Daniel & Salim Nicolas- DASCO Australia
Identical twin brothers, Daniel and Salim Nicolas are the co-founders of DASCO Australia, a successful Developer-Builder company. Their unwavering commitment to quality and community led them to being awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2021 for their contributions to business and society and landed them a finalist spot in the 34th Annual Henry Ngai Medium to Large Business Award.
Q: What brought Daniel and Salim to Australia?
A: Seeking refuge from the Lebanese Civil War and the subsequent economic collapse that eroded their family's wealth, at the age of 17 the brothers migrated to Australia with their family.
Q: What challenges did Daniel and Salim face while seeking refuge in a new country?
A: Upon their arrival in Australia, they faced a myriad of challenges, including the daunting task of integrating into a new culture with different customs and a language barrier. The brothers worked at Pizza Hut after school to support their family while maintaining impressive academic performances, ultimately graduating high school with a mark of 95%. Their university years were marked by long commutes, late-night shifts, and exhaustive study sessions. The duo's journey was a testament to their resilience, as they balanced their family obligations, academic pursuits, and financial struggles, always relying on each other for support and strength.
Q: What inspired Daniel and Salim to start their business?
A: Inspired by their father's entrepreneurial journey and challenges, Daniel and Salim founded DASCO Australia in 1993. Starting with design and project management, they aimed to build their legacy strategically, without significant initial capital.
Q: How has the business grown since then?
A: From its humble beginnings, DASCO has grown into a reputable name in the construction and development industry, employing a dedicated team of 100 staff and delivering over 7,000 dwellings. The brothers' commitment to honesty, integrity, and quality workmanship has not only seen the company undertake significant development projects but also led them to venture into the whisky industry in Tasmania, establishing the Callington Mill distillery. This expansion reflects their continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation. Daniel and Salim's journey from war-torn Lebanon to becoming celebrated entrepreneurs in Australia is a testament to their resilience, hard work, and the strength found in family bonds.
Daniel and Salim pictured with Joseph Asaf AO, Founder and Chairman of the EBA
“Coming to Australia helped us achieve our goal. We have stability here, a fair go and opportunities.”
-Daniel & Salim Nicolas
