Brewing Convenience: The Entrepreneurial Lessons from CoffeeToCar’s Rise
Brewing Convenience: The Entrepreneurial Lessons from CoffeeToCar’s Rise. One cold winter morning, Lehubedu “Lemo” Skanzonzo Mohlabe found himself stuck in traffic in Centurion, coffee-less and feeling the pinch of precious time wasted. That simple moment sparked a business idea: why not deliver coffee directly to motorists waiting at traffic lights? And just like that, CoffeeToCar was launched, an innovative, mobile coffee service that brings hot drinks straight to your window, crafted on the spot by a smiling barista who cares.
Turning Everyday Inconvenience into a Competitive Edge
Within minutes, Lehubedu realized that the problem he faced was shared widely: busy people, little time, and the need for convenience. He kicked off his business in August 2022, operating from a traffic light on the R55 in Centurion, using a mobile coffee vest that carried everything needed, hot water, cups, coffee sachets, and biscuits.
Payment Innovation: From Relying on Cash to Going Digital
Selling coffee from the roadside is simple but handling cash isn’t. Lehubedu began facing challenges around change, security, and making daily deposits. The game changer arrived when Nedbank introduced him to Tap-on-Phone, an NFC mobile payment solution. With a few minutes of setup, he began offering contactless card payments, streamlined, safe, and perfect for his mobile setup.
Milestones That Defined the Journey
- Problem spotted, opportunity seized: Losing coffee one morning became the spark for a practical business.
- Lean launch, maximum impact: Lehubedu started on R55 with just a vest, realising that simplicity sells when executed well.
- Digital payment as a signal of credibility: Offering card payments improved customer experience and operational efficiency.
- Community fuelled growth: Social media and word of mouth boosted CoffeeToCar’s visibility, while each cup carried a piece of the founder’s story.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Spot an everyday pain, build a solution
Lehubedu noticed a common inconvenience, running out of coffee time and created a business that solves it for others too. - Start lean but deliver premium
No flashy truck, no costly shop. His vest had exactly what he needed, speed, care, and convenience. - Embrace technology to add trust and security
Tap-on-Phone payment not only sped up service but also signalled professionalism and safety. - Your story attracts more than your product
Customers connected with Lehubedu’s journey from unemployment to entrepreneur. That story sold more than coffee; it inspired. - Adapt to weather, customer flow, and feedback
Rain or shine, Lehubedu showed up. His resilience turned him from a coffee vendor into a local icon.
From One Traffic Light to Community Inspiration
CoffeeToCar is now more than coffee on a rainy morning, it is a daily ritual for many commuters and a testament to entrepreneurial grit. Lehubedu has become a living example of what is possible when one acts on an idea, stays adaptive, and serves others with heart.
