Background
Prior to entering the vending industry, Chase managed luxury apartment buildings as a real estate asset manager. His experience provided him with deep industry knowledge and valuable relationships with property owners and managers - connections that would later become the foundation of his Micromart business.
Chase made the bold decision to leave his full-time position in real estate and go all-in on his Micromart venture. With a young family to support, this wasn't an easy choice. Stepping away from a stable career to pursue an unproven business model carried real risk. But Chase believed in the potential of smart vending and was determined to build something of his own. Initially, Chase wanted to launch with 30 units, but after speaking with Micromart CEO Yang Yu, he was advised to start smaller, gather some insights, then scale. What began as a leap of faith quickly evolved into a thriving business.
I was able to pay two to three, sometimes up to six times more than the vending machines contracts with a Micromart
Motivation and Entry into Vending
The inspiration to enter the vending space came from firsthand frustration. While managing apartment buildings, Chase frequently encountered unreliable and outdated vending machines. He saw an opportunity to modernize the experience with smart coolers, a technology that he had observed in airports and commercial spaces.
Micromart's vision to create "mini grocery stores" inside apartment buildings aligned perfectly with his goals. Chase also appreciated Micromart's transparent and innovative approach, particularly in contrast to the unpleasant interactions he had experienced in other parts of the broader vending industry. Features such as built-in advertising screens and portability made Micromart's coolers an easy choice.
Chase attended the NAMA Show in Las Vegas in May 2025, finding it to be a valuable experience for several reasons. He went with the intention of exploring the vending industry landscape and wanted to put faces to names with various companies. The show allowed him to see the range of machines available, from traditional to smart coolers, and helped him solidify his choice to partner with Micromart.
Launch and Growth
Chase began by pitching his concept to property owners he already knew, offering an enhanced vending experience with higher commissions than traditional operators. His first rollout included 14 Micromart coolers across multiple buildings, strategically added on a portfolio-by-portfolio basis. From there, Chase expanded his offerings to include coffee machines and is currently exploring fresh food options, positioning his business as a full-service amenity provider for residential communities.
Operations and Management
Today, Chase manages 14 Micromart coolers across seven residential locations, strategically placed in high-traffic areas, including resident lounges, lobbies, and mailrooms. His best-performing cooler sits in a mailroom near an elevator bay, which demonstrates how visibility and convenience drive sales. He also operates two Smart Stores from Cantaloupe.
To scale efficiently, Chase recently purchased a van and hired his former colleague Miguel as Head of Operations, where he manages stocking and logistics. This allows Chase to focus on business development, partnerships and expanding into new markets. He also leverages Micromart's data analytics tools to track performance, tailor product selections, and improve profitability.
Most of the time, I'll have an in-person meeting. And if not, it's just a 15-minute phone call just to show them how it works.
Challenges and Solutions
Like many operators, Chase faced a few early challenges:
- Connectivity issues in older buildings, which he resolved with Micromart's technical support
- A damaged lock, quickly replaced through Micromart's service team
- A break-in at a non-Micromart location underscores the importance of proper insurance coverage
To secure prime locations, Chase developed an effective strategy: offering a $1,000 upfront signing bonus combined with a 5% revenue share and five-year contracts—a model that has proven both appealing to decision-makers and sustainable for Chase's business.
Product Sourcing and Strategy
Chase sources most of his products from Vista, Amazon Business, and Walmart, navigating the challenge of accessing name-brand beverages like Coca-Cola and Pepsi as a smaller operator. He's also experimenting with artisan snacks and cold-pressed juices, adjusting his inventory based on resident surveys and purchasing data.
Personal and Professional Impact
Running his Micromart business has brought Chase both financial freedom and personal fulfillment. With more flexible hours, he enjoys extra time with his young children and views the business as a legacy venture. Something to pass down, much like his own family's entrepreneurial roots. Personally, he takes pride in offering residents a modern amenity that blends convenience, quality, and technology.
Advice for Aspiring Operators
Chase's key advice for those considering Micromart or vending entrepreneurship:
- Do your research: Learn the market, product trends, and site requirements.
- Start small: Test a few sites and refine your product mix before scaling.
- Leverage Micromart's support: Utilize webinars and 1:1 meetings with co-founders Yang and Aditya for data-driven insights.
- Perfect your pitch: Present a compelling offer with clear financial benefits for property managers and owners.
- Understand decision hierarchies: Recognize that managers often need higher-level approval.
- Prioritize customer feedback: Survey users and adapt to what residents actually want.
- Repurpose unsold inventory as gifts: Prepare resident baskets with unsold inventory for property managers to present to new residents.
Future Outlook
Chase plans to maximize performance at his existing locations before expanding further. He's exploring opportunities in office buildings and mixed-use developments, and is especially excited about Micromart's upcoming freezer units, which will help him realize his broader vision of a "store hub" inside residential properties.
