Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Lovstad.
Hi Sandra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was working full time as a Finance Manager for IBM on a consulting project that lasted three years. When the project came to an end, I had hoped to continue with IBM, but I was unable to secure another internal role. At that point, I made the decision to branch out on my own.
Years earlier, while pursuing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Connecticut’s Stamford campus, an IBM 20+ years employee guest speaker visited one of my classes with Professor Matthew Longcore, Ph.D who worked at UCONN at the time. The speaker spoke about the importance of flexibility in the workforce and emphasized that career paths are rarely linear or clearly defined. During his talk, he asked what we believed was the most important quality we would need after graduation. I answered, “Flexibility,” and he rewarded me with a small prize a Bend-Ems Gumby bendable action figure, which I still have today. His message stayed with me over the years.
When I later found myself at a professional crossroads, I vividly remembered his words. They gave me the courage and confidence to pivot in a new direction, ultimately leading to the creation of Hippo Vending in late 2024. In many ways, it feels almost fated that someone from IBM planted a seed of advice years earlier that would later inspire the creativity and courage I needed to start my own business after leaving the company.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Building Hippo Vending from the ground up comes with a great deal of uncertainty, especially when stepping away from the structure and stability of a corporate career I had known for decades. Early on, one of my biggest challenges was learning every aspect of the business at once from operations and logistics to marketing and cash flow management. While I received some external support, the day-to-day work and learning curve were entirely my responsibility.
There were moments of self-doubt when I felt alone and overwhelmed, particularly when progress was slower than expected or things didn’t go according to plan. I had to become comfortable wearing multiple hats and making critical decisions without a large team or a clear roadmap to follow. Ultimately, those challenges pushed me to grow quickly, adapt, and become more resilient. Each obstacle reinforced the reasons I started Hippo Vending in the first place and helped shape the business into what it is today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Hippo Vending, where I specialize in providing modern, reliable vending solutions for offices, apartment communities, gyms, and other high-traffic locations. My focus is on creating a seamless experience for both property owners and customers by delivering well-maintained machines, thoughtful product selections, and responsive, dependable service.
What I am most proud of is building Hippo Vending from the ground up and turning an idea into a growing business through consistency, relationships, and hands-on effort. From the very beginning, I was determined not to build a business I didn’t fully understand. I personally handled the day-to-day work by loading my dolly, restocking machines, driving routes in all kinds of weather, and learning firsthand how long each task takes and what challenges arise. That experience allows me to better support my team today, because I truly understand the work they do every day. Every placement, partnership, and improvement has come from being deeply involved in the business and committed to continuous learning.
What sets me apart is my combined background in customer service, finance, and consulting, along with a very personal, service-first approach. I pay close attention to the numbers, but I never lose sight of the people our clients and the communities we serve. I am intentional about listening, adapting, and continually improving, which helps Hippo Vending stand out in a space that is often overlooked but essential to everyday convenience.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the vending industry continuing to evolve through increased technology integration, with smarter machines offering cashless and touchless payments, remote monitoring, real-time inventory tracking, and data-driven insights that help operators better anticipate demand. The overall user experience will become more seamless and intuitive, with improved design, faster checkout, and potentially mobile app integration. At the same time, consumer preferences will continue shifting toward healthier, more personalized product offerings tailored to specific locations rather than one-size-fits-all selections. Sustainability will also play a larger role, with greater emphasis on energy-efficient machines, reduced packaging waste, and partnerships with local brands. Additionally, the industry will expand beyond traditional snacks and drinks into micro-markets, fresh food, wellness products, and other specialized offerings, transforming vending into a more connected and thoughtful convenience solution.
Pricing:
- Vending machine placement $0.00
- Custom product selection is available, Most items are $2.00 with highest $5 or $6 usually a high protein drinks.
- Most of our machines accept cashless payments and we pay a percentage for processing fees.
- Flexible contract options are available, including month-to-month or annual agreements, depending on the client’s needs.
- There is zero upfront cost/fees for any of our services. We do not engage in profit sharing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hippovending.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippovending/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Hippo-Vending/61568407656307/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hippo-vending
- Twitter: https://x.com/HippoVending
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HippoVending
Image Credits
Sandra Lovstad
