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.
An Idea That Took an Unexpected Turn
Kristine and Tim, founders of Brevvie dreamed of making beach gear rentals
easy with self-service lockers. When they approached a landlord for a key beachfront rental location, they were met with an unexpected request—to secure the contract, they would also need to rent surfboards and vend firewood.
Without knowing exactly how to execute it, they said yes and got to work. While Kristine continued to focus on Brevvie’s multifamily retail locker solutions, Tim went on the hunt for a firewood vending machine. After searching online, he found one from a company called Outdoor Vending Solutions (OVS) and had it delivered to a parking lot in Huntington Beach.
A Game-Changing Innovation: QR Code Vending
Once the firewood vending machine was installed, Brevvie saw an opportunity to modernize the process. Instead of using a traditional credit card reader, they developed a system where customers could scan a QR code, pay from their phone, and open the locker automatically.
This was a first in the vending world.
At first, OVS wasn’t sure how feasible this approach was, but within a few hours, a working solution was in place. With a single QR code scan, customers could now purchase firewood and open the locker with the touch of a button.
This small innovation sparked something much bigger.
The Unexpected Partnership That Changed Everything
As Brevvie refined its technology, OVS saw an opportunity. OVS had been working with SBI, a company specializing in metal enclosures for hazardous materials, to develop a propane vending solution.
At the time, OVS and SBI were trying to solve a major problem—how to vend propane safely and efficiently for the largest propane provider and retailer in the country. However, they needed an advanced automation system to make it work.
That’s when they turned to Brevvie’s QR-code-based vending technology.
The three companies—Brevvie, OVS, and SBI—joined forces to create what is now known as Propane Vending Corp.
Scaling a Nationwide Propane Vending Network
What started as a firewood vending experiment quickly evolved into a nationwide propane vending network. By leveraging:
Brevvie’s automation and vending expertise
OVS’s patented locking mechanisms for hazardous materials
SBI’s propane storage enclosures
The newly formed Propane Vending Corp launched a first-of-its-kind propane vending system that is now operating at over 1,200 locations and is projected to reach 3,000 locations by 2026.
The Future of Propane Vending
Today, Propane Vending Corp is revolutionizing propane accessibility by making it: ✔ More convenient – Customers can purchase propane anytime, without waiting for store staff.
✔ More secure – Advanced safety protocols and patented locking mechanisms ensure compliance and protection.
✔ More efficient – QR-code-based automation allows for a seamless customer experience.
✔ More scalable – A proven model that is expanding across the country at an unprecedented rate.
From an initial challenge of firewood vending on the beach to leading the automated propane distribution industry, PVC’s journey proves that great innovation comes from saying yes to new challenges.
As we continue to expand, we remain focused on delivering smart, efficient, and secure vending solutions that redefine convenience.
Want to Learn More?
To explore more about our technology and expansion, visit PropaneVendingCorp.com and stay tuned as we continue to reshape the propane industry.
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