How We Built a Profitable Ice Machine Business | Passive Income, Lessons Learned & Real Talk

Thinking about starting an ice machine or ice vending business?
In this video, we share how we got into the ice machine business, what it really takes to run it successfully, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way as entrepreneurs managing multiple income streams.

There are a lot of videos online talking about passive income, but very few that show what it’s actually like to own and operate an ice machine business day-to-day. In this video, we’re pulling back the curtain and sharing our real experience running a successful ice machine business in Fort Worth, Texas. We're sharing the good, the challenging, and everything in between.

We walk through how and why we decided to get into the ice and water vending business, the different ownership and income models available, and what we’ve learned along the way as business owners. From owning machines outright to rental and income-sharing structures, there are multiple ways to approach this business, and we talk through what’s worked for us and what to consider if you’re thinking about getting started.

You’ll also see what the operational side really looks like:
• Managing machine jams and coin issues (yes, even Chuck E. Cheese tokens)
• Using cameras and mobile apps to monitor machines remotely
• Handling maintenance, upkeep, and quality control
• Why location matters, including this machine near Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth, which sees excellent traffic
• The systems that allow us to run the business without being onsite constantly

Bailey also shares practical tips, including how she efficiently loads and manages ice bags using tools that make distribution smoother and faster. This business isn’t completely hands-off, but with the right systems, partners, and mindset, it can be a strong and sustainable additional income stream.

We also talk about the importance of:
• Diversifying income streams
• Choosing the right business partners
• Planning for long-term sustainability
• Understanding that success comes from consistency, not shortcuts

Whether you’re curious about the ice machine business, the water vending industry, or simply looking for honest insights into building multiple streams of income, this video is for you.

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👉 Drop your questions in the comments. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned.