A long term member of the Royal Australian Air Force, crocodile tour guide, remedial masseuse in one of Australia’s most remote outposts and now ambassador for the Leukaemia foundation, complete with shaved head…Cafe2U franchisee Rhonda Elliott has certainly lived an eventful life.
An RAAF signals operator and linguist for 11 years; two years ago Rhonda took the plunge into an entirely new field by securing a Cafe2U franchise for the Caloundra region. Since leaving the RAAF Rhonda has also lived on the remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands, running a massage business within the 500-strong population and a coffee service for the once a week flight to the island. Milk costs a hefty six dollars per litre so that means powdered milk for the coffee machine on the islands. But the drop she serves now is receiving far better reviews from local customers.
“A man drove up to me the other day and said he didn’t normally drink coffee but had tried ours and loved it. It has been a nice start,” Rhonda says.
Community spirit
“A highlight is being able to enjoy being with my customers everyday, I have a joyful group of clients. That is the nature of this community and I like to be involved. The chance to enjoy the Sunshine Coast outdoors has been another bonus. I’ve lived in every Australian state except Tasmania, two territories and an offshore territory but moving to the Sunshine Coast in 2002 has been the best move I’ve made. The positive energy here is tangible.”
Starting in October 2010, Rhonda has already used her community spirit to good effect, servicing the Christmas Carols evening at Peace Park for Landsborough Church on the Rise, and sponsoring the Pacific Lutheran College solar vehicle for the national titles.
“The environment is important to me. I’d originally wanted to use a battery inverter powered vehicle so I could use green power but since that couldn’t happen I offset my greenhouse emissions. It’s simple for us to all make a contribution. I’d like to build a straw bale home here,” enthuses Rhonda.
“Any tips I receive go straight to World Vision; we sponsor a child in Mozambique. I let customers know it is going to a good cause.
“I really enjoy giving back to the community; it makes me feel good about myself. In March of 2010 I shaved my head as part of the Leukaemia Foundation. I must say it was a positive and enriching experience which I will never forget.”
A new challenge
Rhonda made the first steps towards her new career by researching various franchise systems and attending an expo.
“The strong branding of the vehicles is hard to miss and there’s no doubt as to what the business is. I also like the corporate image we present with uniforms and point of sale items, and the levels of flavour of the coffee are not to be missed,” she says.
While the striking red branding appealed to her, Rhonda had her sights set on really getting noticed. “Listen out for the Godfather-themed horn!” she laughs.
“I wanted a new career challenge and when I’ve worked for other employers I have always put everything into it. I treated another person’s business as if it were my own so I figured it may as well be mine.”
Rhonda services a territory south of Pelican Waters to Mooloolaba and from the Coast to the Bruce Highway, but like all good operators is flexible.
“With Cafe2U, if one operator cannot service an area we will contact another to fill in and also work as a team when multiple vehicles are required. Cafe2U had seven vans at the Bridge to Brisbane run in September.
“I recently worked at The Westpac Tour de Tri 2010 for a 24 hour triathlon, from which all proceeds are donated to the Law Enforcement Torch Run, so ‘have van will travel’ is my motto,” she says.