The host of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, Bob Tullio, has said it before. He loves hearing about the journey of both operators and suppliers. Robert Liva has a good story.
The owner of GTP – Graphics that Pop, is an animated, entertaining, candid and knowledgeable individual, especially when it comes to marketing and serving clients in the convenience services industry.
He started out in 1973 fixing pinball machines at the age of 13. When he arrived in Houston in 1976, he went right to work. In the vending business, working for operators, owned a vending company, and was a location finder for 10 years as he balanced work and being a single parent. He even sold siding along the way — giving him an opportunity to learn something about selling and marketing. It was an opportunity to try a few things out.
Liva says there is no greater joy in life than giving, period. Along those lines, he has launched a non-profit organization called Path to Unity: A program that he says is designed to empower communities for real, positive change. Several hundred thousand dollars are committed to this community improvement effort, but there is a lot more to it than that. Former Dallas Cowboy star Michael Irvin is on board, and Liva said White Bear Coffee deserves a shout-out for their early support. To learn more, visit www.pathtounity.com.
Bob Tullio
Bob Tullio is a content specialist, speaker, sales trainer, consultant and contributing editor of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. He advises entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business from the ground up. He specializes in helping suppliers connect with operators in the convenience services industry — coffee service, vending, micro markets and pantry service specifically. He can be reached at 818-261-1758 and [email protected]. Tullio welcomes your feedback.
Subscribe to Automatic Merchandiser’s new podcast, Vending & OCS Nation, which Tullio hosts. Each episode is designed to make your business more profitable.
