Introduction
Mike Hoffmann
Vending Machine Expert
Discover how Anthony transitioned from corporate uncertainty to building a predictable income through vending and micro-markets.
Introduction
Anthony outlines what worked, what didn’t, and the exact choices he made.
Goal: help you copy the parts that fit for predictable weekly cash flow.
Chicago Roots & Education
West Side Chicago upbringing shaped his hustle and grit.
Economics graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Business mindset formed before vending and micro-markets.
Early Career: Lending to Real Estate
Loan officer from 2007–2009, starting at AmeriQuest for 65 days.
AmeriQuest collapsed; he moved to a brokerage doing loans.
He learned cubicles weren’t for him and sought another path.
Building Through the Recession
Founded a real estate development company during the crisis.
Ran fix-and-flips and built rental portfolios for high-net-worth clients. Built operational chops that later aided vending execution.
Director Role (2017–2023) & Layoff Signal
In 2016 he was offered a role to grow an in-house dev/consulting arm. He became Director of Business Development in 2017. By July 2023 layoffs started; highest paid after owner, he knew he was next.
Family Decision: Predictable Income
Conversation with his wife weighed corporate versus recurring income. She urged skipping corporate due to repeat layoff risk. They sought a steady stream to cover bills through real estate swings.
Finding Vending: Labor Day 2023
Committed to a recurring-income business with weekly cash flow. Discovered Mike Hoffman on Twitter over Labor Day weekend 2023.Binged 3–4 months of tweets, learning vending’s low capital barrier.
Why Vending Fit the Family
Weekly payouts aligned with stability goals. A family business for kids aged 3 and 5 to learn entrepreneurship. Teaches work ethic and the value of money through real tasks.
Enrollment & Mission (Sept 2023)
Booked a call, gathered details, and debriefed with his wife.They enrolled at the end of September 2023.Mission: regain financial control with a boring, repeatable machine.
Principle: No Unicorns, Run the Plays
Not chasing flashy bets; steady outcomes beat hype. If you run the right plays, the model prints predictably. Execution discipline is the non-negotiable.
Launch Month: Learn, Pop-In, Pivot
Next steps are simple and fast: learn, pop-in, pivot. He will show exactly what he did and what he’d repeat. He will flag what to skip so you avoid wasted motion.
Complete the following exercises:
1. Reflect on your current career path and identify any vulnerabilities similar to Anthony's situation. Consider how you might address these risks by exploring alternative income streams. Document your thoughts and potential actions you could take in a journal.
2. Research and identify a low-barrier business opportunity in your area or online. Analyze its potential for predictable cash flow and how it aligns with your personal and financial goals. Create a brief plan outlining the steps you would take to start this venture.
QUIZ
1. What motivated Anthony to explore vending as a business opportunity?
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Leave your comments and questions below.
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