Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jocelyn Holloman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jocelyn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I was a single parent, tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul and constantly living paycheck to paycheck. I knew I wanted more—not just for myself, but to build generational wealth for my children.
One day, I woke up and decided I was going to get into vending machines. I had no real understanding of the business, no roadmap, and no clue what I was doing—but I knew I had to find a way to create something better for my kids.
During that journey, I came across a woman in the vending industry and invested in her class, hoping it would give me direction. Unfortunately, that experience didn’t turn out the way I expected, and I felt like I had been misled.
But instead of giving up, that situation pushed me to figure things out on my own. I committed to doing my own research, learning the business from the ground up, and creating my own path.
In 2020, during the pandemic, I officially started my vending company—and that decision changed everything.
Jocelyn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who have never heard of me before, I’m a woman who simply wanted a better life for her children.
I started this journey as a single mother determined to create change. Today, I’m a wife and a mom—but my “why” has always remained the same.
I chose vending because I wanted to step into a business that was different—something out of the box. I wanted to be in an industry that made people pause and ask, “Wait… you do what for a living?” And that curiosity is exactly what led me here.
Now, I operate as a one-stop shop within the vending machine industry. I provide location services, help clients secure vending machines, sell machines, offer mentorship and coaching, and broker deals within the industry. I also offer vending machine removal services—helping pick up and repurpose machines that have been sitting unused for extended periods.
What I’m most proud of is my longevity. I’ve been in this business for six years, and while it hasn’t been easy—there have absolutely been ups and downs—I’ve pushed past the point where most people quit.
What truly sets me apart is my story. I started my first vending company with just $500 and built it into a six-figure brand. As a Black woman in this industry, I’ve not only carved out my own space—I’ve opened doors and inspired others to step into it as well.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A time where I’ve had to pivot in my career is right now. I recently lost my biggest contract—one that I had maintained for four years.
Losing that contract has forced me to reassess my business and explore new ways to keep it not only afloat, but growing. It’s definitely been a bit of a culture shock, because I had grown comfortable with the stability that contract provided.
However, in the midst of this transition, I’m also seeing it as an opportunity. I’m taking a step back and leaning into other areas of my business that I enjoy and that have the potential to expand my brand even further.
This moment is challenging, but it’s also pushing me to evolve—and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed for the next level.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
I had to find a different way to fund my business. When I first got started, I didn’t have the capital to invest the way most people do.
So instead of letting that stop me, I chose to work smarter, not harder. I leveraged opportunities within my business and used the revenue I generated from clients to reinvest back into my company.
I couldn’t afford to buy machines upfront or make big moves in the beginning—but I didn’t let that limit me. I built as I went, using what I had and turning it into something greater.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stan.store/echelonvending
- Instagram: Echelonvending
- Facebook: Echelonvending
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@echelonelevated?si=JGZtLpA33xEdlsbE
