In the bustling city of Los Angeles, a new business model is gaining traction, challenging conventional ideas of retail. Sara Van Ells, Founder of Hustle Trucks, saw an opportunity in the market and seized it, transforming commercial vehicles into rentable mobile storefronts. Launched in August 2020, Hustle Trucks bridges the gap between brick-and-mortar stores and digital commerce, offering entrepreneurs a flexible and cost-effective way to reach their customers.
Hustle Trucks faced unique challenges in its early stages. While the concept of food trucks is familiar to the public, the idea of retail trucks is a fresh one. Yet, as Sara notes, “When it clicks, it really clicks. Everyone loves the idea.” This enthusiasm has fueled the company’s progress as it pioneers this new category.
In a milestone achievement, Hustle Trucks recently hosted its 100th business. The rapid growth and wide acceptance of this novel concept have solidified Sara’s belief in its potential. “This is a valuable addition to the small business landscape of LA,” she proudly states.
One of Hustle Trucks’ satisfied customers, Thread Envy, a vintage shop from San Diego, lauds their experience: “Nothing short of an amazing experience! This was a game changer for my business, and Sara is such a great person to interact with. Everything was seamless, the customer service was wonderful, and I am definitely going to continue to do business with Hustle Trucks!”
The company’s success is not just measured in happy customers. Hustle Trucks has demonstrated an impressive 25% quarter-to-quarter growth since its inception. This remarkable growth rate, paired with the company’s commitment to operate debt-free, speaks volumes about its potential. “We’re totally a one-woman show,” Sara says, “and we’re poised for incredible growth over the next two years.”
Hustle Trucks’ service offering includes a comprehensive package of cleaning services, mileage, racks and shelves, backup cameras, and insurance. It’s a model that appeals to a broad customer base, from microentrepreneurs to small business owners and commercial leaseholders looking to expand their reach. To meet the increasing demand, Hustle Trucks aims to expand its fleet by adding two to three more trucks.
The Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC) has played an instrumental role in Hustle Trucks’ journey by providing loan readiness and technical support. With this backing, and Sara’s visionary leadership, Hustle Trucks is set to redefine retail and support a new generation of entrepreneurs in Los Angeles.
Check out the Hustle Trucks website for more information and check out their Instagram for behind-the-scenes content.
