Every morning, Arvin Kumar, starts his truck and heads out onto the roads of Suva, committed to delivering goods and transporting people across the city.

As a dedicated driver, he has built a reputation for hard work and reliability.

Today, Mr Kumar is an established businessman, operating four carriers based in Nabua, a milestone that reflects years of persistence and determination.

Despite his success, Mr Kumar said he remains humble and deeply connected to his roots.

He was born and raised on Valley Rd in Sigatoka, growing up with four brothers in a modest household.

Two of them are still living in Sigatoka and one is residing in New Zealand today.

Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Life was not easy growing up, but those struggles taught me the value of hard work and patience.”

Starting out as a driver, Mr Kumar faced many challenges, from long hours to financial uncertainty.

“There were days when I didn’t know how I would move forward, but I never gave up,” he said.

He shares that his determination eventually paid off, allowing him to expand his operations and become his own boss.

In 1992, Mr Kumar shared that he met a woman from Oloolo, Sigatoka, who would later become his wife.

“I knew she was the one I wanted to spend my life with.”

The couple tied the knot and were blessed with three children—two daughters and a son—who he says, remain his greatest source of motivation.

Mr Kumar began his career working as a cashier at a patrol station in Sigatoka while also helping his father on the family farm.

He said those early years were challenging, as he balanced work and family responsibilities.

After four years of hustling and supporting his household, he felt it was time for a change.

“Life in Sigatoka was laid back and slow. I wanted to make more money.”

In 1996, he made the bold decision to move to Suva with his family in search of better opportunities.

Upon moving to Suva, Mr Kumar said he secured employment as a driver with Courts, where he gained valuable experience and became familiar with the city’s roads.

“That job really helped me understand Suva and how transport works here.”

After a decade of service, he resigned in 2006 with a clear goal in mind—to become his own boss.

Following his resignation, Mr Kumar purchased his first truck, marking the beginning of his transport business, Na Lequ Ohe Carriers.

“Buying that first truck was a big risk, but I believed in myself,” he said.

Over the years, his business gradually expanded, and today he owns four carriers operating from Nabua.

His only son now works alongside him, helping manage daily operations.

“It makes me proud to work with my son and pass on what I have learned.”

Like any business, the carrier industry also comes with challenges.

“This business has its ups and downs. It mostly depends on customer availability. Sometimes there are many jobs, and sometimes it is slack.”

Despite these uncertainties, Mr Kumar said he has remained resilient. Reflecting on his success, he credits discipline and financial management as key factors.

“No matter what job you are doing, you need to learn how to save money. Only then can you grow in life.”

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