Pete Tullio of World Wide Vending and Gourmet Coffee Service as well as NAMA's incoming chairman, has been named the association’s Industry Person of the Year.
“With this well-deserved award, Pete is being recognized for his leadership throughout our association and industry overall. He has consistently exemplified the highest standard of professional excellence throughout his career and has absolutely been an inspiration for others. At NAMA, we couldn’t be more delighted to share this award with Pete and look forward to doing so at the OneShow in Las Vegas,” said Carla Balakgie, NAMA president and CEO in a prepared statement.
The Tullio’s family legacy of vending and refreshment service began in 1978 when Tullio’s father, the late Peter Tullio Sr., moved to Southern California after many years with Interstate United. Peter Jr. was working as an attorney in Chicago when his father convinced him to join him in World Wide Vending, a small music and games/cigarette vending operation he had purchased. Less than a year after Pete Jr. relocated to Southern California, his father passed away. Tullio’s brother, Bob, soon joined the partnership from the Midwest, making the switch from the TV news business to vending.
Larry Deagon, a vice president from World Wide Vending, also joined the partnership. As the company continued to build, in 1994, Jon Fishman joined the team. They founded Gourmet Coffee Service, which has enjoyed explosive growth, setting the bar for office coffee service in Southern California. Tullio’s son, Paul, joined the company in 2003 and now manages the fast growing Orange County office.
The company has generously given back to the community. For more than 15 years, Tullio has been on the board of directors of the Rancho San Antonio Boys Home in Chatsworth, Calif., helping transition troubled young boys become part of the community. Two other organizations that receive ongoing financial support include the Shay Youth Center at Shepherd of the Valley Church in West Hills, Calif. and the Ronald McDonald House in Orange County. Gourmet Coffee Service donates coffee and supplies for the Family Room at the facility.
Tullio has also served as a leader for many years in the California State Council as well as NAMA. He is the incoming chair of the NAMA board of directors with his term beginning July 1, 2013.
