Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Gibson. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Vintage Vapor was founded in Pflugerville, a north Austin, TX suburb, by Justin Gibson in 2013 with a simple purpose in mind, to help others live a healthier lifestyle. …and do it efficiently, effectively, and with a sense of nostalgia in mind! Gibson, a fresh MBA graduate and a lifetime vintage thrifter, envisioned a classic “vaporium”, rich in vintage and vibe!
Vintage Vapor started this mission by employing three specific tenets of business: only offer quality hardware and premium e-liquid at fair prices, employ friendly and knowledgable Vapologists that practice “old-school” customer service, and do it all in a clean and comfortable environment where patrons can feel “at home.” Customers at both Vintage Vapor locations (South Austin location added in early 2014) encounter educational glimpses of vaping’s historic past. Actual vintage vaporizers are on display as well as an assortment of classic advertisements for vaping, smoking, and other alternative medicinal treatments from years past.
In 2020, we implemented our “Covid Pivot” plan, which saw us trade our high-rent south Austin location for our new Florence location, which we purchased late that year. Our new sizable property is located downtown and allowed us to launch a new brand, The Florence Marketplace, or “The FM” for short. The FM offers a variety of goods and services including our other brands, Vintage Gold, The Brickery at The Florence Marketplace, and my real estate company, Envision Real Estate Services.
Our plan to diversify through the purchase of an asset and new brands fuels our company for the years to come with new opportunities in a quickly growing market. More information is available at www.florencemarketplace.com.
This year, Vintage Vapor celebrates ten years of helping Central Texas live a healthier lifestyle. Vintage Vapor is proud to have been an early harm reduction leader by installing responsible practices and supporting advocacy, on all levels and fronts, throughout the years. The VV Team continually engages and updates their valued clientele through a variety of delivery methods such as in-store periodicals, postings, flyers, and handouts from assorted advocacy groups, a consumer survey program which delivers focused feedback in a usable format to those in decision-making positions, and old-fashioned customer interaction.
Additionally, Justin Gibson has assisted with tobacco harm reduction and vaping advocacy at local, state, and national levels through a variety of outlets and serves as Chairman of the Board for the United States Vaping Association.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road. The vaping industry as a whole continually encounters pushback from both the Tobacco and Pharmaceutical industries, both which have large war chests and seasoned lobbyists fighting to keep their market share.
In addition, regulations from both state, & local levels have routinely been behind the curve or tainted by funding from our competitors. Just like the FDA, whose message is clearly in opposition of the science and the voices of millions of successful vapers (former smokers) that just want to live a healthier lifestyle.
Of course, our industry is also the target of higher than average banking and processing fees since we are unjustly labeled as “Tobacco”, which means we cannot advertise through most media and are limited as to what we can say or do to promote our business and sales.
Other than that, I encountered the normal struggles of operating a business with two locations on the opposite ends of a major city for years, competing within a burgeoning market, and adjusting to ever-changing regulations without a solid long-term plan from any governing agency.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Vintage Vapor has always differentiated itself through the use of our expert employees, who use “old-school” customer service techniques, and the decor of our locations. Vintage Vapor uses nostalgia in our decor to connect with customers and create a sense of familiarity and home. Our loyal customers appreciate the level of service we offer, but all who enter notice and enjoy our vintage vibe.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
We have always partnered with exceptional brands for our vapor and CBD offerings, many local and Texas brands for instance. Now, we partner with even more creative and entrepreneurial types through The Florence Marketplace. We currently have almost thirty partners whose art, curated collections, and vintage treasures help to fill in our new space.
Additional information about partnering with us can be found on our websites.
Contact Info:
- Website: vintagevaportexas.com
- Instagram: florencemarketplace
- Facebook: VintageVapor
- Other: www.florencemarketplace.com
Image Credits
Justin Gibson
