When it comes to building financial independence, many people think of traditional investments like stocks, real estate, or even starting a business. But what if there was a lesser-known yet highly profitable way to generate passive income? Enter Marcus Norman—a serial entrepreneur who went from serving in the U.S. Navy to owning 13 ATM machines that pay him consistently. Recently, he shared his incredible journey and insights on Bartell’s Money Talk, and we’re here to break it down with some bonus content just for you!
From Military to Money Management
Marcus Norman hails from the U.S. Virgin Islands and made his way to the continental United States via the Navy. Like many, he grew up in a household where money wasn’t openly discussed. His financial education came primarily from observation—watching the struggles of his mother and the financial discipline of his stepmother. This contrast shaped his views on money and set him on a journey to financial literacy.
The Spark That Led to Entrepreneurship
After leaving the military in 2014, Marcus found himself job-hopping, trying to secure stable employment. It wasn’t until he stumbled upon a multi-level marketing opportunity that he was introduced to entrepreneurship. Although he didn’t stay in that industry, it lit a fire within him. He started consuming books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss, which deepened his understanding of financial freedom.
Building Wealth: Real Estate & ATM Investing
While most people think you need massive capital to get into investing, Marcus took a different approach. He worked five jobs, including driving for DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft, as well as working security, to save up the funds to purchase his first investment property. After securing multiple rental properties, he started searching for his next passive income stream—and that’s when he discovered ATM investing.
How ATM Investing Works
Marcus broke down the process of getting into the ATM business:
Purchase a Brand-New ATM – Avoid used machines that could cause technical issues.
Find a Processor – This is the company that will handle transactions and connect your ATM to banking networks.
Choose a Prime Location – Think barbershops, nail salons, gas stations, retirement homes, and even seasonal festivals.
Set Transaction Fees – Every time someone withdraws cash, you make money.
Restock & Maintain the Machine – Load the ATM with cash and keep it running smoothly.
The Numbers: How Quickly Can You Get Your Investment Back?
Let’s say you set your ATM transaction fee at $3 per withdrawal, and it gets used 10 times per day:
$3 x 10 transactions = $30/day
$30 x 31 days = $930/month
With a brand-new ATM costing around $2,500 to $3,000, you could potentially recoup your investment in just 3 to 4 months! And that’s just one machine. Marcus now owns 13 ATMs, bringing in consistent, passive income every month.
Bonus Content: Hidden Gem Locations for ATM Investing
While gas stations and convenience stores are the obvious choices, Marcus shared a few underrated spots that can be gold mines for ATM investing:
1. Seasonal Festivals & Events
At a recent one-day agricultural fair, Marcus made $2,000 in ATM fees alone. Why? Because event vendors often struggle with weak internet connections, making cash transactions necessary.
2. University Campuses
Many students rely on cash for small daily expenses, and having an ATM near dorms, bookstores, or cafeterias can mean steady transactions.
3. Nightclubs & Bars
People prefer cash at nightlife venues for tips, cover charges, and quick payments, making ATMs a lucrative addition.
4. Casinos & Gaming Centers
Marcus mentioned a casino where his ATM fee is $4 per transaction, handling over 100 transactions per day—that’s $400 daily from one machine!
Final Thoughts: The Power of Passive Income
Marcus Norman’s story proves that financial freedom is attainable with the right mindset, education, and work ethic. Whether through real estate, ATMs, or other entrepreneurial ventures, the key takeaway is ownership—owning assets that generate money while you sleep.
If you’re looking for more insights on ATM investing, real estate, or financial growth, Marcus shares valuable content on his Gentleman Style Podcast. You can connect with him at www.gentlemanstylepodcast.com.
What do you think about ATM investing? Would you try it? Let us know in the comments below!
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