Meet Laila Zohav of Aurora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laila Zohav.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Perk Up Truck was a long time in the making. I started dreaming about it as far back as 2012, began to actually plan it in 2015, and eventually opened in 2019. I wanted to make a business that was about making people happy and used the skills I had learned in 25 years of being in customer service and hospitality. I have worked since I was 14, often 2-3 jobs at a time, so I was also really attracted to the idea of using my work ethic to create something that benefits myself and the community instead of always working for big corporations. I have always been a wanderer and having a mobile business just made sense to me. And, of course, I do love coffee and loved the challenge of creating a small but versatile menu that could work in a small space but still provide for a wide range of preferences and needs. Most recently, we moved into a new, upgraded and larger trailer that runs on solar power. Although the initial, set up phase, getting it licensed etc, was a bit of a slog, now that we are up and running in it, its a lot of fun and being solar powered is both better for the environment and quieter to operate.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been some challenges. I opened in April, 2019, meaning that I was less than a year in when COVID 19 hit. So the biggest challenge was learning to navigate that landscape. I am so thankful that I chose and outdoor, mobile business during a time when those two factors meant that the business could survive.

There is also the fact that when you are a food truck or trailer, you are always fixing or replacing something and have to contend with a lot of theft. I have replaced water pipes and pumps, espresso machines, blenders, freezers and once almost the entire contents of the trailer due to it being stolen. We woke up one morning and the trailer had been completely cut off its hitch and someone had taken it. Considering that it had been hooked up to the tow vehicle, they went to considerable trouble to cut through a lock and though the hitch itself. If we would not have located the trailer, I almost definitely would not be in business today. Luckily, the thieves only wanted the contents, so they dropped the trailer (emptied) off only a few blocks away, less than 24 hours after stealing it. The most annoying thing was that they took everything, the cups and pens and storage containers full of cleaning supplies etc. I still miss the espresso machine they stole, it was the best machine I have used and the ones I got to replace it just aren’t the same.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always loved helping people and doing things that make them happy. I have spent almost my entire career in customer service and hospitality. My love for coffee and coffee culture started when I lived in Washington State and Seattle on and off for 13 years. Having worked at a number of coffee shops and food service spots. I love the way people’s faces light up when they get to treat themselves. I am proud that I have been able to combine the skills I acquired over those years to make something that both supports who I am and gives people a chance to brighten their day.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I grew up in a very rural, intentional (read hippie) community in Virginia. Once of my favorite memories is roaming the land, and swimming in the pond there.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://perkuptruck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perkuptruck/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerkUpTruckColorado