Today we’d like to introduce you to Yoseph Assefa.
Hi Yoseph, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated with creating things and solving problems, even as a kid. I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, where riding bikes with friends and family was a big part of my childhood. These early experiences allowed me to realize how much I enjoyed being adventurous, creative, and curious.
My entrepreneurial journey really kicked off during my time at Barry University in Miami, Florida. There, I noticed that many students, myself included, missed meals because of conflicting class schedules. To address this, I founded “2 Go Campus Delivery,” an app that allowed students to order food from campus restaurants and have it delivered to their dorms or study spots. As the app gained popularity amongst fellow students, even faculty and staff began to download and use the app, addressing a real problem on campus that was improving the quality of life for everyone and creating ways for students to earn extra income.
As the app grew, so did the challenges. Our delivery couriers needed a more efficient way to get around campus. Traditional bicycles weren’t cutting it, which led to the creation of “Leafy Bikes,” a two-seated electric bicycle designed to make deliveries faster and easier. The Leafy Bike allowed couriers to move quickly and carry more items, improving delivery times and customer satisfaction. As the Leafy Bike became more visible and caught on with commuters and eco-conscious consumers, I knew it could stand on its own as a business.
Opening our first retail store in South Beach, Miami was a turning point for Leafy Bikes. It wasn’t easy as we struggled to learn the ropes of marketing and sales through trial and error. Ultimately, after trying different strategies to get the word out, we discovered one of the most effective ways was offering rental services. This form of guerrilla marketing helped us connect with tourists and locals, allowing them to experience our bikes firsthand. It was also a great way to showcase the benefits of electric bikes while getting feedback from real users.
This experience opened the door to seeing the real potential of Leafy Bikes. It wasn’t just about delivering food anymore; it was about creating a sustainable transportation option for a much broader market. The store in South Beach gave us the confidence to expand our reach, improve our bikes, and work towards a future where electric bikes could become a common sight on the streets. We realized we had something special, and that realization charged our growth.
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?
The road has been anything but smooth. One of the first hurdles was balancing my studies with running a startup. As a full-time student managing the 2Go Campus Delivery app and the launch of Leafy Bikes as a standalone business was exhausting. Once the 2GO Campus Delivery app started gaining traction, we had to tackle the logistics of scaling the business, which came with its own set of challenges/opportunities – one of which led to the inception of the Leafy Bike, a more efficient way to transport deliveries on campus.
Launching Leafy Bikes brought on a new set of obstacles. Designing a bike that could be used for campus deliveries while also appealing to a broader consumer market was tricky. We faced technical issues, like improving battery life and ensuring reliability. We also had challenges with our go-to-market strategy attempting to appeal to a broad base of consumers. Through all these struggles, I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and adapt. It’s been these experiences that have shaped my journey, pushing me to be more resilient, creative, and persistent.
One of the most significant struggles was building a brand from scratch. When you’re starting out, you don’t have the credibility that established companies do, so you have to work twice as hard to earn trust. This meant putting in long hours, including weekends, building personal relationships with vendors and customers, collecting raw feedback, and always being ready to pivot when things didn’t go as planned.
Despite all the bumps in the road, we managed to overcome each obstacle by staying focused on our vision. We knew we had something special with Leafy Bikes, and that belief kept us going. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about creating a product that could make a difference in people’s lives. This purpose-driven approach helped us navigate the tough times and come out stronger on the other side.
Ultimately, the struggles we’ve faced have made our successes even more meaningful. They’ve taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team. Most importantly, these experiences have shown me that no matter how difficult the journey might be, if you remain committed to the vision, flexible on execution, and passionate about delivering for your customers, the journey will be rewarded.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Leafy Bikes, we are not just in the business of transportation; but we are also about redefining the way people move and experience the journey. We specialize in two-seat electric bicycles that are designed to be versatile and sustainable.
Our electric bikes come with several special features including, anti-theft alarm systems, remote start features, LED headlights, side mirrors, turn signals for nighttime riders, lithium-ion batteries, rapid charging capabilities, pedal assist features, and extra cargo space, making them ideal for leisure riders, delivery couriers, commuters, and eco-conscious riders.
What sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We’re constantly improving our products to meet the evolving needs of our customers. You can find our bikes on LeafyBikes.com, where we offer retail sales and rentals in tourist areas. We also partner with bike shops nationwide to provide leasing options, making Leafy Bikes more accessible to everyone.
We’re not just about selling bikes; we’re about building connections and promoting a greener future. Our goal is to make Leafy Bikes a part of people’s everyday lives, whether it’s for running errands or going on adventures with family and friends. We hope to inspire others to embrace sustainable transportation and join us on this journey towards a cleaner, more connected world.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is riding bikes with friends and family around the neighborhood. The freedom to explore, the thrill of racing down the street, and the joy of discovering new places were priceless experiences. These moments not only sparked my love for mobility and adventure but also taught me the importance of connection and community.
These childhood memories continue to drive my passion for creating solutions that bring people together and make life easier. They remind me that the best ideas often come from simple moments of joy and that creating something meaningful is all about finding those shared experiences that resonate with people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leafybikes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leafybikes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeafyBikes/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoseph-assefa-50449013b
Image Credits
Benyam Desta
