September 26, 2024
1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT / 5:00 PM GMT
Duration: 1 hour
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Summary
Everyone in the industry has heard the accolades directed toward micro markets. But what about vending? Many operators are firm believers that vending is still a major profit center. Beyond the “built in theft mitigation,” vending machines are a rock-solid option for operators; an option that saved the day during the pandemic.
As technology advances, vending has an increasing appeal. It is a better, less expensive option for many locations – without the shrink and security headaches that come with traditional micro markets. As you will learn from our sponsor, Incredivend, consumers are hungry for creative vending solutions that go beyond traditional candy, snacks and soda.
This Automatic Merchandiser/VendingMarketWatch.com webinar will explore the present and future role of vending – in the workplace and in high traffic public locations.
Key topics from the webinar include:
- The role of vending moving forward.
- Where is vending the best choice?
- Should smart markets be considered vending machines?
- Will the number of vending machines in use help insure the longevity of vending?
- Subsidies – increasingly common?
- How can operators make vending more appealing – more fun?
- Nontraditional vending – What will it take for operators to jump on board?
- Product trends – from healthy to niche.
- The importance of fresh food – can it be done right in a vending machine?
- How frozen foods create opportunity for operators.
- Indulgence – a fun and growing category.
- Trend toward locally sourced products – does it apply to vending?
- Is coffee vending a profit center?
- Competing with outside sources for breakfast, lunch and take-home sales – can vending deliver?
Be sure to join us. See you there!
Speakers
Kim Miros
Owner
DAC Total Refreshments
Kim Miros is the owner of DAC Total Refreshments in fast growing Ocala, Florida. In 2017, Kim acquired Drop A Coin Vending, Central Florida's longest-running vending company, now known as DAC Total Refreshments. Today, she is a highly respected industry thought leader, always interested in the newest technology and ways to improve the performance of her company.
Kim is certainly a leading operator in her market. She is also considered a workplace experience and breakroom specialist. It was a challenging journey for Kim, as the transition from schoolteacher to operator was not easy. She worked long hours and applied a hands-on approach, which has now resulted in a successful and growing operation.
Ben Wheeler
Sales Director
Incredivend
Ben Wheeler is a seasoned leader with a track record of driving success in new product launches and sales strategies. Known as "The Kiosk Guy," Ben excels at bringing innovative ideas to market, leveraging his experience across groundbreaking self-service products like Redbox, Kodak Picture Maker, NCR Fastlane, Wendy’s QSR, and MinuteKey.
With an Associates in Art from Valencia College, a BA in Marketing from University of South Florida, and an MBA from University of Redlands, Ben truly appreciates education and deep understanding of his craft.
Thriving on identifying and meeting new market demands, he is consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. His expertise spans New Product Development, Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing, Consumer Electronics, and Self-Service devices. At Incredivend, he focuses those experiences on building strong partnerships and driving sales growth, utilizing his skills to ensure that every product meets the highest standards.
Howard Rubin
Founder
Incredivend
Howard Rubin earned his BA degree in Business Administration from Boston University. He began his professional career working for a nationwide chain of retail candy and gift stores.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Howard left his position to start First Vending, a company he successfully grew to over 1,000 accounts nationwide. After selling First Vending, he maintained a partnership interest.
Recognizing a need for greater financial transparency and accountability within the vending industry, Howard partnered with a Canadian-based organization to develop SmartMech, a revenue tracking system tailored for the coin-operated industry.
As innovation transformed the vending sector, Howard saw an opportunity to advance technology by partnering with Nestle, USA. Together, they focused on developing the next generation of automated vending machines.
In 2010, Howard founded iVending, where he secured a multi-million dollar branding and distribution agreement with Nestle, USA. This collaboration led to the development, production, and placement of vending machines promoting the Wonka candy brand.
To support this venture, Howard established the infrastructure for the installation and operation of 320 Wonka interactive digital vending machines across the U.S. and Canada. After selling this fleet of machines in 2015, Howard embarked on a search for his next business opportunity, which has since brought him to his current endeavor.
Mike Jamison
CEO
NewAge Vending
Mike Jamison is the CEO of NewAge Vending, a company revolutionizing the vending industry in Middle Tennessee. With a focus on state-of-the-art technology and exceptional customer service, Mike is dedicated to transforming outdated vending experiences into something modern and reliable. His entrepreneurial journey is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to providing better, more convenient solutions. Overcoming personal challenges, including more than two years of sobriety, Mike has channeled his renewed energy into building a business that truly makes a difference.
Jon Corto
Owner
Buffalo Strive Vending
Jon Corto is the visionary owner of Buffalo Strive Vending. After playing 5 years with the Buffalo Bills, Jon and his wife Jen started a premier full-service vending operation based in Western New York. With a commitment to quality and innovation, they have successfully grown Strive into a leading player in the vending industry, employing 70 dedicated individuals who share their mission for the relentless pursuit to serve others.
Under Jon's leadership, Strive has established a state-of-the-art commissary that emphasizes food safety, quality control, and efficiency, allowing the company to offer a diverse array of vending solutions to clients ranging from corporate offices to educational institutions. By sourcing local products and partnering with regional suppliers, Jon ensures that Strive not only supports the local economy, but also delivers the freshest options available. His dedication has garnered recognition from industry leaders, including accolades from Vending Market Watch and the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA).
Sandy Schoenthaler
Sandy Schoenthaler is an industry consultant with over 38 years of knowledge and experience. She has been a hands-on thought leader in the food service, vending, micro market and office coffee service industry. Sandy has a strong knowledge of operations, finance, sales, marketing and merchandising - allowing her to collaborate with companies around the country and internationally, to help them enjoy increased growth and profitability.
Moderator: Bob Tullio
Contributing Editor, Automatic Merchandiser/VendingMarketWatch.com
Tullio B2B
Bob Tullio is a content specialist, speaker, sales trainer, consultant and contributing editor of Automatic Merchandiser/VendingMarketWatch.com. He advises entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business from the ground up and specializes in helping suppliers connect with operators in the convenience services industry – coffee service, vending, micro markets and pantry service specifically.
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