From instant callbacks to same-day installs, the vending industry’s fastest closer shows how speed—and strategy—win the deal.
Brandon Brooks calls vending machines “wall art” until they’re placed, stocked, and sold. It’s a throwaway line—until you realize he’s built a career on making sure they don’t stay art for long. Part closer, part coach, and 100% hunter, Brooks is the Texas-based “hired gun” that operators call when they need new locations, yesterday.
“I spend an obscene amount of time studying how to land more locations,” he told me. “Without sites, nothing moves.”
From Family Investment to Full-time Closer
Brooks got into the industry helping family. He bankrolled a small route for his son, then moved to town to “salvage my investment” and did the hardest—and most valuable—job in vending: getting locations.
He door-knocked. He cold-called. He learned every lesson the pavement teaches. During COVID, while some operators exited rather than modernize with card readers, Brooks pounced—adding accounts through small acquisitions and smart upgrades. After selling his own book (and helping his son sell, too), he discovered the next niche: the buyers needed growth, and they hired him to hunt it. Now he spends his days doing exactly that.
Why Operators Hire a “Hired Gun”
Brooks is blunt about the modern sales challenge: “Who are you going to hire today that will door-knock, pass out flyers, call, email, and close? Most folks would rather do gig work.”
So clients bring him in on a simple promise: he’ll hunt the accounts while they run operations. He doesn’t try to be their tech, their mover, or their route driver. He’s the point of the spear.
“I’ll reorganize an install plan, call the mover, script the meeting, protect the gatekeeper—whatever it takes to protect their investment and get the deal done.”
The Gatekeeper is the First Account
“If Nancy loves ‘Tom the vendor,’ you are not replacing Tom by arguing with Nancy,” Brooks said. “Tom protected his investment by taking care of her—samples, smiles, quick fixes. Do the same. Relationships still win in 2025.”
His lens is simple: every day is about protecting the investment—yours or your client’s. That means concierge-level service for the folks who can quietly make or break your renewal: reception, facilities, HR, the floor leads.
The New Pitch: Smart Coolers First
Brooks rarely leads with traditional vending or micro markets anymore. His opening move is AI smart coolers and “smart stores.”
“I’m not here to replace your vendor,” he’ll say. “I’m here to enhance the employee experience—retention, convenience, options.” Then he broadens the canvas: PPE, frozen, premium beverages, snacks—closed, modern, and flexible. Framed this way, the conversation isn’t about machines; it’s about engagement and return to office.
He’s replaced more than a few outdated markets with modern coolers—and he’s saved plenty of big accounts for operators willing to upgrade before a rival does.
“It’s your responsibility to protect the account. If a smart cooler can do that—install one.”
Speed Closes, Full Stop
If Brooks has a superpower, it’s speed. He treats every inbound like an emergency. A web lead hits? He calls within minutes, tours same day, promises an action plan—and often has machines picked up the next morning.
“Speed is key,” he said. “I want them to feel they don’t need to click another website. I’ve got everything they need, and I can move now.”
Always Be Hunting (For Real)
He doesn’t waste a trip. If he’s checking an install, he canvasses the business park—six doors, ten doors—whatever the clock allows.
“I’ll open with, ‘We already service your neighbor; we’re in this park daily,’” he said. “Warm proximity beats cold every time.”
He also runs multiple niche sites and landing pages tuned to local/product angles. When a lead pings, he stop-drop-rolls: instant reply, quick text, on-site visit. “Don’t rely on email—they may never see it. Text gets answered.”
Ethics on the Hunt
Brooks plays hard—and fair. If a lead comes from a location he knows a client already serves, he lets that client know and encourages a proactive upgrade before a rival slips in.
“Long-term trust beats a short-term hit,” he said. It’s why operators keep hiring him back.
What a Day Looks Like for a Hired Gun
- Prospect by proximity: Any site visit triggers a mini-blitz of nearby buildings.
- Target the right titles: Ops, HR, Facilities—not “info@.”
- Lead with outcomes: Retention, engagement, convenience—not “we sell snacks.”
- Make it easy to say yes: Trials where possible; complement current service first.
- Deploy instantly: Movers lined up, equipment queued, calendars clear.
Advice for New (and Seasoned) Operators
1) Lead with modern. Pitch AI smart coolers—even in market accounts.
2) Buy the lane you lack. If relationships aren’t your lane, hire it—just like you hire a tech.
3) Be a real human online. A credible site, a strong “About” page, and an active LinkedIn.
4) Treat inbound as urgent. Call within 15 minutes. Text. Tour. Act.
5) Protect the gatekeeper. Samples, thanks, responsiveness—she’s your first account.
Brandon Brooks isn’t trying to be everything. He’s chosen a lane—win the account—and he runs it fast. If you need a door opened—or a rival kept out—there’s a new sheriff in town.
“Machines are just wall art until you place them,” he said with a grin. “My job is to turn art into income.”
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