Innovation often starts in the most unexpected places. For Propane Vending Corp (PVC), the journey began not with propane, but with a simple idea: beach gear rental lockers. What started as an attempt to bring convenience to beachgoers soon evolved into an industry-changing business that is transforming how propane is sold and distributed across the country.
The Origins of Outdoor Vending Solutions
Propane Vending Corp was born from the expertise and vision of Outdoor Vending Solutions (OVS). After a 25-year Army career, our founder sought a new challenge. The inspiration came from a family patent for a firewood vending machine, which led to the development of an automated system using individual containers with electronically controlled doors. What began as a four-door prototype quickly evolved into an eight-door module, refined with support from our Texas-based metal fabricator, SBI.
As OVS piloted innovations in vending technology, we realized that to fully automate and vend propane, a new level of system integration was required. This is where Brevvie entered the picture. A software automation company specializing in locker-based rental solutions for multifamily apartments and state beaches, Brevvie became a crucial partner in our journey toward advanced digital vending.
A Game-Changing Innovation: QR Code Vending
Kristine and Tim, founders of Brevvie, were initially working on self-service rental lockers for beach gear. When a landlord required them to also rent surfboards and vend firewood, they needed a solution fast. Tim sourced a firewood vending machine from OVS, and once installed, they introduced an innovative twist—instead of relying on a traditional credit card reader, they implemented a QR code system, allowing customers to purchase firewood and unlock the locker with their phone.
This small but game-changing innovation caught OVS’s attention. Seeing the potential of Brevvie’s automation expertise, a strategic partnership was formed.
The Unexpected Partnership That Changed Everything
At the time, OVS and SBI had been tackling an industry-wide challenge—how to vend propane safely and efficiently for the largest propane provider and retailer in the country. While our metal enclosures and patented locking mechanisms ensured safety, we needed an advanced automation system for seamless transactions.
Brevvie’s QR-code-based vending technology provided the missing piece. Together, Outdoor Vending Solutions, Brevvie, and SBI formed Propane Vending Corp (PVC)—a joint venture aimed at revolutionizing automated propane distribution.
Scaling a Nationwide Propane Vending Network
With the formation of Propane Vending Corp, our operations have expanded exponentially:
1,600+ locations served today
3,000 locations projected by the end of 2025
Major deal secured with Blue Rhino to automate propane distribution
Annual revenue from wood and kayak vending at Texas state parks exceeding $500K
At the heart of this expansion is our strategic use of Cantaloupe systems, deployed at every location to facilitate secure cashless transactions.
Technology and Future Expansion
We are not stopping at propane. Propane Vending Corp continues to refine and expand its vending technology, including:
Enhancing our kayak rental machines using Brevvie’s automation for a more compact, user-friendly experience.
Expanding firewood vending, highlighting its unique value in new markets.
Developing modular vending units that can support honey, 5-gallon water bottles, DEF, and camping supplies, providing custom vending solutions across industries.
Why Cashless Technology Matters
From the beginning, Propane Vending Corp has prioritized cashless transactions to reduce risks associated with cash handling, vandalism, and financial losses. Digital transactions provide customers with:
Secure, seamless purchasing
Detailed transaction records for easy tracking
Real-time refunds and inventory monitoring for better customer service
Partnership with Cantaloupe
Our relationship with Cantaloupe Inc. began in 2015, but it became even more critical with the formation of Propane Vending Corp. Today, every PVC vending location operates on Cantaloupe’s cashless payment systems.
While we’ve benefited from Cantaloupe’s G11 devices, future product updates remain a concern. Transitioning to newer models like the G12 will require collaboration to ensure our vending operations remain seamless and uninterrupted.
The Future of Propane Vending
PVC is on a mission to reshape the propane industry with automated vending technology, and our trajectory is clear: ✅ Scaling across major retailers & fueling stations ✅ Targeting 3,000+ locations by 2026 ✅ Innovating new tech integrations for seamless transactions
What started as a beachside rental challenge has now grown into an industry-changing movement. From firewood vending to propane automation, Propane Vending Corp continues to redefine unattended retail.
Want to Learn More?
Visit PropaneVendingCorp.com to explore how we’re revolutionizing propane vending and leading the future of automated distribution.
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