Startup Corner: Tasheena “Tag” Morris and Ryan Kent, Tag Along Vending LLC

Minimally viable product …
We are focused on providing snack and beverage vending machines that are tailor made for each company that houses our machines.    

Problem solving …
Our focus is to provide healthier eating and living by offering convenient healthy vending items. Providing quality items at an affordable price is our goal.  

Biggest mistake …
If I could redo it, I would have started this business five years ago. 

Seed money …
Starting a business takes lots of resources, one primarily being finances. A couple years ago, I started doing smaller business investments. With each investment, profits were put back in savings. As the savings grew, I began researching industries that aligned with the amount saved. A good target amount for starting a small business is $20,000-$30,000.  

Hurdles overcome…
Purchasing data analysis tools to monitor and track items is a huge expense in the vending industry. I do computer programming and have utilized that skill to build tools that allow us to do data analysis on our machines, items and locations. This has eliminated a large expense (and) allowed us to invest more into expanding our machines into new locations.  

Next phase …
Our goal for 2017, is to place at least 24 new machines at high foot-traffic locations. Placing two machines per month seems to be a realistic goal for the path we are currently on. Our long-term goal is to become a top vending company in the Midwest region.     

Pivot …
We decided to incorporate healthier options into our machines because we live active lifestyles and understand the importance of fueling our bodies with nutritious items.  Providing healthier options helps people perform better in the workplace. We take pride in providing items that allow people with food allergies/diseases to find snack options.    

Worst advice …
Put the most profitable items in the machine. If it is not what the client is looking for, it doesn’t matter how profitable the item is.