesson highlighted the unique versatility of shopfitters, who possess the skills to match those of carpenters in their domain.”

Kingsley Building Solutions became the young builder’s vision after being signed off a year early from his apprenticeship.

Nicholas established his business in October 2020 when he realised there was demand for joinery manufacturing.

“During my years of being a subcontractor, I had builders ask me if I manufacture joinery.

“After a long thinking process, I took the scary step to go out on my own and open a factory full of equipment to provide joinery to my clients.”

“One of my most memorable projects I will never forget is getting the privilege to fit out the Sydney Opera House. I was onsite full time as a sub-contractor working for Kingsley Building Solutions installing brush box solid timber for two years.”

With just eight years in the industry and three employees, Nicholas admits to facing some unique challenges.

Older generations sometimes resist his ideas, favouring traditional methods, plus there’s a constant struggle to compete with larger companies.

“We try to keep out overheads low to save money and get ahead – we work crazy hours to try and keep the business afloat.

“I always say to myself if it was easy everyone will be doing it. I tell my employees that every job we hand over we treat the project as if it was the last project you do.”

Looking ahead, Nicholas envisions a future defined by growth, innovation, and mentorship.

“I see myself thriving in the shopfitting industry for years to come.

“My goal is not only to expand my business but also to nurture the next generation of shopfitters, instilling in them the same passion and dedication that drives me.

“In the shopfitting game, I want to see quality and workmanship.

“There are a lot of older shopfitting companies that only care about how much money they are making rather than how they make the client feel.”

His aspirations extend beyond business growth, aiming to cultivate a tight-knit team dedicated to team success.

Outside of work, Nicholas finds joy in crafting custom draw systems for cars, crafting solid timber epoxy tables, and maintaining a disciplined gym routine.

“I am a gym addict, if I go to a gym less than five times a week, I will go insane,” he admits.

“I love the outdoors, I have a 4WD and tend to go camping and fishing, as well as bushwalks where I can have time to reflect.”

Reflecting on his journey, Nicholas values every mistake as a character-building lesson and says he wouldn’t change a thing.

“I am a strong believer in that things happen for a reason and it’s the only way you’re going to learn. If I gave advice to my son or someone starting off a business, I would tell them to plan meticulously, build a strong client base, and above all, give it your all.

“Mistakes will happen, but they are integral to your growth and success.”