SOX’S (Pilipasidis) journey to Mt Buller came via the Victorian country towns of Seymour and Yea.
In 1979 his family moved to Seymour to run a roadhouse they had purchased.
Through that business the family became friends with Peter Vlamis.
The Vlamis brothers had takeaway businesses in Yea, and when one of the brother’s, John, developed a service station-food property in that town, they were looking for a tenant.
Sox stepped forward and so began a two decade association with the rural town.
Sox had completed his Bachelor of Science, but the hospitality industry had his heart.
And snow was also his passion.
He had been a keen skier since 1982 when he attended a two-week camp based in Harrietville, and learnt to ski on the Big D at Mt Hotham.
Once based in Yea, he would embark on regular day trips to Mt Buller with family and friends.
George Aivatoglou had George’s Ski Hire at Mt Buller and frequently stopped en-route for coffee and a meal. It was probably the Greek connection and discussion
that would solve most problems in the world!
As it happened, George had a hospitality tenant that was moving out of Molonys (on Mt Buller) and an opening presented itself for a new hospitality business in a significant thoroughfare in the heart of Mt Buller village.
In 2009 Sox signed the lease and started Burger Haus, and operated year-round for four consecutive years.
He joined the Mt Buller Chamber of Commerce, which at that time was led by President Michelle Maurice (Ajax), with John Perks Treasurer (Alberg).
Very quickly Sox was able to grasp local issues and in 2011 he became president of the Mt Buller Chamber of Commerce.
People such as Richard Payne (Kooroora) and Tony Mattern (Alpine Retreat) were particularly supportive of his nomination.
Quickly Sox formed strong working relationships with Buller Ski Lifts and in particular general manager Laurie Blampied.
And he was able to learn much of the historical journey from mentors such as John Perks and George Aivatoglou.
Operators embraced Sox’s enthusiasm to listen and fairly represent all in a balanced manner, and the Chamber quickly gained many more members and thus greater credibility.
In 2014, Sox seized an opportunity to take over Cattlemen’s Café and then in 2022 he took over the space below Cattlemen’s and established Cow Camp Cantina, the only
Mexican offering on Mt Buller.
As part of Sox’s role with the Chamber, he has been instrumental in re-establishing the Chamber of Commerce Study Tours, as well as Joint Chamber initiatives with Falls
Creek and Mt Hotham.
The result has been greater engagement across the resorts and increased connection with ARV and the lift companies.
