Recently, new vending machines have been installed at the University of Dallas. Run by Brian Howard, Elevation Vending is a local vending machine business centered on providing convenient access to healthier snack and drink options.
“Often the most convenient option is not the most healthy option,” said Howard. “But not when it comes to these vending machines. [They] will feature healthier options—snacks and drinks that are lower in sugar and higher in protein—while still stocking familiar favorites like Snickers. Students and staff won’t have to compromise their health goals for whatever happens to be within arm’s reach.”
Examples of products in the machines range from banana chips and protein bars to peanuts and pistachios. Drinks include teas, water, protein shakes and sometimes even a soda.
“We’re not out to purge the whole campus of all their habits,” said Howard, “We just want to offer healthy choices that say, ‘Hey, if you try this, you never know.’ You might actually like this as a healthier alternative, and you might feel better. You might notice more energy. You might notice sharper focus while you’re studying or going back and forth to class, things like that. So that’s really our hope—is to give better options than a typical vending machine would stock.”
Health and wellness have always been a part of Howard’s life. His father, Clinton Howard, was the founding president of the Irving Hospital Authority and helped to establish Irving’s first hospital, Irving Community Hospital, known today as Baylor Scott & White, in 1964.
“Beyond healthcare, my dad launched three companies in Irving—all centered on good health,” said Howard. “From aloe vera drinks to eye drops and nutritional supplements, his work changed countless lives. I grew up hearing numerous testimonies of people experiencing renewed health because of his products.”
Howard also shares a uniquely personal connection with UD. His stepfather, Dr. June R. Welch, served as chairman of the history department for almost 30 years.
“Growing up, I had the privilege of visiting the campus with him,” said Howard. “I have fond memories of sitting in his office, doing my homework and helping organize his bookshelf. But the highlight of every visit was going downstairs to the vending machine just outside Memorial Library to grab a Snickers bar, which is why every machine (while mostly healthy) will offer Snickers bars too.”
Howard finds himself shaped profoundly by these two role models.
“I am amazed at how God wove their legacies into my life,” said Howard. “My dad’s dedication to health and my stepdad’s love for UD have merged in the form of my own business. It feels like a full-circle moment to now serve the campus that meant so much to my family.”
Howard hopes to give back to the community through Elevation Vending.
“UD holds a special place in my heart, not just because of my stepdad’s legacy, but because I’ve seen firsthand the potential for this community to thrive,” said Howard. “I hope that Elevation Vending can play a meaningful role in promoting wellness here on campus, just as my dad’s work promoted health in Irving and beyond. It’s an honor to give back to a place that shaped me in so many ways, and I look forward to serving UD with the same dedication that inspired me.”
Elevation Vending hopes to be a welcome addition to the campus, with perhaps a few surprises in store.