VIBEcast

How Travis & Amy Jackson Grew Red Dirt Vending to 22 Machines in One Year - VIBECast

In this episode of VIBEcast, host Linda Ballesteros sits down with Travis and Amy Jackson, founders of Red Dirt Vending in Athens, Alabama. Launched just over a year ago, their Naturals2Go business has already expanded to 22 machines across schools, dealerships, construction companies, and community centers. For Travis and Amy, vending offered the perfect combination of independence, family flexibility, and reliable support. They share how they started with ten machines, navigated the learning curve, and grew through opportunities ranging from word-of-mouth referrals to a flyer that unexpectedly led to one of their busiest locations. Along the way, they’ve built strong relationships with site managers, customized product selections for each community, and delivered quick, personal service that sets them apart. Their journey shows how new operators can combine Naturals2Go’s proven framework with their own persistence and personal touch to build a thriving business. Learn how a vending business might be a fit for your family: https://naturals2go.com/family-business/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUZCZE5CdjV2cTlRWVgtVWNVUU9MNkUwbnBUUXxBQ3Jtc0tsbW9hMFpiNnZzUHk5bVFoRXF6NGhRYU1YTXZVSVhlSXpZb2dVS0xWQ0hZd09rdVgtM01zZ3pUa1ZKYTR5WU1Oa1ZfYWt3enpMSndwdm42RVJPbmtScS1qXzZ4QkZQa3pCU1N3WERPSVN6UElNWFVUOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fnaturals2go.com%2Ffamily-business%2F&v=OfPcU9EI9us] #Naturals2Go [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/naturals2go] #VIBEcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vibecast] #VendingBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vendingbusiness] #MicroMarkets [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/micromarkets] #FamilyBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/familybusiness] #WorkLifeBalance [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worklifebalance] #Entrepreneurship [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurship] #SmallBusinessSuccess [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smallbusinesssuccess]

Why This Army Veteran & Healthcare Professional Chose Naturals2Go After Retirement - VIBEcast EPXX

Turning retirement into opportunity with vending and micro markets. In this episode of VIBECast, host Linda Ballesteros talks with Nate and Lori Kenworthy of 208 Snacks LLC. After long careers—Nate serving 23 years in the U.S. Army and Lori working more than 40 years as a radiologic technologist—they knew they weren’t ready to fully retire. With the help of a franchise consultant who conducted extensive research, they discovered Naturals2Go and decided it was the right fit for their next chapter. They launched boldly with 25 vending machines at once and have since expanded into micro markets, including a major hospital location. Along the way, they’ve built their business on relationships and community engagement: tailoring replenishment to demand, sponsoring employee-of-the-month gift cards, donating backpacks for school drives, and even showing appreciation with special meals at client sites. Their journey shows how vending can be more than a business — it can be a way to strengthen communities and create meaningful connections. For anyone considering entrepreneurship after retirement, or curious about how Naturals2Go supports new operators, this conversation offers a real look at starting strong and growing with purpose. #Naturals2Go [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/naturals2go] #VIBEcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vibecast] #VendingBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/vendingbusiness] #MicroMarkets [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/micromarkets] #Entrepreneurship [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/entrepreneurship] #WorkLifeBalance [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/worklifebalance] #VeteranOwnedBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/veteranownedbusiness] #RetirementBusiness [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/retirementbusiness] #SmallBusinessSuccess [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/smallbusinesssuccess] #HealthyVending [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/healthyvending]

VIBECast EP34 Bob Tullio: Tullio: From Coin-Op Roots to a $25M Vending and Micro Markets Business

Industry leader Bob Tullio traces his path from family coin-op to building and selling a $25M operation—and shares a practical roadmap for winning and scaling in convenience services. Description In this episode of the VIBE Cast, we sit down with Bob Tullio—a longtime voice and innovator in the convenience services industry, and contributing editor for Automatic Merchandiser Magazine and vendingmarketwatch.com. From starting a family-run coin-op games company during the rise of Asteroids to building a $25 million business spanning vending, coffee service, Micro Markets, pantry service, and point-of-use water, Bob’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and growth. Bob reveals how small operators can compete with industry giants by over-delivering on service, protecting key accounts with strong agreements, presenting like a “big” brand, and diversifying offerings without losing focus. He shares why coffee is one of the most powerful emotional products in sales, how point-of-use water can deliver annuity-like revenue, and why Micro Markets, and increasingly, smart markets, are reshaping customer expectations. Throughout the conversation, Bob outlines the fundamentals that separate hobbyists from high-performers: proper capitalization, trusted advisors, disciplined branding, and ongoing training. He also points to valuable industry resources—from trade shows and training programs to educational content—that help both new and established operators sharpen their skills and stay competitive. Whether you’re launching your first machine or expanding into multiple services, this episode offers clear, field-tested strategies for sustainable growth in today’s convenience services market.

VIBEcast EP33: Reinventing After Corporate – Portia Boston's Vending Journey

After nearly 30 years in banking, Portia Boston's was laid off—but instead of returning to corporate life, she made a bold move into entrepreneurship. In this episode of VIBEcast, Portia shares how she reinvented herself after corporate, launching a successful vending business through Naturals2Go. She opens up about the emotional toll of job loss, the support that helped her transition, and how vending gave her the flexibility to be more present with her family. Now with nine machines and plans to keep growing, Portia is not only building a business—she’s creating a legacy for her son. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the comfort of a paycheck, wondering if something more is possible, Portia’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start again.

VIBEcast EP32: From Side Hustle to Business Contracts - Ross Kramer of Remarkable Vending Services

How Ross went from 6 to 19 machines overnight—and built lasting success through acquisitions, partnerships, hiring, and heart In this episode of VIBEcast, we sit down with Ross Kramer, founder of Remarkable Vending Services, to hear how his background in the snack industry and entrepreneurial mindset helped him turn a small vending operation into a growing, strategic business. Ross shares how he scaled from 6 to 19 machines overnight through acquisition, built trust with nine YMCA locations, and secured a two-year contract by treating vending like a real business—not just a side hustle. He dives into how he hired his nieces to manage the day-to-day and how that flexibility gave him time to focus on growth, relationships, and long-term planning. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation is packed with insight on how to build a business that's sustainable, relational, and real.