Starting Before You’re Ready: How One College Student Built a Vending Machine Business from Scratch
What does it look like to take your first entrepreneurial leap while still figuring things out? For Lorenzo Mauriello, it meant spotting an opportunity, trusting his instincts, and learning by doing. On this episode of Grit Won’t Quit, host Tom Mirabella sat down with Lorenzo to talk about how he launched Automated Vending—a vending machine business he built while attending Monmouth University.
From tracking down his first machine to navigating the daily grind of restocking snacks, Lorenzo’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need all the answers to start something great.
From College Student to CEO (of Snacks)
At just 20 years old, Lorenzo is already thinking bigger than the average college junior. A business administration and finance major, he found inspiration for his vending machine business while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. Upon returning home, Lorenzo decided he wanted a hands-on business he could manage locally while continuing his education.
That’s when the idea of vending machines clicked.
“I walked past a vending machine and thought—someone has to own this,” Lorenzo said. “Then I started seeing TikToks and Instagram posts from people doing it themselves. That’s when I realized, this could actually be a business.”
Learning on the Fly
Like many young entrepreneurs, Lorenzo didn’t have formal training or mentorship in the vending space. He found his first machine on Facebook Marketplace and figured things out step by step.
“I bought the machine, looked up the model number, and spent hours watching YouTube videos to learn how to open it, restock it, and set prices,” he shared.
From choosing the right drinks to handling frustrating bill validators, Lorenzo’s story is full of real-life lessons in trial and error. He’s had to clean machines, troubleshoot payment issues, and keep careful records of sales, inventory, and expenses—all while juggling college life.
Big Plans in the World of Unattended Retail
While Lorenzo’s machines currently stock typical snacks and drinks, his vision doesn’t stop there. He’s interested in expanding into unattended automated retail—modern vending units that allow customers to tap a card, grab multiple items, and check out in one smooth transaction.
He’s also eyeing niche markets like gyms, airports, and even dog-friendly spots. “I saw a dog ice cream vending machine listed online and thought—how perfect would this be on the Asbury boardwalk?”
The possibilities, according to Lorenzo, are endless. And he’s learning that successful expansion will require more than just machines—it’s about building relationships, refining processes, and knowing when to hire help, like movers for relocating heavy machines.
Content Creation and Confidence
Lorenzo also creates content to share his journey and help others learn from his experiences. His TikTok and YouTube channels, Lorenzo’s Ventures, document the behind-the-scenes of running a vending business as a young entrepreneur.
“I was nervous putting myself out there at first,” he admitted. “But after a few videos, it gets easier. Just like this podcast—I was nervous coming in, but you just have to do it.”
He believes creating content not only builds credibility but also opens doors to new opportunities—whether that’s lead generation or connecting with other entrepreneurs.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
When asked what advice he’d give to others, Lorenzo kept it simple: Start before you’re ready.
“You don’t have to know everything to begin. You learn as you go,” he said. “Make mistakes early, when the stakes are lower. Just get started.”
His approach is refreshingly grounded: no overhyped promises, no courses to sell, just hustle and honesty. And as Tom pointed out, Lorenzo’s head start gives him the chance to make the mistakes most people don’t encounter until much later in life.
This podcast episode was filmed at Wingman Planning in Belmar.
