Kevin was born in Toronto and raised in both Montreal and Toronto. A graduate of John Abbott College (CEGEP) and the University of Toronto, he spent 15 years working throughout many regions, including Toronto, Barrie, London, Chatham, St. Thomas, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Kevin’s experience in business development and management made him a natural fit as an independent vending operator with Naturals2Go franchise. While starting his business, Kevin developed the operating programs that Naturals2Go franchise is now famous for, and his continued development of the company’s capabilities earned the Business Opportunity of the Year awards in both 2012 and 2013. As the company’s Canadian Sales Director, Kevin applies his analytical skills and passion for independent business to each and every new business opportunity he launches.
BeTheBoss.ca: Tell us about the Naturals2Go Vending Business concept.
Kevin Wright: Naturals2Go Business opportunity was originally developed (and is still operated) by the team at Vend Tech International. They have been in the vending business opportunity industry for over 26 years and have helped thousands of individuals start their own businesses. When the company’s leadership saw emerging healthy trends several years ago, they launched Naturals2Go to give their business operators additional capabilities. With a strong value proposition, over a quarter century of success, and modern tools to do the job better, Naturals2Go opportunity has continued to celebrate growth and success, year after year.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Naturals2Go Business Opportunity?
KW: I was actually one of the very first business operators to purchase a Naturals2Go business program. I found the company through a broker, and loved it from the first time I saw it. I’m thrilled to have been a part of Naturals2Go since its inception, and can’t wait to see what we can do for our ever-expanding base of successful vending operators.
BTB: What was your background prior to joining Naturals2Go?
KW: I spent time all over the country, working in retail, operations, and business development. I think those skills are really important to helping people start their own businesses, and I regularly employ those skills with each conversation.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being a Naturals2Go business opportunity owner?
KW: We started our healthy vending business before the craze hit, so we’re not just looking to get in on a fad. No one else has the history of success that we have, and it’s that history that is so important to what we do.
That being said, we’re not old fashioned. We continue to invest in infrastructure and technology to give our vending operators a one-up over their competition. We’ve spent a great deal of time and effort to build out our network of operators, so that no one feels alone when they join us. In addition to their business consultant, each operator gets plugged into the network, to find the help they need, and then help others in kind.
BTB: Who is your ideal Naturals2Go business owner?
KW: We love helping people fire their bosses. Leaving jobs that are going nowhere can be a very difficult task, but it’s such a wonderful feeling after you’ve made the leap and found success.
We’re also on a mission for better food and drink options, so we love it when our operators share that passion. Help us make Canada a better place – one vend at a time.BTB: Tell us a little about the Vending Industry?
KW: Healthy vending has continued to grow in success over the last few years. More monies are being spent with vending machines now that they can use credit cards. Better quality products are being featured, and the average revenue per vend is up. It’s a great time to be in the business – particularly with a great battle plan.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
KW: We’ve learned that as a Company we have to be the biggest fan of each and every operator. We’re not just selling vending machines, or a vending business. We are helping people spend time with their families. We are helping people leave a dead-end job. We are helping people build their future, so that they can leave something for their families, too. We acknowledge the importance of this mission every day.
BTB: Do you have a mentor and is their someone you use for inspiration?
KW: I have dozens of mentors – I try to learn from everyone I meet. I’d love to point to a well known individual, famous author, or master poet and say that their particular quote inspired me, but that’s just not how I’m wired. I listen – a lot. Everyone has so much to offer, and so many wonderful life lessons. I try to incorporate everything I hear into my life, and I know that I’m better off for it.
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Business Opportunity?
KW: If you have a partner, make sure you’re both on the same page. If you don’t have a partner, make sure you have someone you can talk to. Starting a new business takes a lot of courage, but it also takes a lot of reflection and conversation. If you have a good network of people around you, you’ll be very successful. That’s one of the reasons we stress our online community and training programs so much. We want our operators talking daily, so that they can help each other, learn from mistakes, and capitalize on an idea when someone strikes gold.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Naturals2Go would be a great business opportunity for someone?
KW: I know that Naturals2Go is a great opportunity, because I invested in it myself. I’m not a sales person, and I’m not here to launch as many businesses as possible. I started a business that helps my family, and I love it. Naturals2Go helped me, and now I want to pass that on to the next person, and the next person, and so on.
