Harminder Thind

Harminder Thind, also known as Hermin Thind, has spent more than twenty years building businesses that focus on operational discipline and a people-first approach. From managing a Subway franchise in his early years to expanding Vapor Maven across several states, his career has been defined by a combination of steady growth, calculated risks, and a deep connection to his local community. Born in 1980 in Punjab, India, he and his family moved to Seattle in 1992, when he was twelve. This transition taught him the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. After completing high school, he pursued an associate degree in computer science but ultimately chose to pursue business ownership. At the age of 19, he purchased a Subway franchise, where he learned the fundamental aspects of running a business, including managing staff, inventory, and customer service. This experience laid the groundwork for his leadership style, which emphasizes staying present, solving problems quickly, and setting a good example for his team. Following his time with the Subway franchise, he ventured into other businesses, including running a Dairy Queen and opening the first Indian restaurant in a small town. Later, his family acquired a motel in Springdale, Arkansas, where, during the 2007 recession, he took charge of operations to keep it running. This challenging period taught him the importance of resilience and how to manage a business through difficult times. In 2014, recognizing an opportunity in the vaping industry, Harminder opened the first Vapor Maven store. His goal was to offer a space where customers could find quality products and receive guidance on safer alternatives to smoking. As the business grew, he focused on developing systems for hiring, training, and maintaining operational consistency.