After a 34-year ministry career, Dave Robertson embarked on a completely different second act, launching Super Dave’s Snack Emporium with the help of the Naturals2Go franchise. His vision was modest: build a manageable vending business, work mornings, enjoy his afternoons and evenings, and perhaps continue operating it into his seventies.

Needless to say, things didn’t go exactly according to plan.

What began with eight machines in 2020 eventually grew to 150 machines across 12 markets in the greater Kansas City area. It grew from just him working out of his living room to a six-person operation, more than $1 million in annual sales, and ultimately, a seven-figure business transaction when he sold his business.

From 20 Machines to a Growth Mindset

The path to a seven-figure exit was not a completely smooth one, however. One of the defining moments came when Dave unexpectedly lost a highly productive hotel account. Three machines at the location were generating approximately $5,000 per month, and he had done everything he believed a good operator should do.

Then a new chain bought the hotel, and the account disappeared.

“My thought process changed from, ‘I’m going to have 20 machines,’ to, ‘If I’m not growing, I’m probably dying,’” Robertson recalled.

The lesson became even more pronounced when his other two best locations subsequently went out of business. Despite losing his three largest accounts, Super Dave’s still went on to have its best year.

With renewed motivation, Dave continued expanding, both organically and through acquisitions. In 2024, he brought on a business partner, a longtime restaurant owner whom Robertson already knew. In fact, one of the specialty foods he had long sold through his machines were made by his new partner.

Then, in November 2024, the partners acquired a large vending operation. “That tripled us in size,” Robertson said.

The acquisition helped push annual sales to approximately $1 million and transformed Super Dave’s into a significantly larger regional operation.

Building Something Worth Buying

Meanwhile, Dave’s relationship with the franchise, Naturals2Go, was evolving as well.

In addition to operating Super Dave’s Snack Emporium, he had coached other business owners and, for the past two years, served as a lead trainer for Naturals2Go’s new-owner training program.

Eventually, an opportunity emerged for Naturals2Go to acquire Super Dave’s.

“They liked me. I liked them,” Robertson said of his relationship with the franchise. “They were very familiar with what I was doing, who I am, and they just saw it as a good opportunity where we could do business together.”

Super Dave’s generated just under $1.1 million in gross revenue in 2025. Dave shared that the business was valued at approximately 1.7 times gross revenue, with factors including its equipment, existing locations, opportunities to upgrade older machines, potential for micro markets, and the broader Kansas City market contributing to its value.

For Dave, however, the transaction represents more than a financial milestone.

Now 61, he has agreed to continue consulting for approximately three years while remaining involved with the Kansas City operation. After that, he has the flexibility to determine how he’d like to move forward.

“It gave me an opportunity to work with people who I love working with,” he said. “I can walk away whenever I want to, or I can stay as long as I want to.”

A Business Built Around People

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Super Dave’s growth is what didn’t change.

Dave’s personal cell phone number remains on every one of the company’s 150 machines. He says his philosophy is simple: “Whose day are you going to make today?”

Sometimes that means buying a regular customer a snack. At Christmas, it has meant hiding scratch-off lottery tickets behind vending-machine products. And sometimes it becomes something much more meaningful.

Robertson recalled promising a customer some leftover Halloween chocolate after the man jokingly asked what he had for free. When Robertson returned with the candy the following day, the customer quietly told him he had spent the previous day in court ending a 25-year marriage.

“I really needed this today,” the man told him.

Robertson continued bringing him a small piece of chocolate for weeks afterward.

“When you talk about where does ministry align with business?” Robertson said. “It’s right here.”

The Decision That Started It All

That story ultimately leads back to where Robertson’s entrepreneurial journey began.

Six years ago, he approached longtime friend David Omholt of The Entrepreneur Authority to help him find a suitable business to buy. Omholt recommended Naturals2Go after a structured and consultative process.

Dave trusted his judgment and never looked back.

Asked what that guidance means in hindsight, after everything that followed, Robertson’s answer was immediate: “It means everything.”

Through Naturals2Go, Robertson found not only the foundation for his business, but relationships with entrepreneurs across the country, opportunities to learn and teach, and ultimately a pathway to a seven-figure transaction.

“All that started with David pointing me to the right place,” Robertson said. “If that doesn’t happen, if I end up with a different business, I don’t think I would have been as successful as I’ve been.”

Six years ago, Dave was searching for his next chapter after a long career in ministry. Today, after growing eight machines into a seven-figure business, success has given him something he wasn’t necessarily seeking when he started: the freedom to decide what the next chapter will be.

The Entrepreneur Authority (TEA) offers no-fee consultations for those interested in exploring franchise opportunities, along with complimentary educational webinars on franchising. To speak with a Franchise Consultant or register for an upcoming webinar, call 866-246-2884 or visit eAuth.com/webinars.