From Investment Banking to Innovative Vending Machines: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Brian Shimmerlik, Founder and CEO of Vengo, Featured on Shark Tank and the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series

DotCom Magazine

Brian Shimmerlik is the founder and CEO of Vengo, a digital vending machine company that has revolutionized the vending machine industry. Shimmerlik’s journey to success has been filled with challenges and obstacles, but his persistence and innovative spirit have helped him overcome these hurdles and build a successful business.

Shimmerlik started his career in finance, working as an investment banking analyst at J.P. Morgan. However, he quickly realized that finance was not his passion and decided to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. He founded a company called Reel Box Media, which provided branded DVD kiosks for retailers. The company was successful, but Shimmerlik realized that there was a better opportunity in the vending machine industry.

In 2012, Shimmerlik founded Vengo, a digital vending machine company that offers a variety of products in small, convenient vending machines. The machines are designed to fit into small spaces, such as hotel lobbies, gyms, and offices, and they offer a range of products, from snacks and drinks to beauty products and electronics.

One of the keys to Vengo’s success has been its innovative technology. The machines feature touchscreens and are connected to the internet, allowing customers to make purchases using their smartphones. The machines also feature data analytics software, which allows Vengo to track sales and customer behavior in real-time.

Despite the challenges of starting a new business, Shimmerlik’s innovative approach has helped Vengo grow quickly. The company has raised over $9 million in funding and has installed machines in over 1,000 locations across the United States.

Shimmerlik’s success has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, he was interviewed on the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series, where he shared his insights and experiences as an entrepreneur. During the interview, Shimmerlik discussed the challenges he faced in building Vengo and the importance of perseverance and innovation in the startup world.

He also discussed the impact of technology on the vending machine industry, stating that “Vending machines have been around for over 100 years, but they haven’t changed much. We’re using technology to bring vending machines into the 21st century and make them more convenient and accessible for customers.”

Shimmerlik’s appearance on the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series helped him to reach a wider audience and build his credibility as an expert in his field. He shared his journey as an entrepreneur and offered valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the startup world.

Today, Vengo continues to grow and innovate, with Shimmerlik at the helm. The company has expanded its product offerings and is exploring new markets, including international locations. Shimmerlik’s persistence and innovative spirit have helped him build a successful business and make a significant impact on the vending machine industry.

In addition to his appearance on the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series, Brian Shimmerlik also gained exposure for Vengo through his appearance on the popular television show Shark Tank. In 2017, Shimmerlik appeared on the show and pitched his innovative vending machines to the sharks. He received an investment offer from investor Lori Greiner, and the exposure from the show helped Vengo to gain even more momentum in the market. Shimmerlik’s appearance on Shark Tank, along with his appearance on the DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series, has helped him to gain recognition as a successful entrepreneur and innovator in the vending machine industry.