Haxhije Cox and her husband Ray continue to grow their business dreams and thrive locally in Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley.
The co-owners of the Total Tools Shepparton franchise and Tools Down Coffee Hub met in 1987.
Born and bred in Shepparton into an Albanian family, Haxhije was working at McDonald’s at the time and Ray was a regular customer.
“One night when I finished, he was waiting for me in the car park, and here we are, 36 years later,” Haxhije said.
They have three children — Danielle, 27, Mitchell, 25, and Aaron, 23 — who have been inspired to join their parents’ business ventures or build their own business dreams.
Mitchell and Aaron have both been involved in the Total Tools business, and Danielle will open her own boutique in Shepparton soon.
“We must have rubbed off on them a little,” Haxhije said.
She said in earlier years while raising three children and working part-time, life was busy for the family — but busy is what they liked.
“Together we have chased stability, experienced growth but also loss with ventures that didn’t work out.
“In many cases, especially within my administration roles, I have been self-taught, I never really liked accounting at school, but here I am working with figures every day.
“Ray is a visionary and is always optimistic, where I am the pessimist but still happy to go along for the ride.
“We’re total opposites, but it works, and so has the Total Tools journey.”
In 2021, due to its ongoing success, Total Tools Shepparton moved into the current premises on Benalla Rd, its fourth home in 12 years.
Their Tools Down Coffee Hub opened in May 2021 and has experienced great success, with catering options and online ordering coming soon. There is a seating area filled with colour and classy graffiti art, created by local renowned artist Tank.
Between the two businesses, Haxhije employs around 15 female staff and believes strongly in equal opportunity while being passionate about the Shepparton community.
“I love the country, seeing the growth of Shepparton and surrounds over the years, and the potential for future growth.
“It’s part of the reason I feel we have stayed, other than family of course.”
Just when the business journey for Haxhije looked to be quite settled, she revealed another venture was on its way — with their second Total Tools business opening in Echuca, hopefully around May/June.
26°C