Happy Vending

Happy Vending

For this U.S. Army Veteran, investing in Naturals2Go was an easy decision.

by Rochelle Miller

Eric Copeland thrived in director-level operations and logistics roles for leading national companies but didn’t feel he had reached his full potential. “I felt my career kind of plateaued,” he says. Rather than continue trying to climb the corporate ladder, he wanted to fulfill his calling as an entrepreneur.

So Copeland, a U.S. Army veteran who holds a finance degree from the University of Georgia, ventured into vending by becoming an owner-operator of Naturals2Go. Offering healthy snack options (plus some traditional offerings for folks with a sweet tooth) the Naturals2Go vending machines are equipped with cutting-edge technology.

The technological perks were especially enticing to Copeland. “This is more than just a machine that spits out food and drinks,” he says. For example, the machine shares virtual inventory information in real time, allowing operators to determine when to restock without wasting a trip. Customers don’t need change either. The machines accept cash, credit and debit cards, and Apple Pay and Google Pay. Naturals2Go machines even feature video screens for potential advertising.

Having his own business has given Copeland the flexibility to spend more time with his family. “In a storefront business, you have to be there,” he says. “This business is good in terms of not tying you down to one place.”

Copeland’s wife, Franchell, partnered with him in making the business a success, and even their 15-year-old daughter is participating in the family business. “She’s a good focus group to have an ear to the market,” he says.

Copeland currently operates 15 units throughout metro Atlanta, three of the units added just since March. Needless to say, his rapidly-growing business is his sole professional focus. “Ten or more machines is a fulltime job,” he says. Not that he’s complaining… “Being your own boss is a good stress.”

For more information, visit www.naturals2go.com.

“This is more than just a machine that spits out food and drinks.”

What we like about this business

• Financial freedom and flexible schedule

• Great support and training

• Not having to manage account receivables

• Long-term wealth generation for our family

• Use of cutting-edge technology

• We feel good about providing healthy snack alternatives