Microfranchise Story

By Michael Wadman

Roberto Yaranga is one of the drivers at Valet Taxi, a microfranchise in Lima, Peru.  I had the opportunity to ride with him during my last visit to Lima in August 2009 and I was amazed at his personal situation and how owning his own business had changed his life.

He took me to his house and on the way told me what his life was like before becoming a Valet Taxi owner.  He is one of the few drivers that actually owned his own car before coming to Valet Taxi unlike the rest who rented.  However, his car was a 1984 Nissan stationwagon which needed fixing so often that Roberto would usually end up not having made any money apart from his most basic needs.

Roberto endured this situation for eight years with his aging car until Valet Taxi helped him become the owner of a brand-new, fully insured, under warranty vehicle.  His auto loan term is three years at the end of which he will almost double his income and own a still relatively new vehicle free and clear.  Most importantly Roberto will move from the lower class to the middle class and will be empowered to improve his own situation in life and the lives of those around him.