For Charlie Harrell, Isle of Hope is woven into his family history. His grandparents built their home here in 1973, his mother worked at Isle of Hope Elementary, and his father coached Charlie and his sisters in local sports. Today, Charlie and his wife, Blaire, are revitalizing his grandparents’ home as they prepare to welcome their first child.

That hometown connection carries into Coastal Vending 912, the company Charlie launched with business partner Alessandro Marra in September 2023. Serving Savannah and Pooler, Coastal Vending 912 installs, stocks, and maintains vending machines while also selling machines and training independent operators outside its service area.

Rather than filling every machine with an identical lineup, the company adjusts its inventory according to what customers actually request. Charlie’s mother, Charlene Harrell, and her best friend, Karen Conner, handle restocking, often learning customers’ favorites along the way. Offerings include emerging brands such as Nooma Energy and Nooma Hydration alongside more familiar choices.

Technology is also reshaping the operation. Coastal Vending 912 recently launched VendWell, a web-based application that uses sales data and AI-assisted image scanning to help track inventory. A forthcoming consumer feature will offer rewards and optional product health scores based on ingredients, additives, and nutritional value. The company is also exploring AI-powered smart coolers and plans to make select products available through Uber Eats from FraLi Gourmet, Alessandro’s restaurant.

With expansion ahead, Charlie hopes Coastal Vending 912 can serve more locations while helping aspiring operators navigate the vending business.

To learn more about Coastal Vending 912, visit their website at coastalvending912.com.