Scott Mendelsohn, the 121st person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, runs a beverage business that turns over millions of dollars per year.

But when Scott founded Natural Raw C in 2012, he had no idea his business would grow to its current size.

So what was the secret?

Hard work.

In the early days, Scott would promote his coconut water by visiting 40 supermarkets, health food stores, corner stores, gyms and yoga studios per day. He’d also spend 20 hours per week on Instagram doing brand-building activities.

Slowly, the business grew. 

Now, Natural Raw C appears in Woolworths, Coles and IGA supermarkets around Australia, as well as outlets in New Zealand, America and South Africa. Natural Raw C has also expanded beyond coconut water into coconut milk and coconut oil.

Scott is a classic people person: he gives off a lot of energy and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Back when the world was normal, Scott would regularly travel interstate to meet customers and distributors. Now, he finds it frustrating that much of this relationship-building has to be done by phone or video.

Thankfully, he’s still able to meet strangers in his home city …