Anthony Colloje's Vending Machine Business
A modern vending machine business operating in the Chicago area, providing snacks, drinks, and other products.
Why It Works
By addressing the needs of property managers and providing reliable restocking and customer service, the business fills a gap left by complacent legacy providers.
Revenue & Traction
Generated over $50,000 a month within 16 months and surpassed $100,000 a month within two years.
Founding Story
Started from scratch and rapidly scaled by leveraging bulk purchasing and strategic location placements.
Business Playbook
Focus on quick customer service, setting clear expectations, and updating stock based on demand.
Why this works now
Property managers overseeing apartment complexes in Chicago often struggle to find reliable vending solutions. Anthony Colloje's Vending Machine Business capitalizes on this by utilizing a bulk purchasing model to keep costs low. To generate initial revenue, Colloje targeted property managers through local chamber-of-commerce directory listings, allowing him to establish direct relationships. A significant risk is the initial capital required to stock machines with inventory, which can strain cash flow before achieving profitability.
Additional Information
The business model emphasizes modernizing the vending experience, referred to as 'smart markets' rather than traditional vending machines.
Source
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show
Episode: 715: The 10 Best Side Hustles of the Year
Creation Date: December 29, 2025
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