A relationship that grew alongside the business 

From an idea to a thriving Melbourne business, a growing investment portfolio and succession planning, George Kokkinos’s 30-plus-year relationship with King & Whittle Director Robert Barrese has evolved at every stage.

“He is my trusted advisor with the issues that matter most, not simply someone engaged to perform a professional service.” 

For George, the goal wasn't simply to grow a bigger business. It was to create something sustainable that could operate beyond its founder, while using that success to build wealth outside the business. 

                                 “Robert has been there from the foundations of the business, through its growth and expansion,                                              and into the investments and structures that followed.” 

The beginnings of Melbourne Memorials 

More than 35 years ago, George saw an opportunity to serve an underserved market and created a business model that has expanded to serve families across the city’s diverse cultural communities. Melbourne Memorials helps families honour the lives of those who have passed, creating fitting memorials that respect cultural beliefs and values and ensure their memory lives on. The company is headquartered in Springvale, Victoria, with plans for a second location underway. 

More than accounting and tax compliance 

While King & Whittle provides accounting and tax services, the relationship has always extended much further. Robert has become a trusted sounding board across the broader business, including business structures, HR and staffing matters, major commercial decisions, expansion, and ownership considerations.

George particularly values Robert’s fair and balanced perspective and his ability to understand the context behind the numbers. The combination of deep client knowledge and considered advice has helped George assess opportunities while managing risk as the business and his personal affairs have become increasingly complex. 

From building a business to building wealth 

As Melbourne Memorials became more successful, the needs of the business evolved. The question was no longer simply how to operate and grow the business, but how to manage and invest the wealth it was creating. Business success enabled investment in property and other assets through a growing number of entities and structures. King & Whittle has helped establish, manage and continually reassess those structures as circumstances have evolved. 

It is a relationship that now spans the intersection of business advisory, personal financial affairs and wealth creation. 

Looking toward the next chapter 

The next chapter is increasingly about succession and intergenerational wealth. Conversations that once centred on starting and growing a business are evolving into discussions about protecting what has been created, structuring it appropriately and preparing for what comes next. 

King & Whittle has helped George build the foundations of a successful business, navigate the complexity that came with its growth and structure the wealth that success created.