Automatic Merchandiser recognizes our 2024 Pros to Know - Individuals

David Barrientos has been with Flowers Bakeries since 2019 as regional sales manager for the North region. In this position, he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between sales and production. With decades of experience in the vending industry, David thinks outside the box to help grow business in new directions. He has been instrumental in promoting Flowers Bakeries products and has helped operators and distributors alike increase sales. He has also helped with the implementation of marketing ideas based around the end user and vend/micro market trends.

Kristin Blake

National Account Manager
Congo Brands

Kristin Blake is an accomplished national account manager at Congo Brands, noted for her work with Alani Nu and Prime. With more than 15 years in the food and beverage industry, she has established herself as a key player in the convenience services sector. Kristin's passion for brand building and her ability to cultivate mutually beneficial relationships were instrumental in introducing these brands to the national market for vending, specialty and foodservice. Known for her exceptional customer service, Kristin stays ahead of industry trends to better support her partnerships. She embraces the challenges of developing strategic initiatives to promote new brands within convenience services, always bringing enthusiasm and innovation to her role. Her commitment to excellence and growth continues to drive success for both her clients and the brands she represents. As a leader, Kristin Blake takes pride in her hands-on approach, demonstrating a genuine willingness to grow alongside her team. She believes in fostering an environment where collaboration and support are paramount, empowering her colleagues to reach their full potential.

Don Blotner

Executive Consultant
Convenience Brigade

Don Blotner began his career in the vending channel as a third-generation operator in his early teens. He has worked in a consulting role or as an employee in the industry for nearly 54 years. His focus has always been on maximizing profitability by leveraging the best technology available at the time. He has managed some of the largest projects in the industry, rolling out new software platforms and hardware deployment for Streamware and Cantaloupe. If you asked, he would tell you that “Basic business rules still apply today, but access to timely and accurate data has a significant impact on the level of profitability a company can attain.” D&D Management Consulting joined forces with Convenience Brigade in 2023, and that partnership has already worked with some of the largest operators in the country, changing data platforms and improving their internal and external operations. Don resides in northwest Arkansas with his wife, Deb.

Rod Burk

Director of Sales – Vending
E. A. Sween Co.

Rod Burk is a well-respected sales professional in the vending channel, possessing 24 years of food and beverage sales experience. In 2016, he joined E. A. Sween Co., bringing his passion and can-do attitude to every aspect of his work. Rod is known for his sound business acumen and creative problem-solving. His expertise and relationships have helped drive double-digit growth annually for the Deli Express, Market Sandwich and San Luis brands. In addition, Rod is a collaborative mentor to others in the industry, developing younger talent to help their professional growth. Burk is the vendor partner who distributors and operators seek out to build collective growth.

Pete Carmain

Executive Vice President of Sales
Nayax North America

Pete Carmain serves as the executive vice president of sales at Nayax North America, a provider of financial technology solutions for the unattended self-service market. Since joining Nayax in 2019, Pete has excelled in various pivotal sales roles, playing a crucial part in securing multiple enterprise accounts and demonstrating his exceptional ability to drive growth and success. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Pete possesses a deep expertise in navigating the complexities of financial and payments technology. His strategic vision and commitment to innovation have established him as a trusted consultant for operators aiming to enhance efficiency, profitability and overall success through advanced cashless payment solutions. Pete is known for his forward-thinking mindset and believes in the importance of staying ahead of industry trends to prepare for future developments. He understands that the unattended self-service space is continually evolving, and he is dedicated to building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with clients, ensuring they are informed and equipped to leverage the latest technological advancements.

Tyler Carter

General Manager
Strive

Tyler Carter has been instrumental in the rapid growth and success of Strive for the past six years. His leadership and strategic vision have transformed Strive from a growing company into a market leader in the vending and micro market industry. Tyler’s approach has been multifaceted, focusing on improving everything from equipment and operational procedures to profitability and customer satisfaction. Tyler has spearheaded numerous initiatives to modernize and enhance Strive’s operational efficiency. By upgrading equipment, streamlining processes and adopting innovative technologies, he has significantly increased productivity and reduced operational costs. Through strategic planning and keen financial oversight, Tyler has driven substantial profit growth for Strive. His efforts in optimizing resource allocation and identifying new revenue streams have been pivotal in strengthening the company’s financial position. Under Tyler’s leadership, Strive has seen a marked improvement in customer satisfaction. He has implemented new procedures and training programs that have elevated the customer experience, leading to higher retention rates and a stronger brand reputation. Tyler is not just focused on internal improvements. He is also a thought leader in the industry. He has introduced cutting-edge practices that have set new standards in the vending and micro market sectors, ensuring that Strive remains at the forefront of industry innovation. Tyler’s contributions to Strive and his commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and innovation have helped drive Strive’s success and positively impacted the broader vending and micro market industry.

Michael Chapman

Vice President, Dining Services
Five Star Breaktime Solutions

Michael Chapman is the vice president of dining services for Five Star Breaktime Solutions. Michael is responsible for overseeing the on-site dining operations of Five Star, currently over 70 locations strong. In addition, Michael also heads up the teams responsible for Five Star’s catering line of business and HACCP-certified Culinary Center. Prior to joining Five Star, Michael was a regional operations manager for Southern Foodservice Management, overseeing corporate dining operations, government contracts and stadium operations. Michael also spent 10 years in a number of roles, including executive chef and foodservice director for Aramark in their business and industry sector. Prior to his roles in corporate dining, Michael was an executive chef for many years in the restaurant industry and private clubs. Michael attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., and graduated with a culinary degree in 1997.

Sandra D. Faulkenberry

Sales Manager
All State Manufacturing

Sandra D. Faulkenberry has been the sales manager at All State Manufacturing for the past decade, bringing over 35 years of sales experience. Known for her exceptional customer service in the vending industry, she has earned numerous awards throughout her career. Sandra’s expertise lies in delivering customized vending solutions tailored to her clients' specific needs. She works remotely from her farm in Tennessee, where you might occasionally hear her goats while she diligently collaborates with customers. Her philosophy is simple: treat every account with care, whether they’re purchasing one micro market or 100, ensuring long-term relationships and success.

Frank Field

Vice President of Retail Support
Five Star Breaktime Solutions

Frank Field is the vice president of retail support at Five Star Breaktime Solutions based in Chattanooga, Tenn. He is responsible for leading the execution of strategic company initiatives and supporting the retail operations for the company, which has led to the success of the company’s 40+ divisions located across nine states. After spending more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry, Frank changed industries in 2015 when he joined the Canteen franchise Imperial in Tulsa, Okla. After five years at Imperial, Frank oversaw the purchasing and micro market departments. In 2020, Frank joined Five Star as director of strategic initiatives. In that role, Frank oversaw the integration of acquired companies into the Five Star family. In today’s role of vice president of retail support, Frank leads the teams that manage acquisition integration, loss prevention, market support, retail execution and compliance.

Tom Fraley

National Account Manager
Jack Link's Protein Snacks

Tom Fraley is a seasoned professional with more than three decades of experience in the vending and micro markets industry. Currently serving as the national account manager at Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, Tom manages strategic partnerships and drives growth across vending and micro markets channels. Before joining Jack Link’s in August 2024, Tom held leadership roles at Solely Inc., Campbell Soup Co., and Snyder’s-Lance, where he consistently exceeded sales goals, implemented new product launches, and cultivated strong relationships with national distributors and operators. His expertise spans trade promotion management, team leadership, and product development, making him a highly respected figure in the industry. Throughout his career, Tom has played a pivotal role in expanding market presence, driving profitability and fostering innovation within the vending sector.

Dr. Davi Geiger

Co-Founder
Kooick Inc.

Dr. Davi Geiger is co-founder of Kooick Inc. and leads the company's artificial intelligence and sensor fusion research and development efforts. Davi has been working on computer vision and artificial intelligence solutions for more than 20 years. At Kooick, Davi is working on solving the twin challenges of ease of use and security in the unattended grab-and-go retail space, including refrigerated, ambient and warm cabinet systems. Kooick has delivered and is deploying its first sensor fusion solution with its refrigerator partner, Due North. In addition to serving as AI leader at Kooick, Davi is also associate professor of computer science and neural science at New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Sean Grundy

Co-Founder
Bevi

Sean Grundy is the co-founder of Bevi, which started in Boston in 2013. Prior to Bevi, Sean worked in environmental conservation at a not-for-profit organization in the United States and China, which shaped his commitment to creating a more sustainable future. Since Bevi’s inception in 2013, the company has helped thousands of organizations across North America save more than 500 million plastic bottles collectively and has raised over $160 million in venture capital to disrupt the bottled beverage industry. Sean holds an MBA from MIT and a B.A. in philosophy from Princeton University.

John Hajduk

Vice President Operations, Equipment and Service
Vegas Valley Beverage / First Class Vending OCS

When starting Vegas Valley Beverage 20 years ago, John Hajduk always put his customers and employees as the top priority, treating customers and employees the way he would want to be treated as a customer or an employee. This commitment helped create a reputation for Vegas Valley Beverage as one of the go-to service companies in the Las Vegas area. Today, with eight technicians under his responsibility, the company now services several coffee roasting companies as well as most convenience stores throughout southern Nevada, focusing on coffee, tea and espresso equipment. In 2018, He merged his sales and service business with First Class Vending Inc., bringing with him the same customer service beliefs. Due to his comprehensive expertise in both the coffee/tea/espresso and equipment industries, in addition to his Vegas Valley responsibilities, John has taken on the OCS (office coffee service) service and equipment department. Responsibilities include ordering equipment and product, scheduling, dispatching and rectifying customer concerns for all service and installation calls. To fulfill a successful and completed beverage service or installation project, John and his team ensure the customer’s uniquely based requirements are taken into account by implementing them into his planning projects.

Blake Harrison

Senior Customer Manager
Mars Wrigley Confectionery

Blake Harrison is a senior customer manager at Mars Wrigley Confectionery and is currently spearheading the strategy and execution of innovative programs, including the flagship Remix and Smart Vending programs. Based in Laguna Niguel, Calif., he has a robust background in sales, equipment management and product marketing. Blake earned an MBA and a B.A. in marketing and management from Concordia University Irvine. His career includes roles such as senior sales manager for the West at Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, where he expanded the company’s regional presence, and national account manager at Lavazza, managing a $40 million portfolio and leading new product launches. Blake also held positions at Mars Drinks and PepsiCo, focusing on distributor management and key account management. Living in Orange County, Blake is married to Jill and enjoys fatherhood with his son Levi. His career reflects a strong emphasis on growth, innovation and strategic customer relationships, shaping the future of the food and beverage industry.

Dennis Hogan

Senior Customer Manager | Unattended Retail
Mars Wrigley

Dennis Hogan is a distinguished senior customer manager based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with a robust career in the consumer goods industry. Known for his expertise in sales, account management and leadership, Hogan has significantly contributed to the success and growth of prominent brands through his strategic management and innovative approaches. Dennis’s career is marked by a steadfast commitment to driving business growth and fostering strong client relationships. His strategic insights and leadership continue to shape the success of the brands he represents, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the consumer goods industry. Dennis resides in the Dallas Fort Worth area and lives with the love of his life, Sheena, and their two boys Bennett and Everett. He is heavily involved in the community, volunteering as a youth soccer coach. In his spare time, enjoys all sports and cheering on the Patriots and TCU football.

Caroline Holden

Director of Office Coffee Services
All Star Services Inc.

When you were growing up, did you have a vending machine in your basement? Caroline Holden did! And now, she is an integral part of the third-generation leadership team at All Star Services. Caroline works alongside her brothers, Duncan and Devin Smith, and her husband, Jon Holden. She has held numerous positions at All Star Services and currently serves as the director of office coffee and specialty services. Along with providing exceptional pantry, coffee, Bevi and water services to All Star’s valued clients, Caroline also manages the product portfolio and supplier partnerships while constantly seeking to enhance operational efficiencies and elevate customer experiences. When new products arrive, Caroline has been known to enlist her three young boys as part of the “sampling committee,” which they take very seriously! Away from the office, Caroline is involved with her children’s school and sports activities. She’s been named the “Best Lunch Packer” multiple times over by her children’s classmates.

Jon Holden

Vice President, Sales and Marketing
All Star Services Inc.

Jon Holden has been in the convenience services industry for over 15 years and is loving every minute of it! Starting as a merchandiser for Coca-Cola while attending Western Michigan University, Jon embraced the very best training and career advancement opportunities that Coca-Cola had to offer and worked in various sales roles throughout Michigan. After a fun few years with Coca-Cola, Jon worked in procurement for Vistar of Michigan prior to accepting a position with All Star Services, where he currently serves as vice president of sales and marketing alongside his wife (and fellow 2024 Pros to Know Winner) Caroline. Jon has a passion for supporting local snack and beverage products and is one of the founders of the “MI New Favorite Snack Competition,” which has awarded over $125,000 to emerging Michigan-based companies. Outside of work, Jon enjoys roughhousing with his three sons, coaching youth sports, training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and snacking.

Ville Huhtaniemi

Chief Commercial Officer
Selfly Store

Ville Huhtaniemi, chief commercial officer at Selfly Store, plays a crucial role in bringing innovative vending solutions to market. With more than 20 years of leadership experience across diverse industries, Ville has been instrumental in expanding Selfly Store’s global presence across more than 20 countries in Europe. Ville’s expertise lies in aligning customer feedback with product innovation, ensuring that operators’ needs are met and exceeded. Under his leadership, Selfly Store has grown to become a key player in the smart vending industry, helping businesses boost revenue through enhanced consumer experiences as well as artificial intelligence and data-driven sales optimization. His focus on operator success and continuous improvement has cemented Selfly Store’s reputation for innovation and excellence in automated retail solutions.

Blake Jones

Vice President, Sales and Marketing Manager
Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service

Blake Jones has worked in the office coffee service industry since he was 16 when he started in the warehouse at Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service, the company his father, Larry Jones, founded in 1986. Now 30, Blake has held various positions such as a delivery route driver, sales representative, and now vice president overseeing the sales and marketing departments. In 2021 and 2022 Blake was an honoree of Automatic Merchandiser’s 40 Under 40 Awards, and this past year, Blake and his team at Pot O’ Gold were honored to be recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Washington’s Fastest Growing Private Companies in 2024, where they also ranked #3 for the Eastside.

Jason Joyner

Executive Director | Business Development
Advantage Refreshments

Jason Joyner, an industry veteran, has revolutionized the vending landscape through innovative location acquisition and service optimization strategies. Operating within a family-run business as the executive director for business development at Advantage Refreshments, Jason has become the go-to expert for vending companies seeking prime locations and for locations looking to enhance their vending services. His unique approach involves a dual focus: expertly matching vending operators with high potential sites while simultaneously elevating the quality of vending services for locations. Jason's keen insight into consumer trends has resulted in curated product selections that consistently outperform industry standards. Jason’s achievements include successfully placing hundreds of vending machines in lucrative locations, significantly boosting revenues for client businesses. By leveraging extensive industry knowledge and a vast professional network, he’s pioneered strategies that maximize profitability and customer satisfaction, setting new benchmarks in the vending industry.

Landry Kaufman

Plant Manager
All State Manufacturing

Landry Kaufman’s journey into the vending and manufacturing industry began with a passion for building and problem-solving. Starting with an apprenticeship in machining, he honed his skills in production machining, CNC programming, drafting and quality control. After roles as a manual machinist and shop superintendent, Landry now serves as plant manager at All State Manufacturing. He is focused on integrating new technologies and improving processes to drive efficiency and innovation. Passionate about research and development, he thrives in the evolving industry and advises young professionals to embrace innovation, stay adaptable, and keep learning.

Lisa Kilmer

Procurement Manager
Canteen One

Lisa Kilmer has dedicated the last decade to Canteen One, transitioning from a career in higher education to becoming a pivotal force in the world of pantry services. Initially managing a substantial portfolio worth $25 million, she demonstrates leadership and insight, culminating in her recent appointment as manager of procurement services for national accounts in 2022. Her extensive experience with white-glove pantry clients has equipped her with the expertise to guide others in sourcing innovative, better-for-you products that often carry inspiring stories and missions of giving back. Lisa is not just a leader in procurement; she is also a key member of Canteen One's training team, sharing her wealth of knowledge with new associates and fostering their growth. In her role, Lisa prioritizes quality sourcing, ensuring that every product meets the highest standards for taste, social components, nutritional requirements and distribution availability. She actively hosts vendor events that showcase innovation in the food service channel, collaborating with suppliers to explore cutting-edge solutions and trends that enhance the dining experience. These events allow her to identify emerging products and share valuable insights with her team, ultimately benefiting clients and consumers alike. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lisa is a founding member of the local chapter of Power of 100 Women. This impactful organization unites women to support local charities, amplifying their efforts to create meaningful change in the community. Through her commitment to both her work and her community, Lisa exemplifies the power of collaboration and the impact one individual can have when driven by purpose. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband Mike, daughters Kenzie and Katie, and mini doodle, Leo.

Michelle Marsh

President
First Class Vending Inc.

Michelle Marsh has served as the president of First Class Vending Inc. in Nevada since 2018. She has been a member of the board since the company’s inception in 1994, a time when First Class Vending operated exclusively in California. Before assuming the role of president in Nevada, Michelle worked as an advocate for victims of domestic violence, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to enhancing the communities in which she resides. This dedication to community improvement continues to influence her leadership philosophy at First Class Vending. In her role, Michelle is focused on the day-to-day operations of the company. She firmly believes that the foundation of success lies with the employees. By ensuring that staff members are engaged, motivated and equipped with the necessary tools and resources, she is confident that First Class Vending can deliver exceptional service to its customers. First Class Vending credits its outstanding team, which is deeply committed to the company's growth and maintaining a strong reputation within the industry. Michelle emphasizes that the company's success is rooted in pride in teamwork and respect for the expertise of all team members.

Mickal McMath

Head of Customer Experience
Gimme

Mickal McMath is a seasoned leader in the food and beverage industry with more than 20 years of operational experience at Five Star Breaktime Solutions (formerly M&M Sales Co.). He has been instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence, contributing significantly to business development and software collaboration within the industry. A former chair and current board member of SEVA, Mickal is also a founding member of NAMA’s Emerging Leaders Network and has been a multi-time speaker and panelist at industry events. Before joining Gimme, Mickal was a Gimme customer for seven years, navigating four VMS transitions, which gave him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities operators face. Now, as Gimme’s head of customer experience, Mickal leverages his extensive expertise to lead growth and onboarding initiatives across all Gimme products, ensuring clients receive exceptional service and support. His combination of operational knowledge and passion for customer success makes him a driving force in advancing technology solutions for the unattended retail space.

Margaret Nyamumbo

Founder and CEO
Kahawa 1983

Margaret Nyamumbo is the founder and CEO of Kahawa 1893, the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned coffee company in the United States. Kahawa 1893 sources specialty-grade coffee beans from woman-owned farming cooperatives in Africa and gives back to support them. Margaret grew up on her grandfather’s coffee farm in Kenya and saw firsthand that women provided about 90% of the labor, but they weren’t always compensated. Kahawa 1893’s packaging contains a QR code that enables consumers to digitally tip the farmers, enabling them to invest in their businesses, families and community. Kahawa 1893 has been featured on television on Shark Tank and The Today Show, and Kahawa 1893 coffee can be found in retailers like Target and Sprouts. Margaret is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Smith College. Kahawa 1893’s compostable soft pods and frac packs are now available to OCS operators nationally through a partnership with Alliant Coffee Solutions.

Daniel O’Rourke, JD/CPA

Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Compliance
Tacs LLC

Daniel O’Rourke, JD/CPA, is the chief operating officer and senior vice president of compliance for Tacs LLC. Daniel has more than 30 years of experience in state and local taxation, in addition to more than 20 years of experience assisting companies in support of their global indirect tax requirements with their enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Daniel has managed and participated in many different systems implementations, including Peoplesoft, Oracle, JD Edwards and SAP ECC and S/4 Hana. Daniel has managed and led more than 200 tax technology projects, many leveraging his extensive technical and functional experience. His experience combines substantial knowledge of sales/use and VAT tax law in addition to systems knowledge and expertise. Daniel has lectured many times on issues surrounding the integration of SAP with tax systems, and he is considered an expert in tax, tax technology and taxability of product. Daniel also is a history buff and enjoys traveling to off-the-beaten-path locations around the globe.

Paul Rinaldi

Vice President of Business Development
Lighting For Impact

Paul Rinaldi is a distinguished leader in the lighting industry, renowned for his innovative approach and expertise in developing strategic partnerships between retailers, OEM and distribution partners. With more than 30 years of experience in the commercial retail solutions space, Paul has established himself as a forward-thinking professional who excels in providing creative solutions and marketing strategies. Paul envisioned enhancing the retail space through products and services to elevate the overall customer experience. His understanding of combining both technology and retail perspective has delivered awareness of the customer vantage point. This has enabled his client base to more effectively exceed customer expectations. Paul is intentional about gathering customer feedback to understand their needs while developing detailed customer personas to guide personalized marketing efforts. This works to create a seamless approach across all OEM platforms. Paul excels at optimizing processes to simplify systems and create a reliable, consistent encounter for customers.

Russ Russell

Regional Sales Director – West
Cantaloupe Inc.

Russ Russell serves as the regional sales director in the West at Cantaloupe Inc., where he helps fast-growing and enterprise-level vending, micro market and OCS operators discover growth opportunities through technology and operational enhancements. Joining Cantaloupe in December 2022 as a business development manager, he leveraged his background in sales, finance and customer service to make a swift transition into the vending and unattended retail sector. In a short time, Russ has expanded his industry network through conferences, trade shows and operator meetings. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset, he is dedicated to pushing boundaries and implementing innovative technologies that align with Cantaloupe’s vision of leading self-service commerce globally. Russ frequently shares his insights on the future of technology in the industry through talks and presentations at conferences. He holds a degree in entrepreneurial management and marketing from Texas Christian University.

Zach Russell

Senior Sales Representative
JTM Food Group

Zach Russell has become an industry titan when it comes to pizza vending. Since there are so few pizza vending machines in America, there are very few experts. Zach knows this business from top to bottom. He understands the operational side, the tech side and the culinary side. He knows what units to load into the machine, what times and temperatures to cook and how to program the machines for optimal performance. He has even taken a machine apart and reassembled it. Over the past 20 years, Zach has become an expert in scaling businesses by using his ability to recognize opportunities and match them with the business at hand. It comes from a belief in a self-starting, results-driven entrepreneurial spirit. Zach has a bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University and more than 25 years of sales experience.

Kaytlin Saldana

Senior Director of Market & Pantry Operations
Seventh Wave Refreshments

Kaytlin Saldana is the senior director of market and pantry operations at Seventh Wave Refreshments, where she leads a dynamic team to bring joy to workplaces across Georgia. With more than 10 years of experience in the micro markets and pantry industry, Kaytlin has been instrumental in shaping the evolution of micro markets since their inception. She began her career as an ambassador, training teams on these innovative retail solutions when they were first introduced. Through hard work and dedication, she steadily rose through the ranks, now overseeing all aspects of Seventh Wave's market and pantry operations. Kaytlin is passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences, ensuring that each micro market and pantry is tailored to meet the unique needs of the companies they serve. Her leadership and vision are key drivers of Seventh Wave's success in creating joyful, engaging breakroom spaces for some of the largest companies in Atlanta.

Teddy Sanchez

Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer
Optimal Station

Andrew Shelly

National Sales Executive
Automated Retail Technologies

Andrew Shelly is a seasoned industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, having honed his skills from an early age working alongside his father and grandfather at Tremont Vending Inc. Upon graduating from Stevenson University in 2011, he stepped into the role of vice president of sales and operations, where he revitalized the organization by growing and managing a portfolio of more than 400 accounts, spearheading technology upgrades, implementing VMS and market strategies, leading two acquisitions and crafting a successful exit strategy. After Tremont's sale, Andrew joined Just Baked, where he plays a pivotal role in overseeing national sales for major partners, contributing significantly to the company's growth trajectory. By leveraging extensive industry experience and a commitment to operational excellence, Andrew excels at building long-lasting relationships throughout the industry. His approach has consistently positioned him as a top seller within the organization for multiple quarters.

Arthur Siller

Senior Vice President of Operations
Evergreen Refreshments

Joe Simonovich

Director of At Work Operations
New Stand

Joe Simonovich has been a part of the convenience services industry in some way or another since joining New York City-based Corporate Essentials in 2006. In his most recent role as director of operations with the workplace experience company New Stand, he has worked with operators across the country to create programs that allow companies to level up their service and deepen client relationships by offering easy-to-roll-out solutions like integrated apps, computer-vision smart coolers, premium fixtures, in-person events and employee gifting programs. During his 13-plus years at Corporate Essentials, the company was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing companies eight times, and Shoffee.com, a company he co-founded with Corporate Essentials owner Judson Kleinman, was listed at #651 on the magazine’s Inc 5,000 list in 2012. In 2016, he took part in the NAMA executive development program at Michigan State University.

John Stavros

Territory Manager | SouthWest US
Evoca North America Venture Inc.

John Stavros is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 13 years of experience in the OCS industry. He successfully owned and operated a thriving OCS business that grew to serve more than 300 customers, establishing a strong reputation for quality and service. His strategic positioning of the company led to its successful acquisition by a national operator, marking a significant milestone in his career. Following the acquisition, John transitioned to the vendor side of the industry with the Evoca Group, leveraging his extensive knowledge and expertise to assist operators in optimizing their equipment and maximizing growth opportunities. Passionate about fostering professional relationships, John continues to make a significant impact in the OCS sector through his innovative approach and commitment to excellence.

Rachel Sternberg

North American Operations Manager, Unattended Retail
Mars Wrigley

Rachel Sternberg is an industry expert with a diverse background and skillset who is currently focusing on optimizing operations, technology and equipment to grow and drive value in the convenience services industry. As the North America operations manager for Mars Wrigley Unattended Retail, Rachel supports the growing channel through the MW Intelligent Vending, Skittles and M&M’s Remix flagship programs. She also leads the exploration of new technology, heading up ice cream partnerships with Robomart and Fastcorp Vending. Rachel brings a contagious passion and personality that has made her commitment to driving impactful solutions and strategies for the corporation notable in both her manufacturing and retail roles. This was recognized when she was named a 2024 Manufacturing Institute Emerging Leader. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and a master’s degree in business administration, focusing on global business and marketing, from Rutgers University. In her free time, Rachel volunteers at Rutgers as well as the Hope Gala, an organization that supports the fight against childhood cancer. She enjoys traveling, playing tennis and pickleball, and running in New York City, where she resides.

Scott Walters

Co-founder and CEO
Tacs LLC

Scott Walters is the co-founder and CEO of Tacs LLC. Scott has worked for more than 30 years focusing on sales and use tax. He has extensive experience in implementing tax technology to simplify the accounting process. Before co-founding Tacs, his background included multiple senior-level roles with leading tax technology companies, including Taxware, Wolters Kluwer and Vertex. During his career, Scott worked as a senior manager and director at PWC; director at DMA; and partner at the Gagnone Group, a tax consulting firm assisting organizations with integrating tax technology solutions into enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Scott’s expertise is in the interpretation of tax rules and the integration of tax technology solutions into point-of-sale and large ERP systems. Blending the knowledge of tax treatment with proper application within an automated solution is where Scott can help companies improve efficiency and reduce liability. Scott has a BBA from Illinois State University, where he was also a member of the swim team.

Greg Wilson

National Executive Account Manager – West Coast
365 Retail Markets

Greg Wilson has leveraged 18 years of experience in the beverage and food service management industries to drive growth and innovation. He began his career as a district sales manager for Coca-Cola before transitioning to the micro market sector as sales director for Family Vending in South Florida. Greg brought extensive experience and leadership as vice president of customer success at Avanti Markets when he joined the team in 2017. Today, Greg is the national West Coast account manager for 365 Retail Markets, where he has focused on building long-term relationships and mentoring operators for success. Throughout his tenure, Greg has excelled in increasing sales and developing new revenue streams within the micro market channel. He has also honed his skills in product distribution, merchandising, promotions and product positioning, making him a key asset to his team and the industry.

Chad Young

Vice President of PMO, IT and Security
365 Retail Markets

Chad Young is the vice president of PMO, IT, & Security at 365 Retail Markets. He has nearly 20 years of experience managing a diverse array of technology projects surrounding project management, data and and cybersecurity. A native of Ravenna, Ohio, Chad obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union and has professional certifications from the Project Management Institute, Scrum Alliance and the IAPP (International Association of Privacy Professionals). When he’s not managing an array of initiatives for 365 across project management, IT and security, Chad enjoys spending time with his family and spending time outdoors running and mountain biking.

Honorable Mentions

• Scott Berman, vice president, Canteen Vending
• James Brown, senior director of Canteen technology, Canteen Technology Canada
• Derrick Frailing, director of category management, Continental Services
• Brendan Moriarty, senior director of sales, Bobo's Oat Bars
• David Prince, president, VendTastic
• Curtis Swanson, CEO, Hestia Robotics Inc.
• Chris J. Taylor, Canteen NA
• Marianne Whitehead, co-founder, Fig Brew