Really Awesome Coffee Bridgwater  - Chris Kamin

On his third attempt, Chris finally retired from his role of 30 years as a head teacher. “This was made easier with the lure of a shiny new toy - a Really Awesome Coffee Mobile Cafe!” he said.

Here he tells us more on how it has been going since she launched her Really Awesome Coffee van in Bridgwater.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

In education for 30 years as a teacher, Headteacher. Moved to Somerset from London, married Jools - have two daughters (at University and Year 10)

Why did you decide to run your own business and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

My wife Jools and I toyed with the idea of a Coffee/Tea shop many years ago but the onset of major Coffee chains put us off. Bizarrely, Jools was sat in a Costa and saw a van outside, she called me and we started our Franchise story from there!

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

Training was fantastic - learning is in my nature and this was all new. We felt like part of a larger family and was made very welcome. Very nervous during the launch but good support has allowed me to grow in confidence. Customers love the idea, love the coffee and generally look forward to a visit.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

Everyone has been brilliant and always at the end of a phone

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

Don't just do something, find what you want to do then go for it!

Really Awesome Coffee Sutton Coldfield - Kelsey Judge-Porter

Kelsey says "My favourite part about the business is just being in complete control of my own life. Working on weekends because I want to and because it pays off, and taking time off when I need it."

Here she tells us more on how it has been going since she launched her Really Awesome Coffee van in Sutton Coldfield.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I used to be a live-in carer for ladies with special needs. I loved my job but I was away from my family far too much and I wanted something where I could work more normal hours and have more control.

Why did you decide to run your own business and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

I wanted to work without a boss! Work for myself and build something I'm proud of whilst doing something I enjoy. I'm a friendly person so I wanted to work with people, chatting and socialising all day.

I love hard work and Really Awesome Coffee promises you'll get out what you put in, so I knew it would work out great for me.

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

Training was great, I wasn't nervous for training but I was for my business launch. Worried about making stupid ditzy mistakes (which I did!), but all resolved easily enough. I've had so much help and it's definitely cemented how hard this would have been without Really Awesome Coffee behind me.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

Vik - my Franchise Development Manager (FDM) is always reachable. Very professional and helpful. I feel that Really Awesome Coffee has helped me to make the best decisions for my business while also giving me the freedom to make it my own.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

It doesn't matter what you want from the business, it's going to be difficult either way! But all obstacles are worth it that first day on your own, driving to your first ever stop. It is an amazing feeling.

Really Awesome Coffee Belfast East - Adam Wilkinson

After a long and successful career as a Business Development Manager(BDM), Adam thought it was the right time to start his own business. 

Here Adam tells us how it has been going since he launched his Really Awesome Coffee van in Belfast.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I was a BDM for SPAR in Northern Ireland, overseeing the biggest independent account in the SPAR NI portfolio.

Why did you decide to run a business, and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

I loved my previous job but felt like I needed a new challenge and I've always wanted to start my own business. I had always thought I would open my own shop but after quite a bit of research and due diligence I decided that Really Awesome Coffee was the right fit for me.

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

I was very excited about getting started with Really Awesome Coffee. Once I had my barista training I then became nervous that I wouldn't be able to make the perfect cup of coffee for my customers under pressure. However, after going back for the 2nd week of training I felt much more confident and realised that I was just panicking a little and my barista skills were good and I was just being a little hard on myself.

During my daily run and events I get a lot of great feedback about the coffee, so that has also helped increase my confidence.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

The ongoing training and support has been fantastic. Definitely couldn't have launched my business without the support of the Franchise Development Manager and HQ.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

Take your time, do your research and go with your gut.

Really Awesome Coffee Hinckley - Rob Earl

Prior to joining the network, Rob had been retired for 2 years but felt like he wanted to do something else. He had been looking at coffee shops or a permanent pitch for a mobile café with his wife, Mandy, but when he discovered Really Awesome Coffee everything appeared to fall into place and subsequent discussions convinced them it was meant to be!

Here Rob tells us how it has been going since he launched his Really Awesome Coffee van in Hinckley.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I was retired for three years and was a house husband supporting my working wife and a young child at school before I became a Really Awesome Franchisee.

Why did you decide to run a business, and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

We always wanted a coffee shop or something similar. This developed into looking for a permanent pitch coffee van and the conversion idea of a van. We then came across Really Awesome Coffee who’s website mentioned van conversions. I rang Really Awesome Coffee head office and they suggested signing up for a Discovery Day presentation to have a better understanding of the business. The rest is history.

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

Training was very relaxed and informative and all staff are passionate about Really Awesome Coffee and supportive to help build and develop my franchise. Customers are pleased to see us and impressed by the van and really enjoy the coffee and other products. Initially, it is very hard with long days. However, what you put in gets rewards!

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

My Franchise Development Manager has been very supportive and helpful in developing my round. He keeps in touch whether by phone calls or text messages. What questions he cannot answer he always comes back with an answer later. .

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

It’s not just about serving coffee, which I thoroughly enjoy. You also need to consider there is lots of admin and hard work before and after going out on your round for everything to run smoothly.

Really Awesome Coffee Nottingham South  - David Barnes

Previously, David ran a successful dog grooming business alongside his wife. Whilst his wife still runs the business. He decided it was time for a change and took the leap to join the Really Awesome Coffee network.

Here David tells us how it has been going since he launched his Really Awesome Coffee van in Nottingham.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I owned a dog grooming salon in Nottingham

Why did you decide to run a business, and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

During the 1st Covid lockdown I was looking through bank statements and realised I spent more on coffee treats than the weekly shop, I thought to myself ‘there has to be a business for this?’ Anyway, after much thought, deliberation and research I found Really Awesome Coffee. Once I had everything I compared them with 2 other similar coffee vans. Nothing compared, nothing seemed to be as complete.

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

The training and launch were good, the van is a few months old now and I still get the wow factor whenever anyone new comes to the van.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

Contact with my Franchise Development Manager (FDM) and Head Office is really good.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

If you don’t do it, someone else will. You will only regret not doing it.

David Wright - Harrogate  

Before joining Really Awesome Coffee, David was a sales director for a cleaning company and has been in sales for virtually his whole working life. David launched his Really Awesome Coffee van in Harrogate in April 2021.

We caught up with him to find out how he found the onboarding process and how he’s finding running his new business.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to becoming a Really Awesome Franchisee?

I was a Sales Director for a medium sized facility management company looking after cleaning contracts. 

Why did you decide to run a business, and why Really Awesome Coffee specifically?

I had been on furlough for over 12 months and following a candid conversation with the MD ascertained I would not be returning any time soon. I looked at several franchises including Cafe 2 U and Coffee Blue and thought Really Awesome Coffee was ahead of the game. I knew coffee was a great commodity to get into.

Tell us a bit about your training at Head Office and your business launch.

The training was very good, relaxed and the Head Office staff were all very welcoming. The barista training was very thorough but a lot of fun learning how to make a variety of coffees, smoothies and milkshakes.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

Contact with my Franchise Development Manager (FDM) and Head Office is excellent. Always there when you need them. I have regular support visits from my FDM which is very good. 

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

Expect it to be initially harder work than you first think, more often than not working 7 days a week to build your round, however once settled, I can't think of a better business.

Jason Simmons - Tamworth

After being made redundant from a coffee vending company, Jason decided to take the plunge and start his own Really Awesome Coffee business. He launched his business in October.

He was able to follow the journeys of the rest of the network through the lockdown period, seeing them adapt to offer services to key-worker sites and running the new home delivery service.

We caught up with him recently to find out how he found the process and how he’s finding running his new business.

How did you find the onboarding process with Really Awesome Coffee?

Some years back at a local street food market event, I was amazed after seeing a Really Awesome Coffee mobile vehicle, and impressed at how good the coffee tasted, and thought one day I would love the opportunity to be able to own one of these myself. 

Some years later in a crazy 2020 where the whole world was turned upside down due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I like many thousands of others found myself being furloughed from work and then being made redundant.

Looking at my social media sites, I had seen Really Awesome Coffee and took the opportunity to make contact with Kevin Haswell to see exactly what Really Awesome Coffee was and is all about. We signed up to one of the virtual Discovery Days being held online due to the lockdown.

During the virtual Discovery Day, Kevin spoke about the franchise and how the process all works. Learning to run a business is very daunting and complex. I had lots of questions for Kevin and he has the patience of a saint. The initial support that I have received from the team along with the direct contact with Kevin has made each step of the process so much easier and less stressful.

Starting a business at any time has its own challenges. This year with the Covid-19 pandemic, where more and more people are working from home or even in a local lockdown, has changed the way we move forward as a business. We have a socially distanced serving table, hand sanitising stations, and have developed social distancing habits to ensure that my customers are safe whilst at the van.

My time running my own Really Awesome Coffee to date has been brilliant. There is so much satisfaction when a customer comes out to see you on a demo day and sees what Really Awesome Coffee has to offer everyone, and how we accommodate for customers' requirements such as providing soy milk, gluten-free products and skimmed milk for those health-conscious people who enjoy a lavish drink. I am getting feedback like "your coffee tastes lovely", "wow what a selection of food you have!" or "the van looks amazing" and this makes me feel really proud.

The van is fantastic to work from and customers respond when they see the van and realise what we, as a brand, have to offer. We definitely stand out from other competitors.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

Knowing that I can get any support from my Franchise Development Manager, Laura Tonks, on a daily basis is a massive help. Laura came out to work with me in my first two weeks to help set up some demos with my new customers and made me settle into my new role and, if any problems arise, her support is a phone call away. As well as Laura, I know that any questions about ordering from suppliers and using our unique RAPoS system can be answered by Greg, the Operations Manager. Both have been invaluable with their knowledge and assistance. It takes away all the stress and complexity from running your own business.

You are your own boss after all and, yes, some issues land right at your feet, but with the guidance and ongoing support from head office you never feel you are alone to deal with any issues.

What is the most valuable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

This opportunity for me was the best decision I have ever made. So, my advice to anyone looking to join Really Awesome Coffee would be to book onto a virtual Discovery Day. It's so informative, so have a pen and pad ready and write down any questions that you may want to ask. Kevin is so helpful and talks you through step by step of the process and even gives you a virtual tour of the van.

Starting a business can be very daunting and complex. The support and assistance that you receive means you're not all alone to run the business, but with your hard work and self-discipline along with lots of enthusiasm then there is no reason you will not be successful.

The whole Really Awesome Coffee Franchise model is impressive, the way it's conducted in a relaxed manner and how you never feel under any undue pressure.

Andy Barr - Renfrewshire

Andy arrived at our head office in Coventry for his first day’s training on Monday 23rd March, only to have to get back on a train to Renfrewshire as the UK lockdown was announced.

He was able to follow the journeys of the rest of the network through the lockdown period, seeing them adapt to offer services to key-worker sites and running the new home delivery service.

Then, after nearly 4 months of waiting earnestly, he was able to come back down to Coventry to complete his training, with his business launched in Renfrewshire at the end of July. 

We caught up with him recently to find out how he found the process and how he’s finding running his new business.

How did you find the onboarding process with Really Awesome Coffee?

The onboarding process was made really simple by the team at head office. They gathered all information from us and put us in contact with all the right people regarding finance applications. The support and direct contact from Kevin and head office took a lot of stress out of what would have been a complex process had we wished to tackle the entire process on our own. 

To date our time as a Franchise partner with Really Awesome Coffee has been extremely enjoyable. There obviously are challenges day to day, but they come with any business. The tools given to you by head office enable you to run your business in an extremely efficient and profitable way. Everything from ordering supplies to how to make the drinks is explained and delivered in a way that everyone can understand

Really Awesome Coffee really takes the complexity out of starting a business and provides a model and support that would enable anyone to be successful. The days can be demanding, but the rewards and satisfaction you get from seeing your business grow is worth everything.

How have you found the ongoing training and support?

From the beginning of our journey, the support from head office has been world-class. Every single member of staff is extremely approachable, friendly and will always strive to help whenever you need it. No query is ever too much hassle; no question is a silly question.

What also really makes Really Awesome Coffee stand out is that your own Franchise Development Manager (FDM) is available constantly and always checks in to offer advice, guidance and support. At no point do you ever feel like you are on your own or that there is nowhere to turn for help.

Every step of setting up your business is laid out for you, from researching your territory to ordering supplies. After the initial training period and FDM initial visit, the support doesn’t end. The follow up visits are a great support and help ease you into running your own business and developing the understanding required in order to grow and develop your daily round. 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you could give someone looking to invest in their first franchise?

Do it. It will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Running your own Really Awesome Coffee mobile coffee van is a highly enjoyable and rewarding way to earn a living. Every aspect of the business has been thoroughly scrutinised by Kevin and his team and literally there is nothing that they have not thought of. From the moment we attended the initial Discovery Day, it was instantly obvious that the levels of professionalism, knowledge and dedication allied to the state of the art coffee van made this an opportunity that we felt was too good to pass up.

To be honest the whole Really Awesome Coffee Franchise model is so impressive; it really does feel as if you can’t fail. Whilst it is a very serious business, the whole operation is conducted in a very relaxed manner and you never feel under any undue pressure. We really can’t speak highly enough about Kevin and the franchise system he has built and we are utterly convinced we have made the best decision of our lives.

Karl Webster - Daventry

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

I was a Business Manager in the print/payroll industry running a small business with 15 employees and I was responsible for the running of the business, UK sales, service and export.

Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the coffee industry? And why Really Awesome Coffee?

I was looking for a change as I had become chained to a desk when previously I would travel the country visiting customers which I enjoyed, but the desk life was taking its toll.

I had a work friend who joined a coffee franchise and it appealed to me as I originally started my working life as a teenager working in the catering industry and wanted to get back to dealing with people face to face.

I looked at other franchises but I really got a great feeling after meeting the team at a franchise discovery day. I could see they were obviously passionate about what they did and was hard working towards helping their franchisees. This gave me confidence to take the leap and make the investment. Also the excellent fit out of the vans made it an easy decision.

How was the training and support that you received initially and ongoing?

I found the training and support excellent, it was really well put together. Everything is thought about and every step of the way you know you have someone covering your back and holding your hand (In a good way!).

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

I leave between 8am and 8:10am to get to my first stop at 8:50am. I then have approximately 30+ stops to various business types around Daventry and Swann Valley. I manage to fit in a supplies shop before my last stop around 4.15pm. I then get home around 4:35pm and complete my clean down and cash up.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes definitely, although I still work the hours, I get to see my family more, I am sleeping better and so far have lost a whole stone in weight in 5 weeks and feel much happier in myself.

What challenges have you faced?

I found the initial month very physical and was very tired as at first I was slow at setting up, cleaning down and cashing up, but over time I became faster and more efficient so now it’s a breeze.

What are your new customers like?

My customer are awesome, they were very patient with me in my first weeks while still a little slow and still learning. They always say great things about the coffee too which is always nice to hear. It brings great satisfaction when they do that.

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

The first step is the hardest but if you are in an unhappy place and want to make a change then you should take the leap, but it is very hard work and you need to be ready for that.

In your opinion, what makes a successful Really Awesome Coffee franchisee?

I think you have to have the right work ethic and attitude, anyone that is used to hard work and can focus on what they need to achieve will make anything work, but you have to be able to enjoy what you do as well.

What are your plans for the future with your business?

I think right now I just want to be able to provide for my family and that is my main focus, I don’t have any big plans for a second vehicle just yet but I would not rule it out.

I just want to be able to provide excellent coffee and food with excellent customer service. As long as I can do that I am sure my customers will still be customers for a long time.

Philip Short - Birmingham

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you were doing prior to buying a franchise business?

I’ve always worked in the hospitality industry from working in bars to managing coffee shops and pubs. Although I had that little bit of experience, the mobile coffee market was completely new to me.

Why did you go down the franchise route? What made you choose the coffee industry? And why Really Awesome Coffee?

I chose the franchise route because of the support and knowledge Really Awesome Coffee bring to the table. I always wanted to run my own business but I wanted to hit the ground running instead of building completely from scratch, and in 8 weeks of trading I think I have. I chose the coffee industry because I’ve ran coffee shops in the past so I have that little bit of experience. I knew there was good margin in coffee plus I love to drink it myself.

How was the training and support that you received initially and ongoing?

The training was very good and the ongoing support is excellent. I worked with my Franchise Develop Manager who saw my through the whole process.

The training is tailored to your needs. For example, when I had my training I was still managing at the pub I was working at so I had to break my training up. I was also doing some night shifts after a full day of training at Head Office. It was a long week but all worth it in hindsight.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

When I first get up I have to hook my van up to the mains and get set. I then cook my hot food in the pie heater. I check to make sure I have water, coffee and LPG gas, once sorted I set off to my first stop in Quinton.

I like to do my little ‘stay away’ rain dance. It makes my life a lot easier if it’s a dry day but even if it does decide to rain, the rear awning on the pull pulls out in seconds keeping me and my customers dry.

What challenges have you faced?

It’s been ok actually, I would say maybe working out what stops are not working and cutting off stops. But the team at head office assist with this because the ePOS system tracks data so it can tell you exactly which ones are not worth your time, it’s fantastic and I’m learning to read the data myself.

Of course the training was a challenge for me only because I was still working while going through it. The guys were flexible and understood my situation and adapted to help me.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Yes, it most certainly. I have a lot more time at home now. Before I was working most weekends and most nights which weren’t great, especially when my girlfriend is a teacher so we were working opposite shifts. I now have a better work-life balance. Also working for your self is a big motivator.

What are your new customers like?

I have a lot of regular customers now. It always makes them feel special when you start making their drink before they have even got to the van. They say “how do you remember?” and most of the time I say “lucky guess”, it always gets a laugh!

What is the most invaluable piece of advice you could give someone looking to buy their first franchise?

Make sure you do your research and ask as many questions as you can think of. I went to the Really Awesome Coffee discovery day evening so I was open to meet the team and get all the details in full in a non formal environment as such. I would recommend going to one 100%.

Also be prepared to work hard, it’s your own business so you have to but the rewards are there. It’s satisfying being your own boss.

In your opinion, what makes a successful Really Awesome Coffee franchisee?

Firstly, hard work. Don’t let the quiet days get you down because that’s just the way any business goes, it always balances itself out. You also need to be good with people and have good personable skills because you’re dealing with the customers all day long.

What are your plans for the future with your business?

I am planning to develop the round and build it up with more sites. I also want to do more big events so I am currently applying for them. Who knows this time next year I’ll be a coffee millionaire (laughs).

Andy Baxter - Norwich

My employment background lies within pensions management and previously to setting up with Really Awesome Coffee I didn't even know the difference between a latte and a cappuccino! 

The support and training provided to me during the set-up of my franchise was excellent. Every time I needed to contact head office for help the response was (and still continues to be) 'awesome'.

I trade for approximately 7 hours a day on my daily route  and between April and November I attend local car boot sales where I trade for about 5 hours a day at the weekend. I love working for myself and take great satisfaction from hearing customer compliments on both my van and the coffee that I serve. There are also plenty of laughs to be had with my customers! 

If you think it might be for you then I would say be prepared to work hard and keep at it. By continually evolving your business and putting in the hours you will see the fruits of your labour. I have recently increased my profits significanlty by actively seeking to make positive changes.It was the best feeling the first day I hit my profit target and also it is great knowing that after the initial hard work I now have lots of frequently busy coffee stops on my round!

A massive thanks has to go to the Really Awesome Coffee team, any initial doubts I had about being able to earn a living from this are no more. I am really pleased with how the business has developed and can honestly say I feel like I have built a successful business using this already successful model.

Andrew Donovan - Wallington

Before setting up my Really Awesome Coffee franchise I was a telescopic forklift truck driver working on building sites. Getting started with Really Awesome Coffee was very straightforward and relatively easy. The training I received was first class and the on-going support was second to none.

Getting hold of someone at head office is very easy! I also feel that their franchise fee is very competitively priced.

An average working day for me consists of about 5 hours trading on the van and about 1 hour at home/collecting supplies.

I love the fact that I can run my own business, be my own boss and most importantly, be a father.

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