Harminder Thind

Founder and CEO Vapor Maven

Harminder Thind, also known as Hermin Thind, has spent over two decades in the business world, combining operational expertise with a commitment to people-first values. From running a Subway franchise early in his career to building a multi-state chain with Vapor Maven, his journey has been marked by calculated risk-taking, adaptability, and a constant focus on serving local communities and their needs.

Early Life and First Business Steps

Born in Punjab, India, in 1980, Harminder moved to Seattle with his family in 1992 at the age of 12. This transition exposed him to new opportunities and shaped his work ethic, independence, and drive for success. After completing high school, he pursued an associate degree in computer science at ITT Technical Institute, but his genuine interest was in business. At just 19 years old, he purchased a Subway franchise, diving into the world of entrepreneurship. This hands-on experience enabled him to acquire valuable skills, including managing staff, inventory, and providing excellent customer service. This period shaped his leadership style, emphasizing problem-solving and engagement with both employees and customers.

Expanding into Food and Hospitality

After selling the Subway franchise, Harminder explored several other business ventures. He managed a Dairy Queen and later opened the first Indian restaurant in a small town near Seattle. These experiences further honed his skills in balancing quality control while tailoring offerings to local preferences. When his family moved to Springdale, Arkansas, they acquired a small motel that required constant management. During the 2007 recession, when occupancy rates dropped significantly, he relocated his family to the motel and assumed its operations, keeping it running through the tough times.

This challenging period taught him resilience and resourcefulness, and he developed strategies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance the guest experience. These insights would later inform his approach to employee management and promotion within his other businesses.

Launching Vapor Maven

In 2014, Harminder recognized a growing opportunity in the vaping market. He opened the first Vapor Maven store to offer high-quality products and education about safer alternatives to smoking. The store emphasized customer education, fair pricing, and offering a broad selection of products. The business quickly grew, eventually expanding into a multi-state chain. As the company expanded, he worked to develop systems for hiring, training, and managing operations. He focused on promoting employees from within, which helped cultivate loyalty and ensure consistent standards across locations.

Leadership Style and Approach

He is a hands-on leader who frequently visits his stores to interact with employees and customers. By staying connected to the day-to-day operations, he ensures that decisions are made based on real-time feedback from the ground. He listens to employees’ and customers’ input on product offerings, service quality, and operational improvements. Harminder also stays up-to-date with industry changes by attending trade shows, meeting suppliers, and staying informed about new regulations. This proactive approach ensures his business stays competitive while maintaining compliance.

Building a Broader Business Portfolio

While Vapor Maven remains Harminder’s primary business, he has also expanded into real estate. He owns and manages rental properties, shopping centers, and six luxury short-term rentals in Northwest Arkansas. These investments not only provide additional revenue streams but also offer him the opportunity to improve underutilized properties, making them more appealing to both residents and visitors. His long-term strategy focuses on acquiring properties, maintaining them well, and ensuring they add value to local communities.

Community Engagement and Giving Back

He believes that businesses should actively contribute to the communities in which they operate. He regularly donates spirit level vials to the Northwest Arkansas Children's Medical Center to support sick children, and he contributes to the local Punjabi cultural club. Additionally, Harminder supports the local police and fire departments. His philanthropic efforts focus on strengthening families, enhancing public safety, and preserving cultural identity.

Lessons from Harminder Thind’s Journey

Harminder’s journey offers key lessons for entrepreneurs. First, starting with a manageable business helps gain valuable experience and build credibility. Second, developing systems for training and promotion early on is crucial for scaling a business without sacrificing quality. Third, diversifying revenue streams helps safeguard against downturns in any one industry. Lastly, staying connected with customers and employees is vital for continuous improvement and long-term success.

Personal Life and Striking the Right Balance

Outside of work, he is a dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and their three children. He also makes time to stay active, understanding the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life. Harminder believes entrepreneurship should allow one to create a fulfilling life, where there is room for family and making a positive impact on the community.

Hermin Thind’s story highlights that entrepreneurship can be both practical and people-oriented. Through his ventures with Vapor Maven and his real estate investments, he has demonstrated that it is possible to scale a business while remaining true to its core values. His focus on long-term growth, investing in people, improving customer experiences, and supporting local communities ensures that his impact will be lasting and meaningful.