Published: 3 January 2012

Chuffed to be buffed: Rick Pass, one of Brisbane's inaugural shoe shine franchisees

The job search of Centacare Employment Group client Rick Pass has ended to his amazement only a stone's throw from the heady world of corporate high-flyers.

As one of Australia's first Buffed shoe shine franchisees, Rick has started to build his new business in a plush, city high-rise that holds many tenants of note, including the Australian Stock Exchange.

As other Buffed franchises open across Brisbane's CBD in the coming months in premium office tower foyers, retail arcades and transport nodes, a distinct Australian flavour to shoe-shining is emerging that's often less about the shoes and more about the talk.

Brisbane's inaugural shoe shine social franchise was launched in November by the Wise Foundation, a philanthropic organisation known for other social enterprise initiatives such as The Big Issue street newspaper.

From Rick's stand, strategically positioned in the foyer of the Riverside Centre, Eagle Street, his cheery smile beckons the steady passing traffic of well-heeled city workers to enjoy a shoe shine.

"I have not had a job in my entire life that I liked," he admitted between shoe shines.

"I come to work here next to the cafe (in the foyer) and shine shoes and talk to people who are intelligent, well-educated, well-travelled, and from all walks of life.

"I can be who I am in this job, and if you are genuine, people respond to that."

In 2010, Rick had been referred to the Kippa-Ring office of Centacare Employment Group by the Australian Government's Disability Employment Services, and assisted to find periods of work in customer service, sales and hospitality.

His job prospects changed dramatically after he was put forward by Centacare to the Wise Foundation as being suited to becoming an owner operator.

Before taking up a Buffed franchise, Rick was supported by Centacare Employment Group during training provided by the Wise Foundation.

With the help of a Wise Foundation start up interest-free loan, Rick is now building his business using financial and practical tools he has learnt to deliver a professional and prompt shoe shine.

Kippa Ring employment consultant Jane Turahui said Centacare had worked with Rick every step of the way to improve his communication skills and self-confidence, and had provided him with business clothes and transport requirements.

"This is Rick's first Monday to Friday job, but he has been part of the whole franchise process so he feels part of it," Ms Turahui said.

"We all wanted him to succeed as the franchise was a great opportunity."

Ms Turahui said Rick would be supported regularly on the job by Centacare until he reached his two-year goal of growing a sustainable business.

Rick's franchise will eventually be one of a network of 200 shoe shine sites the Wise Foundation wants to secure and establish across Australia to provide job opportunities for disadvantaged people.

Meanwhile, customers can sit back and relax in a comfortable, purpose-built leather chair and have their shoes buffed to perfection by Rick for as little as $5.

A premium shoe shine is just a few dollars more and the convenient Buffed drop-off service only $10.