Where Headlines Meet Hustle.

When you're flipping the script on vending, people start talking. From national media features to real-deal partnerships that uplift veteran entrepreneurs, Elevate Vending has been making headlines—and not just for our snack game.

The Buzz

  • Honoring Veterans & Entrepreneurship: Elevate Vending’s Role at the 22nd Annual Military Heroes Golf Classic

    At the PenFed Foundation’s 22nd Annual Military Heroes Golf Classic, Elevate Vending’s founder Nick Grillo was recognized as a veteran entrepreneur making an impact beyond his years of service in the U.S. Air Force. Nick, who served more than 12 years including a deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom, shared how the discipline and resilience learned in uniform now drive his work as a business owner. A proud graduate of the PenFed Veteran Entrepreneur Program, he represents how veterans can successfully transition into entrepreneurship, turning service values into community impact.

    Read more about the full impact here →

  • Three people in a TV studio sitting at a news desk during a discussion about supporting veteran entrepreneurs, with a blue and white background and monitors displaying the news logo.

    Local News Live: Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs

    Elevate proudly highlights the July 3rd segment, “Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs,” which showcases how veterans are turning military grit into business success. With support from family, peers, and groups like the PenFed Foundation, these entrepreneurs prove that resilience, adaptability, and community are key to thriving beyond service.

    Watch the interview here →

  • MILCOM Founders Podcast

    Nick Grillo recently joined the MILCOM Founders Podcast to share his journey from 12 years in the Air Force to launching mission-driven Elevate Vending. He spoke on the power of “failing fast and pivoting,” why he turned down a massive contract that didn’t align with his values (only to land a better one days later), and how Elevate builds success through strong local partnerships. Nick’s standout quote? “The quickest way to get a dollar is to put a dollar in someone else’s pocket.” True to form, he matched a $100 donation to the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship Fund.

    Listen to the full episode →

  • Group of people standing together in a room with a large screen displaying the PENFED Foundation logo and text that says "Veteran".

    PenFed Picks Elevate: Veteran-Owned Vending with Vision

    Big news: Nick Grillo, founder of Elevate Vending, has been selected for the PenFed Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP) March 2025 cohort. This accelerator is built for businesses that mean business—with mentorship, resources, and capital to scale faster than a stale chip bag hitting the bottom of a machine.

    Read about it on Vending Times ›

  • People sitting at a conference table with laptops, water bottles, and notebooks, attentively listening during a meeting or seminar.

    From Breakroom to Boardroom—And the NHL

    We teamed up with the PenFed Foundation again—this time to help raise funds for veteran entrepreneurs by auctioning off Washington Capitals tickets. Elevate isn't just about snacks. We're about impact.

    Read the story on Audacy ›

  • A television interview setup with cameras, lights, and a large monitor showing a man in a white polo shirt with tattoos on his arms, seated in a modern office environment with cityscape background.

    Behind the Buzz: Real Moments, Real Mission

    We don’t just talk the talk. Whether it’s on set, in strategy sessions, or connecting with local leaders, here’s a peek at Elevate making moves that matter.

    Watch our video with the Fairfax Talent Up Program.