Amber Gaines
Owner/Operator
What sets 5K Vending apart from other vending machine businesses?
I can’t speak for other vending machine operators, but at 5K Vending, we strive to be responsive and adaptive. I think most operators can manage costs and set prices appropriately, but I want to be the best at giving our customers what they want, when they want it. So when customers were asking for fresh and healthy food options, I sourced locally owned food providers and collaborated to develop packaging that was suitable for vending machines and micro markets.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The advice that has helped me the most was from my Dad. He was a very quiet person and used to tell me that it was important to listen more than you speak. I believe that learning to listen has served me well in business, as I am able to really listen to what colleagues and customers are communicating.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I do my own vending machine repairs and maintenance. We have many different types and brands of machines, so learning was a daunting and often humbling process. I believe being able to fix machines myself was important in order to maximize the time the machines are in service and to manage costs. Because of this repair knowledge, we are able to buy broken machines and refurbish them to use in our routes.
Who has influenced you the most in your life or career? My Mom. She was an excellent role model for me, and the skills she taught me have served me well throughout life. She loved people and always made you feel like you were the only person in the world when speaking to her. She worked hard, especially on the things that mattered most to her. She also taught me the importance of being able to rely on yourself, which is another reason why it was a priority for me to learn to repair vending machines.
What do you do to relax outside of work?
To relax, I enjoy working in the yard with my plants, playing with my kids (hide and seek is their favorite!), fishing, and having my family over to visit.
5K Vending LLC & 5K Coffee Co.
10448 Gulfdale Street, Suite 5, San Antonio, TX 78216
210.441.2106 | 5KVending.com
