Vending & OCS Nation Podcast

Everything you need to know about the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles

The convenience services industry is gearing up for one of its most important annual gatherings, as the NAMA Show 2026 takes over Los Angeles from April 22–24. Hosted in and around the Los Angeles Convention Center with a strategic footprint extending into LA Live, this year’s event promises to be more immersive and impactful than ever.

In this episode of Vending & OCS Nation, presented in cooperation with NAMA, host Bob Tullio is joined by Kristen Griffith and Eric Rochon Larson of NAMA, along with operator Ryan Harrington of Royal ReFresh, to break down why this show is a can’t-miss experience for operators, suppliers and industry leaders alike.

A major theme throughout the conversation is growth and momentum. With more than 135 new exhibiting companies and expanded product zones, the 2026 show reflects an industry evolving rapidly through innovation, technology, and new business models.

Attendees can expect hands-on access to cutting-edge products, real-world demonstrations and the ability to compare solutions side by side. Education and community also take center stage this year, with targeted programming designed to deliver value across experience levels.

Highlights include Small Operator Friday, a dedicated newcomers’ orientation, and a range of focused educational sessions. Special features such as Imagination Way, curated show-floor tours and the operator lounge are designed to foster both learning and meaningful connections. Pre-conference tours to innovative locations such as Gaviña Coffee Co. and Sony Pictures Entertainment Studios add another layer of insight, giving attendees a behind-the-scenes look at operational excellence and emerging trends.

The episode also underscores the importance of planning to maximize return on investment. From leveraging the event app to scheduling meetings in advance, the guests share practical strategies to help attendees make the most of their time. The show’s headline moments, including an interview with acclaimed filmmaker Ron Howard and the industry awards, round out an experience that blends inspiration with actionable insights.

Aaron Lawton's intentional approach to breakrooms is driving his success

Aaron Lawton used “books on tape” to enter the world of real estate investing. While doing that, he was a vending route driver, starting early and tending to his rental property in the afternoon. Ultimately, he decided that he hated real estate but loved the vending business.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, Aaron Lawton from Oasis Break Room Services sits down with podcast host Bob Tullio and shares how deliberate design and thoughtful amenities can turn break spaces into vibrant community hubs that attract and retain top talent. He strives to create a "heart of the workplace" atmosphere.

Lawton is focused on turning traditional break room spaces into intentional venues that become a culture hub and a tool for HR directors – promoting onboarding, employee happiness and ultimately, retention.

He loves the convenience services business and especially the interaction with clients and end users at all ends of the spectrum. As a listener, you will find his enthusiasm for what his company does and his commitment to an intentional approach to be contagious. It’s a big reason why Oasis Breakroom Services is a success.

Mastering customer service: Insights from an expert

We talk a lot about sales on Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation. This time, we shift gears and tackle something that may be even more important: customer service.

In this episode, host Bob Tullio sat down with Brian Wolfe, vice president of global customer service at Harman International and the leader behind JBL’s global customer experience operation, to talk about what really separates average service from a true competitive advantage. Together, they dig into three fundamentals every operator should be thinking about right now:

• Empowering your frontline team
• Being proactive instead of reactive
• Responding with speed

Along the way, Bob shares a personal story about a closet remodel gone sideways — because everyday frustrations are often the best business lessons. When sales oversell, when service says “there’s nothing I can do,” when response times drag on — that’s when loyalty is won or lost.

If you’re building a dedicated customer service team, trying to free your salespeople from client maintenance work, or simply looking to reduce churn and protect long-term revenue, this episode delivers practical takeaways you can apply immediately.

Because in our business, customer service isn’t a department. It’s your reputation.

Consultant Tammy Stokes urges operators to study, be relentless and connect to the community

She is an industry veteran turned consultant. Tammy Stokes has plenty of advice to offer operators and suppliers, old and new, developed over the years in multiple roles.

On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio sat down with Tammy Stokes, president of Insight Edge Performance. It’s another edition of our consultant series.

She offers some useful free advice for operators, including:

• What to think about as you are building your sales force.
• The importance of being relentless when it comes to important initiatives.
• How to get the best out of your sales reps.
• The importance of becoming connected with the community, utilizing a cause marketing program.
• She offers her recommendations for operator success in 2026.
• She talks about what workplace decision makers are looking for.
• How small operators can level the playing field and how large operators should respond.
• “Study your products. Study your customers. Study your competition.”

For newcomers or long-time operators, Stokes offers some excellent insights — some hearty “food for thought.”

John Hickey on creative technology solutions and how to protect your company from cyber hackers

In an interview with Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio, John Hickey, CEO of Tech 2 Success, shares the journey of starting his company, the challenges faced in the tech industry, and the importance of cybersecurity for small businesses.

He discusses the future priorities for Tech 2 Success and the role of technology as a problem-solving tool, sharing success stories and the positive results that come from working with Tech 2 Success. He also suggests a practical approach to adopting technology, even for a company far behind in technology.

Tullio said the cybersecurity part of the conversation got his full attention, and if you are an operator, you need to hear this. Hickey has cybersecurity answers that can help an operator sleep better at night.

With 2026 in mind, Orrin Huebner offers some specific strategies for operator success

What makes Orrin Huebner a leading convenience services consultant? It’s the sheer range of hats he’s worn over his career. From the warehouse to the executive suite, Orrin has seen the industry from every possible angle, giving him a 360-degree perspective that benefits operators of all sizes.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation podcast - Bob Tullio talks to Orrin Huebner, who offers multiple proven business strategies for 2026. From using AI to drive your business - to account retention - to the importance of building your brand - to storytelling, Huebner delivers ideas that will bring measurable results.

This continuation of our 2026 "Consultant Series" brings a guest who truly 'checks all the boxes.' Get ready for some high-level, free advice from one of the most knowledgeable names in the business – Orrin Huebner.

Kaiser Yang offers five things to do every day to cultivate the innovator's mindset

When he speaks to an audience or works with a client, Kaiser Yang seeks to inspire and energize people to think differently. His goal is to help others unlock creativity and to overcome fear. His proven system is designed for everyday people who want to make innovation part of their daily business experience.

Following a successful keynote presentation at the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s CTW event in Miami, Kaiser Yang, CEO and co-founder of Platypus Labs, joins Bob Tullio for this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation.

They discuss the importance of creativity and innovation in business, exploring how leaders can inspire teams to think differently and tackle challenges. Kaiser shares insights on cultivating a beginner’s mindset, fostering curiosity and the role of AI in enhancing creativity.

Yang offered three defining characteristics that everyday people need to unlock their own creativity and innovation. Good news: These characteristics can be developed. In fact, Yang suggested five things people can do every day to cultivate an innovator’s mindset. Additionally, his five core mindsets of innovators are thought-provoking and hopefully, for some listeners, transformational.

Tom Bauer unlocks the formula for operational efficiency in 2026

Are you maximizing your operational efficiency? According to industry veteran and successful convenience services consultant Tom Bauer, small changes in operations can lead to big results for operators.

On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation Podcast, Tom Bauer sits down with podcast host Bob Tullio to reveal five essential focus areas to help your business thrive in 2026! 📈 From logistics to route optimization, these tips don’t require big investments, just your time and dedication!

The podcast emphasizes the importance of not overlooking operations and creating a disciplined environment and culture. It highlights the need for changes in 2026, focusing on disciplined people, thoughts, and actions to improve organizational efficiency.