After struggling with obesity and health issues, Niulevaea Bismark Tupuono has transformed his life by starting a family-run business that’s improved his well-being.
Two years ago, Niulevaea Bismark Tupuono weighed nearly 200 kilos.
Today, the Manukau father runs Lopez Lawns, a family mowing business he says has given him a second chance at life.
Everyday tasks like hanging the washing or playing with his kids once left him dizzy and out of breath. He also struggled with sleep apnea and poor eyesight..
One day he decided to change his life for the better and out of necessity and determination, Lopez Lawns was born.
“I know what it’s like to be overweight and the difficulties that come with it. I don’t want to go back there,” he says.
The business began with Bismark packing his car with whatever tools he had and mowing lawns around the neighbourhood. The first jobs were tough, and he almost gave up, but soon it became a project involving his whole family.
His partner, Sina Singh, is the manager and she eventually left her dream job in the airline industry, a risky move for their big household, to help get the business off the ground.
“I’ve seen the biggest change in [Bismark’s] health. His vision was not that good. Now he can drive and also has a full license because it was very difficult [for him] to get that because of his health. Very proud of him,” she says.
For Bismark, the business is about more than money.
“[Some of my clients] don’t have the money but they’ll give it in some form. Sometimes they’ll go buy lunch. Sometimes they’ll gift us whatever they’ve got, like fish,” he says.
“That’s why I love doing this because at the end of the day I see an essence where our culture will always shine through above money and things people struggle through in life.”
He has also started sharing his work on YouTube, inspired by channels where creators mow lawns for free. His long-term goal is to build an online following big enough to cover his business costs, so he can eventually provide his services free of charge.
“I’ve always wanted to create an online business with an actual physical business,” he says.
“I see a lot of other content creators and it’s taken them 10 years to get to where they are. The goal is to just be consistent and be honest and don’t try to be something else.”
Bismark has already lost 40 kilos through the physical nature of the job and the lifestyle changes it encouraged.
“I feel young, I feel good, but I know I can feel even better. Nothing good comes easy,” he says.
And with ten kids of his own, he says Lopez Lawns is about setting an example.
“One of the values we always teach our kids is to be humble. Success is not only looking after yourself but also helping others,” he says.
For Bismark, every lawn mowed is a step toward better health, stronger family life, and a chance to give back.
