Marissa McDade Shares About Her Quality Vending Solutions for Businesses and Communities

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

Marissa McDade is a dynamic entrepreneur and established author, making waves in both the business and literary worlds. As the founder of M&M’s Vending Express LLC, she has grown her company to eight locations and continues expanding, providing top-quality vending solutions to businesses and communities.

Marissa McDade

Beyond her success in business, Marissa is a passionate storyteller. She has published two books, The Truth of a Woman and His & Hers, captivating readers with her powerful narratives. This year, she is set to release her third book, The True Beauty That Lies Within, further solidifying her presence in the literary world. Balancing business growth with creative expression, Marissa is dedicated to inspiring others through both her entrepreneurial journey and the stories she sha

Who are your customers?

My customers include businesses, offices, schools, and community centers looking for convenient and reliable vending solutions. I focus on providing quality snacks and beverages in high-traffic areas where accessibility and convenience are essential.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

Before launching M&M’s Vending Express LLC, I had a diverse background in business management, customer service, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, as an established author, I developed strong marketing and branding skills, which helped me build and promote my vending business effectively.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I wanted to create a business that provided financial independence while offering a service that people genuinely needed. I saw an opportunity in the vending industry to bring high-quality and convenient snack options to local businesses and decided to take the leap. The desire to build generational wealth and set an example for my children also motivated me to start my own company.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Yes, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether through writing and publishing books or launching my vending business, I have always been passionate about creating, building, and growing something of my own. I love the challenge of entrepreneurship and the freedom it provides to shape my own success.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first launched M&M’s Vending Express LLC, my marketing strategy focused on networking, social media promotion, and word-of-mouth referrals. I connected with local businesses, used Instagram and Facebook to showcase my vending services, and leveraged my personal and professional network to spread the word. While it took time to build momentum, the strategy proved effective in securing my first few locations. Along the way, I adjusted by incorporating direct outreach and in-person meetings to build stronger relationships with potential clients.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was securing prime vending locations. Many businesses were hesitant to add vending machines due to space constraints or existing contracts with other providers. I learned that persistence, clear communication, and emphasizing the benefits of my service—such as reliability, product variety, and customer satisfaction—helped me overcome objections and land more locations.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I am most proud of expanding to eight vending locations and continuing to grow. Building a business from the ground up, securing multiple contracts, and successfully managing operations have been major milestones. Additionally, balancing entrepreneurship with my passion for writing and publishing books makes this journey even more rewarding.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

Yes! In the past year, I’ve not only expanded my vending business to multiple new locations, but I’ve also continued growing my brand as an author. I successfully published His & Hers and am preparing to release The True Beauty That Lies Within this year. Seeing both my business and writing career flourish has been a huge win for me, and I’m excited for what’s next!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

The future of M&M’s Vending Express LLC is all about expansion and innovation. Over the next few years, I plan to grow the business to 20+ vending locations, offering healthier snack options and exploring smart vending technology to enhance customer convenience. I also aim to establish partnerships with larger businesses and community organizations to create more accessible vending solutions.

Beyond vending, I’m focused on scaling my brand as an author, with The True Beauty That Lies Within set to release this year. I also plan to engage in more community initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and business workshops to inspire other entrepreneurs. The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited for what’s ahead!‍

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to prioritize tasks using the 80/20 rule—focus on the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of the results. I also swear by time-blocking, setting clear daily goals, and using automation wherever possible to streamline my business operations.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I avoid burnout by setting boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring I take breaks, and making time for self-care. Exercise, reading, and spending quality time with my kids help me recharge. I also remind myself that progress is a journey, and it’s okay to rest when needed.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

I believe in creating a schedule that allows for both work and personal time without feeling overwhelmed. As an entrepreneur and mother, I plan my days carefully, setting dedicated work hours while making time for family, fitness, and personal growth. Flexibility is key, but so is staying disciplined with my priorities.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

I wish I had known that success isn’t about having everything figured out from the start—it’s about adaptability and persistence. I’ve learned that setbacks are just part of the process, and every challenge comes with a lesson that helps me grow. If I could go back, I'd tell myself to trust the journey, stay patient, and embrace the learning curve.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

One of my go-to interview questions is: “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work and how you handled it.” This helps me understand a candidate’s problem-solving skills, adaptability, and work ethic. I also like to ask, “What motivates you?” to gauge their passion and drive.

If you've raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

If seeking funding, my biggest tip is to have a clear business plan that outlines profitability, growth potential, and how the capital will be used. Also, networking is key—building relationships with potential investors or lenders before asking for money makes a big difference.

Are you a Mamaprenista? If so, please share your best advice for simultaneously managing a business and a family:

Yes! My best advice is to embrace structure but allow flexibility. I plan my week in advance, balancing work, family time, and self-care. I also involve my kids where possible, so they understand my work and feel included. Most importantly, I give myself grace—it’s okay to not have everything perfect all the time.

Do you have a co-founder? If so, how did you find the right one for you and what are your best partnership tips?

Yes, I have a co-founder. We aligned on our vision and values early on, ensuring we had mutual respect and trust. The best partnership tip is to communicate openly and set clear roles and expectations from the start. Regular check-ins help keep everything on track, and we make sure to celebrate our wins together.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

Instagram—I use it to market His & Hers, engage with my audience, and build my brand. It’s a powerful tool for networking and sales.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

Canva—it makes designing marketing materials, social media posts, and promotional content easy and professional, even without a graphic design background.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Start with a clear vision and stay consistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay dedicated, keep learning, and adapt to challenges, you’ll build something great. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and network with like-minded people!

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