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Tune in to The Vending & OCS Nation podcast, hosted by Bob Tullio, produced by Endeavor Business Media! On each episode we will dive into the people, trends, issues and products pertaining to vending, coffee service, micro markets, and pantry service – designed to make an operator’s business more profitable.
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
Tuesday Feb 06, 2024
In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio explores two sides of Jennifer Fox, owner of Fox Vending in the Chicago area. It's about overcoming personal challenges and doing what it takes to succeed in business.
You will hear the dramatic story of Dragonolia and Herren project, all driven by the loss of her brother and how these philanthropic efforts have helped her thrive on a personal basis.
Fox also sounds the alarm for operators, making her feelings known about what operators need to do to compete with national competitors and she talks about what everyone in the industry can do to dramatically improve profitability.
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
Tuesday Jan 23, 2024
In 2023, Automatic Merchandiser recognized Jennifer Fox, president of Fox Vending in the Chicago area, as one of the industry’s most influential women. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio talks to Fox about her journey and her courageous approach to doing business.
Jennifer Fox’s story will be told in two parts, Bob Tullio is sure you will find the content quite compelling. Welcome to part one, where Jennifer really opens up about her journey and the state of the convenience services industry.
In part two, you will hear the dramatic story of Dragonolia and Herren project, all driven by the loss of her brother and some personal struggles that Jennifer has overcome in her life. Plus - more insights on what makes her company successful and her belief that this is a special time in our industry – a time where operators can re-write the script for convenience services.
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
Tuesday Jan 16, 2024
How often do you think about lighting? In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio talks to some leading micro market consultants and to Cam Cloeter, the founder of Lighting for Impact, a company that is literally dominating the retail lighting market from coast to coast.
Based on the data presented by retailers that are served by Lighting for Impact, their entry into the micro market industry is great news for operators. Adding lighting or enhancing the lighting in a retail setting can result in a measurable, long-term jump in sales.
After listening to this podcast, listeners are certain to have a "lightbulb" go off with the realization that it makes good sense to start thinking about lighting.
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Tuesday Jan 09, 2024
Bob Tullio, the host of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, admits that the title of this podcast makes a bold claim, but he stands by it for good reason. “I know these three business development strategies work, because I have seen them work. This will guarantee success for operators in 2024,” he said.
Tullio is a firm believer that there is a certain time, place and market condition that is right for various business development strategies. 2024 is a year that is set up to be a great one for operators and account executives who are selling convenience services. The three strategies that Tullio is advocating are tailor made for 2024.
If you are sales professional, an operator or anyone in our industry who wants to see their revenue jump significantly in 2024, sit back and relax – here is some fresh content from Tullio on Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation. After you listen – put these ideas to work – get out there and sell!
Featuring insights from Kimberly Lenz of Associated Services, Brynne Tillman (the LinkedIn Whisperer) from Social Sales Link and Patricia Cowen of Rainmaker Sales Support.
Also mentioned in this episode:
Panoptyc, Graphics that Pop, AVS Companies, Cafection, 365 Retail Markets, Fresh Baked, Mars Ice Cream Fixturelite, Bevi, SmartSoda, Friia from Marco Beverage, ColdSnap, Borg & Overstrom, Easy Ice, Mars Ice Cream, Emerald Brands and Lighting for Impact.
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
Tuesday Dec 19, 2023
In this 25th episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry, host Bob Tullio brings listeners a Special Edition – it’s the best of 2023, featuring some of the most interesting comments and insights that we heard this year from operators and suppliers.
Enjoy excerpts from 18 different episodes, with comments from Bob Tullio, Matthew Marsh, Sandy Schoenthaler, Kim Miros, Arthur Siller, Cary Werner, Charlie Giacona, Melissa Brown, Dan Welch, Mike Kelner, C.J Recher, Amanda Puppo, Donna Serdula, Brynne Tillman, Evan Jarecki, Linda Saldana, Orrin Huebner, Barry Rosenberg, Judson Kleinman and Tom Stueber.
Tullio urges listeners to “sit back, pour an egg nogg, turn off the volume on that completely insignificant bowl game and enjoy a good listen,” the best of 2023. All episodes of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation are available on your favorite podcast listening platform or app.
Thanks for listening in 2023. Please subscribe. Happy Holidays!
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
After David Ashforth sold his vending business in the UK in 2008, he came to San Francisco, expecting to see high tech everything, including vending machines. He was shocked by what he saw. Vending machines in America were anything but high tech.
In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio talks with David Ashforth, who saw an opportunity, launched Digital Media Vending and began manufacturing vending machines. Digital Media Vending is not a traditional vending machine manufacturer. They specialize in helping operators and entrepreneurs utilize their custom equipment to sell a wide variety of products. Soda, energy drinks and snacks are not part of the equation, but Ashforth encourages mainstream operators to take a long look at what Digital Media Vending has to offer, simply because the revenue streams being enjoyed by his clients are quite impressive.
“Mainstream vending operators have the infrastructure in place to service any location,” said Ashforth. “It is a mistake for an operator to avoid the opportunity that exists in airports, shopping malls and other non-traditional locations that our machines are made for. The unique design of our machines opens the door to locations, like airports and malls, that are typically out of reach for most operators.”
After the NAMA Show in 2023, Ashforth suddenly finds himself in front of a trend, as selling niche products from attractive equipment was an exciting and popular concept. Mainstream operators are beginning to take notice of what Ashforth is selling.
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
A down to earth conversation with Dan Welch of World Cup Coffee
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
Tuesday Dec 05, 2023
One of the things Bob Tullio loves about hosting Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, is having the opportunity to learn about the journey of both suppliers and operators. For him, this episode, “A down to earth conversation with Dan Welch of World Cup Coffee,” turned out to be a most enjoyable interview.
When his dad, Don Welch, purchased their company in Portland Oregon back in 1985, it was known as Diversified Refreshment Systems. Soon after, the name was changed to World Cup Coffee. Don passed away in 2014, but the emphasis on family continues to be a cornerstone of the business.
There are so many charming aspects to this interview, from Dan’s reasons for joining the business, to their move into becoming a respected roaster, to the company’s view of how to treat clients and employees, to Dan’s clear understanding of what the secret sauce is at World Cup Coffee. This episode offers an honest interview with a nice guy, who not only collaborates with up and coming roasters to help them get on their feet - he also offers a few lessons for any operator or small businessperson.
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Because “cashless is king,” here is a roadmap to help you choose a solution
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
There is old saying in the world of finance – “Cash is king.” Not so for vending and micro market operators, where it is all about cashless payment, as consumers, particularly younger customers, rely on operators to offer quick and easy cashless payment solutions.
In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio explores the many cashless payment providers that are available, focusing on the solutions they offer and how they provide operators with a competitive advantage. Listeners will learn about mainstream providers in addition to those who are focused on more targeted solutions.
For any operator who is considering their options regarding cashless payment, Tullio breaks down the technology, often complicated, in a way that will enhance your understanding of what is available. He gets some needed help and commentary from Evan Jarecki, co-founder & CEO of Gimme, as he interviews Bill Bartholic of Cantaloupe, Lisa Appelson and Pete Carmain of Nayax, Alan Munson of 365 Retail Markets, David Riddiford and Russell Wolfe of Apriva, Matt Birchard of PayRange, Wilf Martis of GrabScanGo, Ashley Hubler of Wittern Group and Terri Starnes-Bryant of Microtronic Cashless Solutions.