Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Rogers.
Hi Jeff, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From the Beat to the Breakroom: The Evolution of BetterHealth Vending
The “Power User” Perspective
For over 20 years as a police officer, I was what you might call a “power user” of vending machines. When you’re working late shifts or stuck at a station, those machines are your lifeline. Like most people, I just accepted the frustrations as part of the experience: the stuck bags of chips, the expired drinks, and the “theft” of a few dollars when a product failed to vend. I was desensitized to a broken system.
The $10,000 Lesson
When I retired, I looked toward the private sector for a solid investment. Research pointed toward vending as a high-profit, low-maintenance path. However, my first step was a costly one.
I initially partnered with a company that sold a “dream” wrapped in a stylish design. They charged over $10,000 for machines that actually cost around $3,000. They claimed that simply putting “healthy” stickers on a standard machine and filling it with big-box store snacks was the secret. It wasn’t. I watched dozens of fellow investors lose their life savings to this model. I realized that “healthy vending” isn’t about forcing products on people; it’s about the consumer experience.
The Global Search for a Solution
I knew I needed two things to survive:
Versatile Equipment: Machines that could handle odd-shaped, fresh food containers, not just standard cans.
Consumer Education: A way to explain why healthy food costs more and why it’s worth it.
My search for a partner took me across the globe until I found Vendekin, an India-based tech company. They didn’t just make machines; they revolutionized the process with seven patents focused on the digital experience.
The BetterHealth Breakthrough
Implementing Vendekin’s technology changed everything for us. Our business didn’t just survive; it thrived because we finally addressed the “pain points” I felt as an officer:
Automatic Refunds: If a product fails to vend, the software triggers an instant refund. No more lost dollar bills.
Remote Control: I can monitor every machine in real-time from my phone.
Multi-Product Transactions: Consumers can buy a full meal and a drink in one single, secure digital transaction.
Incentivized Health: We use rewards and discounts to nudge people toward better choices, rather than just “forcing” it on them.
A Movement, Not a Franchise
What started as a turnaround in the South Carolina Lowcountry has turned into a national consulting effort. We aren’t a formal franchise, but because people saw our success, we’ve been tapped to help entrepreneurs launch similar programs in states from Oregon to New York.
I spent two decades protecting the community; now, I’m focused on fueling it. I’ve gone from a frustrated consumer to speaking at national conferences, showing others that you can build a profitable business that actually treats the customer with respect.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles were related to over paying for equipment and training that yielded little to no return on investment. As mentioned in previous response, I watched dozens of families invest in to healthy vending only to bankrupt themselves. It was also very difficult for us to find equipment in the US that was customizable without going to a cooler cafe or free grab system.
It is also very difficult to help consumers to transition from their comfort food and drinks to functional food and drinks. There is a large gap in the community in general as they don’t know the value of eating and drinking better products.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Our mission is simple but powerful: to empower individuals to make healthier choices by providing easy access to nutritious snack and drink options. From schools to workplaces, gyms to hospitals, warehouses to office centers, we’re on a mission to transform snacking habits and promote wellness in every community we serve.
Our primary goal is clear: to disrupt the vending industry by promoting healthier options and fostering a culture of wellness. Through state-of-the-art vending technology, personalized service, and a commitment to innovation, we’re making it easier than ever for individuals to prioritize their health, one snack at a time.
Join us as we pioneer a new era of vending options—one that’s healthier, tastier, and better for everyone. One that connects all of the industry disruptors of traditional snacks and drinks and delivers it in impressive machines powered with amazing software!
Core Values
Health-Centric
Disruptive
Reliable
Dynamic
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Treat this like a business and not a hobby. There are real tangible expenses that are associated with this industry. Also, I strongly believe that buying just 1-2 machines is a bad idea. That investor won’t have the purchasing power for good products, they will expire product more frequently and they tend to treat it like a hobby.
Also, I feel that it is super important to flip the script on how traditional vending machine companies force the investor to over leverage. Instead, we focus on educating our clients and helping them setup the business properly. And only after this is accomplished, do we start selling them the equipment. There is no need to buy all the equipment upfront and then build your business and find locations. It’s easier if you build the business and then purchase the equipment.
Pricing:
- Omnivend 10″ – Starts at $6300
- Omnivend 12″ – Starts at $7200
- Elevend 22″” – Starts at $8300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.betterhealthvends.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterhealthvending/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterHealthVends/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterhealthvending
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHealthVending
