A business for the kids...aka college funding plan b

Late in 2008, Shelly and I began discussing alternative plans to help pay for the kids college education, as the stock market investments haven't exactly been growing according to the plan. After looking at many business opportunities, we decided on a candy vending machine business. Even in this economy, we figured people would have a few quarters in their pocket and would trade them for a handful of M&M's or Skittles. It seemed like a simple business model and would be a great chance to teach the kids about the basics of running a business and cash flow management without going into major debt.

In order to reach the desired monthly cash flow, we ordered 52 machines and over 1,500 pounds of candy. B & E Enterpries LLC was created and local permits and licenses were then acquired. When the truck arrived 2 weeks later, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get to work and within 10 days all of the machines had been placed in local businesses and the quarters were begining to roll in. Shelly and the kids are in charge of servicing and cleaning the machines every 3 weeks or so and I manage the placement of the machines. As part of the business plan, we partnered with the National Childern's Cancer Society. Kids helping kids! You gotta love it and that concept has made it very easy to place the machines in local businesses.

The goal in about 2 yrs is to hand the business off to the kids and let them work together to run what should amount to a nice little consistent operation.

Shelly and Albert double checking all of the initial shipment.
The founders of B & E Enterprises

Step 1: Machine assembly is a group effort

Opening day at the local little league ballpark. (That's Bryce under the hoodie and blanket, making change and enjoying temps in the low 40's while learning that being the boss of your own business isn't always fun.)