Meet Beth Baxter, the co-founder of Camper Cafe, a mobile coffee van business that has successfully transformed a vintage VW campervan into a flourishing coffee shop. With a unique approach and unwavering dedication, Beth and her partner, Will, have created a thriving enterprise supplying major sporting events across the UK while collaborating with international brands. This article explores their inspiring journey from the initial concept to building a successful brand in the competitive mobile coffee market.
Backstory and Inspiration
Beth’s career began in IT sales, where she quickly climbed the ranks to become a Director of Sales and Marketing by age 24. Despite her success, she yearned for a creative outlet beyond the corporate environment. Her partner, Will, harbored a long-standing passion for vintage VW campervans, which sparked Beth’s idea of converting a rusty campervan into a mobile coffee shop. Initially viewed as a fun hobby to earn extra income on weekends, the venture quickly revealed its potential for significant profitability after generating impressive revenue in just a few operational days.
Building the Van and Storefront
Will’s engineering mindset was pivotal in the transformation of the campervan into a fully operational coffee shop. They purchased a vintage VW campervan and meticulously refurbished it, with Will and his brother leading the renovation efforts while Beth focused on sourcing high-quality equipment and supplies. Their total investment amounted to approximately £6,000, and the refurbishment process took six months, involving countless hours of hard work alongside their full-time jobs. A critical aspect of their journey was establishing strong relationships with local suppliers, especially their coffee supplier, to ensure consistent quality and service.
First Event Experience
To test their coffee-making skills and gauge public interest, Beth and Will hosted an open day prior to their inaugural event at the VW show, VDub at the Pub, in May 2011. The event proved to be a resounding success, generating around £450 in a single day. This positive reception validated their concept and motivated them to pursue more events. They adopted a low-cost, low-risk model, attending various events nationwide to build their reputation and gain exposure in the mobile coffee market. Their participation in these events allowed them to refine their offerings and enhance customer engagement.
Growth Strategies
The growth of Camper Cafe has been driven by a hands-on approach, heavily leveraging search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing to increase brand visibility. Beth and Will’s commitment to serving high-quality coffee—trained by a UK barista champion—has set them apart from competitors. A major milestone occurred in 2012 when they secured a partnership with an international corporate client, resulting in a significant boost in business. This partnership not only ensured consistent revenue but also solidified their reputation as a trusted mobile coffee provider.
Current Status and Future Plans
Currently, Beth and Will are in the process of building their sixth mobile coffee unit, reflecting their continuous growth and adaptation to market demands. They are exploring ways to expand their services into experiential marketing, aiming to integrate interactive elements that enhance customer engagement. Additionally, they prioritize mentoring young staff, fostering a supportive work environment while navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Their goal is not only to grow their brand but also to positively impact their employees’ development and the local community.
Lessons Learned
Throughout their journey, Beth emphasizes the importance of taking action and effectively managing risks. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to not delay their dreams and to focus on building value through their business. Learning from both successes and failures is essential, and being proactive in seeking opportunities is crucial for long-term success in the mobile coffee business.
Tools and Resources
To manage operations effectively, Camper Cafe utilizes essential tools like WordPress for their website, allowing them to maintain an online presence and showcase their offerings. They also use Freeagent for accounting, which streamlines their financial management processes. Beth highlights the importance of organic marketing through social media, which has been instrumental in growing their brand without excessive advertising costs. She stays updated on marketing trends through webinars, resources like Google Analytics, and networking with other entrepreneurs to optimize their strategies.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Beth’s primary advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to avoid becoming someone who merely contemplates ideas without taking action. She encourages others to be proactive, learn continuously, and embrace the journey of entrepreneurship with confidence. Understanding that every step, whether successful or not, contributes to personal and professional growth is crucial for anyone looking to start their own coffee van business. By fostering a mindset of experimentation and resilience, aspiring entrepreneurs can navigate the challenges of building a successful venture.
