Tuesday, April 8, 2025

GRADE 10 SCHOOL LEAVER BECOMES COP, THEN BUILDS A BUSINESS EMPIRE

By Des Yes

In Port Moresby, the name “Comfort Taxi” has become a household brand—a symbol of safety, consistency, and local success. But behind thewheel of this well-known business is a man with a humble story that speaks volumes about resilience, faith, and hard work. His name is Nathan Milyo. And what started as a journey from the remote Highlands has turned into a powerful example of what’s possible when you refuse to give up. I have always admired the Comfort Taxi service, as a former taxi driver and owner myself. I met him last week at a conference at APEC Haus pictured here. I read a few articles online about him and compiled something to share with readers here.  

FROM ENGA TO THE ROYAL PNG CONSTABULARY
Nathan grew up in Enga and, like many young people in Papua New Guinea, had his formal education cut short. He left school after completing Grade 10—a point where many might have thought his options were limited. But Nathan had other plans. In 1985, he joined the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and spent nearly 20 years serving the country. His time in the force taught him discipline, structure, and how to deal with people from all walks of life—skills that would later prove invaluable.
Even while serving in uniform, Nathan always had an eye on business. He wanted to build something of his own. Something lasting.

STEPPING INTO BUSINESS WITH JUST TWO PMVS
In 2003, after almost two decades as a policeman, Nathan retired from the force and took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. He didn’t wait to have everything in place. He started small—running a trade store and operating two PMVs in Port Moresby. It wasn’t glamorous, and it certainly wasn’t easy. But he showed up every day, worked hard, and stayed true to his values.
Encouraged by close friends and driven by a desire to fill a gap in the city’s transport system, Nathan later shifted gears and entered the taxi business. That’s how Comfort Taxi was born—with just five cars and a clear mission: to offer clean, safe, and reliable transportation.

BUILDING TRUST, ONE RIDE AT A TIME
From day one, Nathan made honesty and integrity the foundation of his business. He paid his bills on time. He followed the rules. He taught his drivers to be professional and courteous. And slowly, the city began to notice.
As the years went by, Comfort Taxi grew steadily. What started with five cars turned into a fleet of over 300 vehicles. Those blue Toyota Crowns that now roam the streets of Port Moresby? That’s Nathan’s legacy in motion. A business built not on flash, but on trust.

ENTERING THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
But Nathan didn’t stop there. In 2015, he set his sights on something even bigger. He wanted to contribute to the city’s hospitality industry. So he began planning a hotel on the very same land that once hosted his family home and the original Comfort Taxi yard.

It was a massive undertaking. But after five years of planning, construction, and sheer determination, the S&J Hotel officially opened its doors in February 2021. Located along Henao Drive in Gordons, the five-storey building offers 33 serviced rooms, a cafeteria, a conference space, and a swimming pool. The best part? It was designed, managed, and built by Papua New Guinean professionals—proving that local talent can deliver world-class results.

For those of you who live in Tokarara, you will see a brand new 2 storey S&J  commercial building next to Tango. I asked him how the building was going and he said he has so many tenants fighting to move into that building. Apart from his 5 storey hotel and commercial building, he owns several other properties. 

CREATING JOBS AND CHANGING LIVES
Nathan’s success has never been just about money. It’s been about people. Today, Comfort Taxi supports more than 300 drivers, offering stable employment to hundreds of families in the city. The hotel, too, employs 10 to 15 staff, and he’s committed to growing that number as the business expands.
“I take pride in honouring the small people,” Nathan says. “As long as I can create employment opportunities so people can take something back to their families, I am happy.”
That’s what sets him apart. He’s not just building businesses—he’s building livelihoods.

THE VALUES THAT SHAPED HIM
Nathan’s journey has been guided by four key values:
1. Honesty and Integrity – He believes that doing things the right way may be harder, but it pays off in the long run.
2. Perseverance and Hard Work – Whether it was as a police officer or a businessman, Nathan never backed down from a challenge.
3. Community Service – His businesses aren’t just profit-driven—they’re people-driven.
4. Faith and Courage – His Christian faith gave him the confidence to take risks and trust that things would work out.

A MESSAGE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
Nathan’s story is living proof that you don’t need a university degree or a big bank loan to succeed in life. What you need is grit, integrity, and a willingness to start small. For all the young people out there who feel stuck or discouraged—look at what Nathan built. Not overnight. Not without struggle. But with persistence, purpose, and pride in his roots.

He says it best: “We cannot just watch foreigners do business in our land while we remain spectators. We must step up and be competitive. We must be the best in what we do.”

THE TAKEAWAY
From a Grade 10 school leaver in Enga, to a dedicated police officer, to the founder of one of Port Moresby’s most recognised taxi services and a new hotel owner—Nathan Milyo’s story is a masterclass in resilience. If he can do it, so can you.
Start where you are. Use what you have. Stay honest. Work hard. And never, ever stop believing in yourself. 

#ComfortTaxi #PNGSME #ThinkBigStartSmall #Possible #YesWeCan

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