Monday, June 9, 2014
Losing Millions on the Homie Vending Machine Empire: Profiles by VICE
Losing Millions on the Homie Vending Machine Empire: Profiles by VICE
In 1996 Bradley Ellison, a.k.a. Sugarman, started Sugar Daddies vending company in Staten Island. He placed thousands of machines throughout New York City in pizza parlors, supermarkets, and corner shops.
Due largely in part to a cash economy, his business flourished, shaking down every neighborhood kid for their milk money in exchange for a sticky hand, bouncy ball, or a handful of candies.
In 2004, he finally made it big with the "Homies" series (arguably the most popular vending toy of all time), grossing over $1 million in sales.
We traveled to New York City's forgotten borough, Staten Island, to find out how Sugarman created a small vending empire—and how he subsequently lost it—one quarter at a time.
Shon Roka (pronounced Shaun Roca) the DJ also known as Shaun Ortega was born on the west-side of Chicago. He started gaining fame as a bboy in 1991 and later became a member of a well known crew called the BRICKHEADZ. He would perform for such artist and events such as The Roots, KRS One, Immortal Technique, Dougie Fresh, Common, Rhymefest, Cypress Hill, Pharoah Monch, Nas, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Taste of Chicago, Lollapolooza, Looptopia, B96 Summer Bash just to name a few. The BRICKHEADZ also won many breakin' competition nationally and internationally. While Shon Roka was being active as a bboy he was working on his craft of being a DJ.
DJing for w/ Nike, Jordan, Under Armour, Adidas, Vans, Uprise (Chicago) Skateshop for numerous in-stores, sporting events, galleries and corporate outings. Also Shon Roka is a resident DJ post Covid in Chicago at McGee's, Tantrum, Imbibe and Harbee's. While being a DJ, he has been teaching music production and the Art of Skateboarding through Maggie Daley's After School Matters. Also known as Gallery 37.
For more information contact via email.
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