Conversations with Rene Riley

Rene Riley

Sure, I am an Army veteran who has also worked in the fields of insurance injury auto claims, credit card collections, and civil service. I have lived in beautiful Colorado Springs for several decades.  I was raised in Pennsylvania where much of my amazing family resides. I also share roots with my wonderful family members who reside in Missouri and Kansas. I am the proud mother of two of the most amazing children and four beautiful grandchildren. I have 13 brothers and sisters all together and I have a passion for travelling! I was stationed in Germany twice and have had the pleasure of traveling to Jamacia, The Caymen Islands, México, The Dominican Republic, Czechoslovakia and Austria.  I am a total “foodie!  I love experiencing new restaurant delicacies as much as I do eating my partner’s home cooked meals. I have an unwavering faith, a deep love for my family/friends, as well as a strong sense of community and volunteering.

Operating my own business has not been easy, per se. Rain, shine, or snow I restock my machines at least 3 times a week. I shop at Sam’s Club weekly, fill my gas tank bi-weekly, and am in constant need of coin rolls. As a one (wo)man show, I truly have no real complaints. I have also learned that I must always keep my eye on the pulse of pricing and popular products. I am consistently reviewing the competition’s pricing and product selections.

After my departure from a top ranked insurance company, I had a yearning to be in control of my own universe. My thought process was to find a business that would be profitable, enjoyable, simplistic, and self-sustaining. Plain and simple, I wanted to be my own boss and have 100% command of MY destiny.

I created a business plan, hence, Snack Attach Vending by Rene’, was born. I truly had zero experience in vending machine ownership, operations, and maintenance. I feverishly searched for a local mentor but to no avail. I began my search for knowledge through the internet. This was an extremely frustrating and exhausting process.

I know it’s an absolute cliche, however, the truth is; if I can do it, anyone can do it! I am an over-50-year-old African American entrepreneur who works in a male-dominated field. I lift, drag, price, purchase, and make countless decisions that can possibly “make or break” me financially. I am extremely proud of how far I’ve come and look forward to further improvements!

The majority of these machines are located at the Broadmoor Hotel which has been named Forbes’ longest-running five-star hotel in the world. I purchased the business via the Facebook marketplace in 2021. The business is debt-free, as it was a cash purchase.

The crisis impacted my business in the sense that pricing for snack food has increased.  I, along with my fellow snack food venders, have also adjusted our prices accordingly.  Of course, our snack food continues to sale as everyone has to eat!

Here are a few of the lessons I’ve learned:

1) My best chance for success was good old-fashioned, on-the-job training. I assure you mistakes have been made, noted and remedied.

2) With the brains and brawn of my brothers, Marlin and Jeff, I was able to repair and move machines from locations to a more profitable location.

3) With the assistance of vending technical support, I was able to remedy known glitches in my machine.

4) Not everyone will be happy and supportive of your dreams/success.  Identify those souls and love the from afar. I have learned to walk in peace and purpose and that not everyone is meant to stand next to me.

5) God has blessed me with the most incredible children (Jarell and Jazmin), loving partner, brothers, sisters, cousins and sister-friends who have showered me with much needed encouragement.  My tribe has always remained my unwavering support system and I am forever in debt to them. Lastly, I give glory to God and all the numerous blessings that He has showered over me again and AGAIN!