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Legends of the Nepean By Garion Thain
JIM Kalamiotis was a Penrith icon, earning the love of many local families for his charitable deeds and operation of one of the city’s most respected and trusted businesses. The lifelong resident (Migrating from southern Greece as a toddler) was well
known for his enthusiasm, sincerity and love of people. Unfortunately, this legend of the Nepean is no longer with us, Mr Kalamiotis passing away one year ago. Leaving a lasting impression after his passing, it is deserving one year on that Mr Kalamiotis is remembered for his passion and impact on the city. This week, following his memorial service at Penrith Paceway, I spoke to Mr Kalamiotis’ daughter, Vicky Mandadakis, and his son-inlaw Frank Argeetes at Penrith Mazda, the business Jim Kalamiotis cultivated over many years into its current lot, where his daughter, son and son-in-law work. Ms Mandadakis told me about the lasting impression her father has on her and her family. “It wasn’t my dream to sell cars, but to see Dad crack it, achieve his dream and make it work, it’s inspired me,” Ms Mandadakis said. “My kids saw it and it inspired them too.” Mr Kalamiotis started at Mazda as a sales manager, and went on to buy the business from Mr Ray Boyle. Ms Mandadakis said when the Mazda 3 was released, demand exploded and he made the call to expand onto what is now the astoundingly large site,
boasting a full service centre and a café. “He had everything to do with the site expansion,” Ms Kalamiotis said. “He did the work of three people, he managed to convince Mazda that the café would work. He was here all the time, but most importantly, he was present for us and all the staff,” she continued. “Staff would trust him with their problems and for advice. He loved people.” Ms Mandadakis admitted it was at times hard to share him with so many people. When the business boomed it was harder to see his grandkids, but he always set aside time, Ms Mandadakis noting the importance he put on family. The intertwining of business and family was always a part of Mr Kalamiotis’ life. When he was young, his family opened a fish and chip shop in Katoomba, and then moved to Penrith and opened a fish and chip shop across the road from Penrith High. “He went to Penrith high, then at lunchtime would go across the road and sell food with his Mum and Dad,” laughed Ms Mandadakis. Living in Penrith since childhood, Ms Mandadakis said her Dad didn’t get it easy at first.
“In the early days it was hard. He was beaten for being ethnic,” she said. “As people get to know you though, they change their attitudes. “He loved Penrith so much. He got himself involved in the culture, the sport. He loved the Panthers.” Mr Kalamiotis personally sponsored the Luke Priddis foundation through Penrith Mazda, also donating a car. Further, he was a massive supporter of the variety club. Ms Mandadakis said her father wanted to give back to the community that had been so good to him. “When I had to get his memorial photo sorted out, the owner of the store came out to talk to me about him,” said Ms Mandadakis. “One day before the memorial, a Woman who worked at his Shephard Rd cornershop as a teenager came up to me to talk to me about him.” Ms Mandadakis says her family is touched that Mr Kalamiotis had such a positive impact on the people that knew him. His daughter credits this to his sincerity and the genuine joy he had in his field of work. Frank Argeetes, Mr Kalamiotis’ son-in-law and the DP of Penrith Mazda, agreed that
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