IT analyst quits job, sets up 'coffee shop on wheels' business

A former Information Technology (IT) analyst is now a thriving entrepreneur after quitting his job despite the pandemic.

According to Cedric Castillo's report for "24 Oras," Mong Vicente set up a "coffee shop on wheels" in January.

While many others have been out of work amid the lockdown, Mong took the risk of leaving his company and putting up his own business.

"I wasn't able to save and we are renting a place. I have three children, so my salary is just enough for our needs," he said in Filipino.

Mong said he did not have a hard time making the decision to let go of his 10-year career. The challenge for him was making his wife understand the move.

"I made it look as if I was terminated by the company, but I actually resigned," he said.

That was only the first hurdle, however. When he first hit the road to sell his coffee, he did not have a lot of customers.

"In the first two weeks I only sold two cups worth P35 each. One of them was even bought by my sibling," Mong said.

He changed locations and now he is selling up to 500 servings per day. He has also convinced his wife to quit her job and join him, as he can no longer meet the demand on his own.

Similar mobile coffee shops have also popped up in a public park in Marikina City. Other business-minded individuals saw an opportunity when they realized that many people jog, exercise, or cycle in the area.

Asked for his message to others who may be contemplating switching careers, Mong encouraged them to follow their dreams.

"There's an unlimited number of things we can do in life so we should carry on with what we really want to do," he said.

—MGP, GMA News