Gumball machines unsettle Saga, OK’d by college
By Josiah Ryan
Collegian Freelancer
Sophomore Ronald “Raz” Shafer and his new company Outlaw Vending are responsible for the colorful new gumball machines that have appeared around campus in the last several days.
William Clayton/Collegian
But a Saga Inc. official said Wednesday the machines could violate their contract with the college as its only licensed vendor.
The Collegian was the first to inform Saga of the machines’ presence. Saga President Timothy Morrison initially said they should not be allowed on campus. “So far we are unaware of any new machines around campus, however nobody can bring vending machines on campus because we have all of the contracts,” he said.
Shafer said five machines have already been placed around college property, including Lane Hall and Olds Residence, and students can expect to see more. Shafer contacted Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé during Christmas break and gained the college’s permission.
“I worked carefully around Saga,” Shafer said Wednesday.
Raz Shafer
Péwé confirmed that his office approved the plan for the machines around campus.
“We allowed it, and I don’t really think that he [Shafer] is competing with anybody,” Péwé said.
After being notified of Péwé giving permission, Morrison said Saga will share space with the new vendor.
“I love bubblegum,” Morrison said. “Obviously Péwé didn’t have a problem with it, so…neither do I.”
Shafer said his goal with Outlaw Vending is first to create business experience for himself. He said he has arranged to donate 10 percent of the company’s profits to promoting student activities in the new Grewcock Student Union.