From Delivery Driver To Business Owner: 21-year-old Takes Over HELL Kāpiti

A 21-year-old former HELL Pizza delivery driver has taken over ownership of the brand’s Kāpiti store, turning an after-school job into a business of his own, making him one of HELL’s youngest ever franchise owners.

Josh Stretch relocated from Palmerston North to take over the popular local franchise at the start of this year, after deciding university wasn’t the right fit and backing himself on a different path. He is part of a growing number of HELL franchise operators under 30, many of whom started in entry-level roles before working their way into ownership.

Stretch first joined HELL at the end of Year 13 as a delivery driver, originally planning to save money before heading to university.

“I originally planned to save for university, but the job ended up changing my direction completely,” says Stretch. “I gave uni a go, but after a couple of months I realised I missed working and had more to give here.”

After leaving university, Josh was offered the opportunity to return and be mentored by his former boss, now business partner, Chirag Thour.

“He saw potential in me early on and helped me understand the business side of things from the ground up. That support made this feel achievable.”

The first in his immediate family to own a business, Stretch says stepping into business ownership at a young age has pushed him well outside his comfort zone, but that challenge is exactly what drew him in.

“When the Kāpiti store became available, I stepped up,” he says. “I was prepared to move anywhere in New Zealand to have my own store.”

“Kāpiti has been incredibly welcoming, and I’m looking forward to building something here.”

HELL Pizza was founded in Wellington in 1996 by Callum Davies, then in his early twenties, and now has 78 stores nationwide.

“There’s always been a level of risk involved with HELL, and backing people who are willing to take that on is how the brand has grown,” says Davies.

“We’ve always supported people like Josh; those who put in the work, back themselves and are willing to take ownership early.”

Stretch says one of his biggest priorities now is building a strong team culture and creating opportunities for others who may not see themselves on a traditional path.

“I want my team to care about their work and feel proud of what they do, even if they’re only here for a short time,” he says.

“If they can take that mindset into whatever comes next, that’s a win.”

Although still new to the Kāpiti business community, Stretch says he’s excited to get involved locally and make the store his own.

“The reception so far has been really positive. I’m excited to keep getting involved in the community and finding creative ways to build on that.”

About HELL

Established in Wellington in 1996, HELL has grown to become one of New Zealand's most infamous and well-known brands, with 78 franchises throughout New Zealand and more than 1,200 staff. Behind the irreverent brand, HELL focuses on affordable indulgence, offering Kiwi consumers an ethical option in convenience foods. In 2015, HELL was the first NZ company to offer free-range pizzas and specialises in catering for vegan, vegetarian and meat-loving souls. HELL supports a range of causes, including the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and IHC's Project Active, and it is an active member of the local communities in which it operates.

© Scoop Media