In the past few weeks at HHS, you may have walked into the lobby and noticed a new vending machine, filled with snacks, Starbucks frappuccinos, iced teas, protein shakes, and more. If you look further into the mysterious appearances of these machines, you’ll find origins in a new company called “KJ Vending.” HHS Junior Rob Jennemann started KJ Vending because of his “deep passion for business.” Seeing it as a simple, profitable business, Rob worked with the district treasurer since last year to discuss implementation and funding allocation, then put his idea up during a school board meeting and received unanimous approval.
Jennemann then paid for a down payment on the machines, implementation, and the first stock of snacks using money saved up from birthdays, Christmas, and yardwork earnings. Although these particular vending machines are located in Hastings, Jennemann’s “business partner” is located in Florida. Rob’s company is called “KJ vending.” This stands for Kenyon and Jennemann: Ryan Kenyon, a childhood friend, was growing out of touch with Jennemann until Jennemann “brought the idea of starting a vending company with him,” a unique way of rekindling a flame. Kenyon is based in Florida, and is listed as the “COO” (Chief Operating Officer) on the KJ website, while Jenneman is listed as the “CEO” (Chief Executive Officer).
Seemingly, their plan has been successful so far, as Hastings High School now has two new vending machines. Rob did mention, however, that some of the only backlash from the administration he has received has been about originally not being in accordance with New York State law 915, which prohibits the sale of some caffeinated and unhealthy products in student-accessible vending machines (NYS.gov). So, if you were waiting on the day that a drink like Celsius would appear in these machines, you are out of luck.
Many students believe that his vending machines were completely independent from the school and simply a personal business venture (and some have complained about the pricing), but Rob shared that “24% of profits are split equally between the Hastings Athletic, Theater, and Art Booster Clubs (8% to each). The rest is reinvested in the company so we can grow it.” He also added that their current goal is a 10% net profit margin. It is unclear whether “growing it” means more vending machines, more snacks, or an expansion to Florida- students will have to wait and see what the future holds for KJ Vending.
Outside of school, Rob reports spending 10 hours on this company, restocking snacks from 4:00-5:00 PM and storing products from Sam’s Club, BJ’s, and Amazon weekly in his basement. These vending machines are privately owned rather than owned by the school, but so is the company which caters the cafeteria: snacks are a capitalistic and hungry business, serving a hungry market.
These vending machines, seemingly popping up out of nowhere, have brought unexpected ease towards snack-lovers at HHS, but have also raised questions among the student body. A vending machine startup at our school is definitely a novel idea, and so far it seems like it is here to stay.