Paul Chen was working for the catering department of Ansett Airlines when he decided to buy into the franchise Michel's.
His wife Mei was looking for a business investment and a close friend of Paul's suggested what was then known as Michel's Patisserie because he was a franchisee and thought it had a good business model.
They bought the existing Michele's store in Rockdale Plaza in May 2001.
When Ansett suddenly collapsed just a few months later, Mr Chen found himself out of a job, so he threw himself into making the store a success.
Mr and Mrs Chen worked long hours to learn everything they could about running a successful business.
"It's really important that the owners of the business run it and understand every aspect of it," he said.
"You really must work in the business in order to understand your customers, your staff and day-to-day issues that inevitably occur."
He said teamwork was also important.
"My wife and I are a strong team; we work as one," he said.
"There's no way we would've lasted this long if we both didn't believe in the business.
"We know that to succeed you must work hard and if one of us wasn't interested then it just wouldn't work. We are better because we share the same work ethic."
Mr Chen believes another reason for the long-term success of the business is providing the best-quality coffee. He also ensures he updates his coffee machine every five years.
"Michel's provides its franchise partners with very high-quality coffee and if the coffee is good, people will come," he said.
"Investment in the best and most up-to-date equipment is essential for me, particularly when you base your reputation on quality coffee."
He said good staff was important to the success of his business, but said it was a two-way street.
"Treat your staff well and never expect them to work harder than you," he said.
"You're the owner. You have a responsibility to your staff to lead by example.
"I like to hire staff that are able to talk to our customers, empathise with them and form friendships - these are the qualities that keep our regulars coming back again and again."
Mr Chen said the secret to longevity in business comes down to one simple principle.
"You must have your heart in the business," he said.