Meet COBBER – Australia’s first peer-to-peer delivery platform for bulky second-hand goods

Introduction

In today’s digital age, online marketplaces have revolutionized the way we buy and sell goods. The convenience of finding great deals on secondhand furniture and appliances has opened up a world of possibilities for individuals and families seeking affordable options. However, the logistics of transporting these larger items can often pose a significant challenge, leaving many people in frustrating and helpless situations. This is where Cobber, Australia’s first streamlined peer-to-peer delivery platform for larger secondhand goods, steps in to make a difference. At the heart of Cobber’s inception is the inspiring story of its founder, Roann Junio Hartmann, whose personal adversity fueled her determination to create a more inclusive and sustainable solution.

Roann’s Journey

Roann’s journey is one that resonates with many who have faced similar challenges. As a single mother and immigrant, she found herself raising her two children in public housing, where resources were limited. To provide for her family, Roann turned to online marketplaces like Gumtree and Facebook to find secondhand goods. These platforms offered a lifeline, connecting her with affordable items that would otherwise be out of reach. However, a significant hurdle stood in her way – Roann did not possess a driver’s license and lacked the means to transport the larger items she desperately needed.

The Frustration and Determination

Roann’s frustration was palpable as she repeatedly encountered the inability to pick up items such as couches, fridges, or beds for her children. The reliance on others for transportation was unreliable and often left her feeling disappointed and disheartened. The feeling of helplessness in the face of such obstacles was a constant reminder of the challenges she and others in similar situations faced. However, instead of succumbing to defeat, Roann channeled her frustration into determination.

Roann, how have your personal experiences, particularly as an immigrant and single mother, influenced the creation and evolution of Cobber?

As a single parent on a lower income, I had always tried to keep our living expenses to a minimum. When it comes to sourcing household essentials, the need for an affordable solution is quite apparent. Purchasing new items during these times can be costly, but not only that, most new furniture within the price range is made in such a way that can easily be disposed of or lacks durability. Ultimately, having to spend more money repurchasing, which inadvertently contributes to a cycle of irresponsible consumption. Social marketplaces offer many quality pre-loved furniture. However, as an immigrant woman without access to immediate family who can help collect, economic participation becomes a real social barrier.

Drawn from these challenges, I founded Cobber, which I believe is a transformative solution for individuals facing difficulties and barriers associated with sourcing secondhand household essentials. By facilitating and streamlining the exchange of secondhand goods using technology, Cobber could help alleviate the isolation experienced by individuals, while also enabling them to access items at a lower cost and encourage responsible consumption.

You have shown immense resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Can you share an instance where these qualities proved to be pivotal in the development or growth of Cobber?

Born and raised in the Philippines, although there had been many happy times, I grew up in poverty and domestic violence. Despite that, I was a high achiever as a child and graduated as a class valedictorian. I participated in many school competitions on a state level, where I had many winnings. However, as a child, my thinking process was that my achievements will become my safety blanket, where if I just shine a little too bright, then maybe I’ll be safe in an environment filled with domestic violence.

When I was 17 years old, I joined a university beauty pageant in the Philippines. Being so poor, we could not afford to source a costume. It was a futuristic theme. I made the costume out of a tyre tubing that was thrown away by the neighbours. I created a leatherlike futuristic look, and I won that beauty pageant.

There is a saying that “your greatest pain can become your greatest gift” I believe that I may have developed my resilience and ingenuity early on, growing up with such a hard start in life, that resilience and ingenuity became my nature or shaped me as a human.

Some of my investors had told me that while I have a great business model, they invested in me because of the person that I am. One of them even made a parallel comparison between me and Manny Paquiao, who would rise from the mat time and time again when knocked down.

Through Cobber, I have transformed my personal adversity into a profitable business idea that is revolutionising the way people acquire secondhand goods. My unique background and unwavering determination serve as a testament to my remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to making a lasting impact. It has been pivotal to bringing Cobber to success.

How do your personal values and experiences shape the company culture at Cobber and its approach to community building?

Some of my top personal values are definitely resilience and inclusivity. I believe that creating connected communities is key to creating inclusive and resilient communities. Our company culture values peer to peer communities, where people help each other with mutual support, trust and collaboration. By leveraging technology, we aim to help remove barriers for people. We are here to help those with limited access to moving large items. Whether it’s lack of transport, caregiving duties, or physical impairments, everyone should be able to access the second-hand goods they need.

What life lessons have you learned throughout your journey that you’ve incorporated into the mission and functioning of Cobber?

Life’s journey is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles. During these moments, it’s easy to lose sight of your purpose or get caught up in the day-today grind. However, if you remain connected to your “why”, you can find the strength to persevere. It acts as a compass, guiding you back on track when you veer off course. Remembering your “why” also empowers you to make intentional choices aligned with your values. It helps you prioritise and allocate your time, energy, and resources to what truly matters. This focus increases your efficiency and productivity, as you concentrate on activities that contribute meaningfully to your goals. Creating connected communities through the Cobber brand, is the impact I want to create in this world. My vision is for Cobber to become the largest peer to peer community in the world and our delivery platform for larger secondhand goods, is only the beginning

If you were to advise a fellow founder who’s coming from a similar background as you, what specific guidance would you offer, based on your experience with Cobber?

Identity + Community = Confidence

Despite where you came from, the number one rule is to never ever feel small or ashamed of who you are. Poverty, diverse backgrounds, and shame tend to go hand in hand together shaping the way you may perceive yourself. Sometimes negative societal influence may discourage you as well. You can capitalise on your identity. It’s called Identity Capital and Harvard Business Review wrote an article about this. Draw from your experience, your background, your suffering, whatever it is, and you can draw inspiration from that to create value in this world. It is exactly what I did founding Cobber, drawing inspiration in creating connected communities from my unique background, my personal adversity as a single parent and immigrant woman, my Filipino identity associated with the peer to peer culture of my birth country, the Philippines and my Australian culture of mateship.

Whatever it is that you do, find your community. In my journey, one of the key things that shaped my success and confidence moving Cobber forward was that I surrounded myself with my Adelaide startup and business community. I took space at Thinclab and Stone & Chalk, surrounded myself with business mentors, investors, fellow founders, attended events such as the Southstart festival where I get to be in a room full of likeminded individuals. I get to learn and draw inspiration from people’s stories and their journey in their business.

These are at least my secret sauce in getting confidence in starting something!

The Birth of Cobber

Driven by her own experiences and the desire to create a more inclusive world, Roann founded Cobber. She envisioned a platform that would connect individuals who needed assistance with transporting larger secondhand goods to nearby Cobbers who had suitable vehicles and were willing to help. Cobber aimed to bridge the gap, providing a convenient and reliable solution to a problem faced by countless people in similar circumstances.

The Cobber Community

Cobber is more than just a delivery app – it is a community built on trust, support, and sustainability. By leveraging existing resources and reducing the need for additional vehicles on the road, Cobber actively contributes to the decarbonization of our planet. It is a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to make a positive impact on our environment.

Joining the Cobber Community

Joining the Cobber Community is an opportunity to be part of a movement that seeks to create a more inclusive and supportive society. As a user, you gain access to a network of registered Cobbers who are ready to lend a helping hand. With Cobber, you can say goodbye to the frustrations of arranging transportation for larger secondhand items and embrace a smarter, economical, and sustainable way of transporting your goods.

The Impact and Future

The impact of Cobber extends beyond the mere convenience of transporting goods. It provides individuals and families, especially those facing challenges similar to Roann’s, with a lifeline to essential items that can greatly improve their quality of life. Cobber’s growth has the potential to transform communities, fostering empathy, connection, and resilience.

Conclusion

Cobber and its founder, Roann Junio Hartmann, exemplify the power of perseverance, empathy, and innovation. Roann’s personal journey and determination to overcome obstacles paved the way for a platform that not only solves a logistical challenge but also creates a sense of community and support. By leveraging the sharing economy.

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Meet COBBER – Australia’s first peer-to-peer delivery platform for bulky second-hand goods

Introduction

Roann’s Journey

The Frustration and Determination

Roann, how have your personal experiences, particularly as an immigrant and single mother, influenced the creation and evolution of Cobber?

You have shown immense resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Can you share an instance where these qualities proved to be pivotal in the development or growth of Cobber?

How do your personal values and experiences shape the company culture at Cobber and its approach to community building?

What life lessons have you learned throughout your journey that you’ve incorporated into the mission and functioning of Cobber?

If you were to advise a fellow founder who’s coming from a similar background as you, what specific guidance would you offer, based on your experience with Cobber?

The Birth of Cobber

The Cobber Community

Joining the Cobber Community

The Impact and Future

Conclusion

Want to Find out more about cobber?

Similar Post

Join our community

Meet COBBER – Australia’s first peer-to-peer delivery platform for bulky second-hand goods

Introduction

Roann’s Journey

The Frustration and Determination

Roann, how have your personal experiences, particularly as an immigrant and single mother, influenced the creation and evolution of Cobber?

You have shown immense resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Can you share an instance where these qualities proved to be pivotal in the development or growth of Cobber?

How do your personal values and experiences shape the company culture at Cobber and its approach to community building?

What life lessons have you learned throughout your journey that you’ve incorporated into the mission and functioning of Cobber?

If you were to advise a fellow founder who’s coming from a similar background as you, what specific guidance would you offer, based on your experience with Cobber?

The Birth of Cobber

The Cobber Community

Joining the Cobber Community

The Impact and Future

Conclusion

Want to Find out more about cobber?

Similar Post

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

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