Sometimes, a single idea can change the direction of a career. For Cavan farmer Ben Tierney, an egg vending machine opened up possibilities beyond the family farm, giving him the chance to combine his agricultural roots with an entrepreneurial spirit.
“I suppose it was in my blood, and I did the traditional thing, which was to go to Ballyhaise Agricultural College to get the Green Cert. After that, I considered what I would do. I thought maybe I would do a trade, or something alongside farming but then it was always the idea that I would take over the farm,” Ben says.
Ben’s father Tony had established the family’s free-range egg farm 25 years ago, and Ben had long expected to take it over. By the time he finished his studies, he had a different ambition.
“I was definitely set on starting my own business,” the Ballymachugh native adds.
The idea for Ben’s Eggs emerged when someone suggested he consider farm diversification. Ray Reynolds from Kells, who operates egg vending machines, helped Ben see how the idea could work in practice.
“Ray kindly enough allowed me to come over and have a look at these vending machines. He gave me the confidence to go ahead and buy my first egg vending machine,” Ben says.
He now has 10 machines across Cavan, Longford and Meath and 30,000 hens.
“The vending machines were designed and patented by Laois based entrepreneur Paddy Muckin, whose company, Press Vending developed a system featuring individual doors that dispense trays of eggs, with contactless and other payment options,” Ben says.
All of the machines are attached to an app which allows Ben to keep an eye on sales and stock: “It is just a great piece of mind because I don’t have to be driving around wasting fuel and it allows me to keep the machines stocked at all times. It also provides a lot of detail on stock and sales,” Ben continues.
Starting out taught Ben that building a business did not mean having to do everything himself. He highlights the importance of asking for help.
“I suppose not being very good at school, you kind of learn different things and to ask for help. You understand the benefit of working with people instead of trying to do it all yourself,” he says.
Ben contacted his Local Enterprise Office (LEO), which he recommends to anyone thinking of starting a business. Along with advice and connections, he secured funding to help him invest in additional machines.
“The big thing was that I secured 50% funding through the LEADER Programme for rural development for more vending machines when I was starting off,” Ben says.
“The LEO office is very well connected and will put you in touch with the right people. The office set me up with a mentor who was able to walk me through a business plan and met me every Tuesday for six weeks,” Ben says.
The experience reinforced the importance of making use of expertise and support available rather than trying to navigate every challenge alone.
His parents have also played a significant role, providing encouragement and practical help with the business. His father, in particular, has been an important influence.
“My father was such a great role model, and my parents have been a tremendous source of support and have been very open-minded. They have been restocking machines and doing different stuff,” he says.
Ben is not necessarily aiming to expand his vending machine business nationwide. Instead, he is interested in exploring other opportunities and applying what he has learned to future ventures.
“I don’t really have any ambitions to scale vending machines across the country, but I have gained so much knowledge. I have learned from good people within the business so I might diversify into something else,” Ben explains.
He believes a first business does not have to become a large enterprise to be worthwhile. The skills, confidence and contacts gained along the way can be just as valuable as financial growth.
“Your first business doesn’t have to be a multi-million euro business,” Ben says.
Alongside running Ben’s Eggs, which was only founded earlier this year, he supports a cause that is deeply personal to him.
“My friend died by suicide, and I partnered up with Suicide Prevention Ireland, which is based in Kerry. They go around to communities and schools and raise awareness about the signs of suicide,” Ben says.
“I believe it is a worthwhile cause.”
Ben’s journey shows that diversification does not have to begin with a major investment or a detailed plan for the future. Sometimes, it starts with a willingness to explore an idea, learn from others and take that first step. One small idea can be the beginning of something much bigger.
See benseggs.ie
