Vending & OCS Nation Podcast

Lessons in selling from a prominent expert witness - A conversation with Bill Ackerman

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio talks with Bill Ackerman, one of the nation's most prominent expert witnesses. 

What can we learn from Bill Ackerman? Not only does he entertain us as he takes us inside the world of a high profile expert witness, he provides some valuable lessons for anyone in sales, including the importance of preparation, knowing your product, knowing your material, doing your research, understanding your audience, being prepared to overcome objections and knowing what the customer needs to hear to ultimately decide that your product, your service and your solution is the right choice.

Enjoy the interview!

One thing every operator and supplier should do in July

What should every operator and supplier consider doing in July? It’s the NAMA Fly-In & Advocacy Summit, July 25^th and 26^th in Washington, our nation’s capital, where operators can have their voices heard by legislators. Matt Bisenius, vice president of external affairs at NAMA, and Robert Jackson, director of government affairs, present a strong argument for attending the event, while outlining what operators should expect, including a cocktail on a storied rooftop, and the potential results of the effort. 

This podcast also features some insightful comments from Mark Dieffenbach of Hershey and Louis Baresh from Executive Refreshments in Dallas.

 

 

 

Podcast Trailer for July - What every operator should consider right now and lessons from an expert witness

In July, Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio has a suggestion on what every convenience services operator needs to consider doing this month. Then, later in July, he sits down with a guest from outside the industry who has stories to share and some relevant lessons that translate well to the business world.

What should every operator consider doing in July? It’s the NAMA Fly-In & Advocacy Summit, July 25^th and 26^th in Washington, our nation’s capital, where operators can have their voices heard by legislators. Matt Bisenius, vice president of external affairs at NAMA, and Robert Jackson, director of government affairs, present a strong argument for attending the event, while outlining what operators should expect, including a cocktail on a storied rooftop, and the potential results of the effort. Industry leaders who have attended in the past will share their experiences as well.

In July’s second podcast, Tullio will interview financial specialist William Ackerman, one of the country’s most prominent expert witnesses. If you see Bill testifying against you – chances are, you are going to lose. His stories are fascinating – he testified for AEG in the Michael Jackson lawsuit – and he gives us the defining characteristics of a great expert witness, which just happens to be a roadmap for how to succeed in sales presentations. A great listen.

 

Will it ever be 2019 again? Including two “must hear” interviews

In this episode of Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio explores the current and future state of the office environment, the stubborn US employee movement to keep remote working in place and the efforts of employers to entice them back to the office.

Amid a nonstop wave of press reports that tell us “Work at Home is here to stay,” Bob Tullio, the host of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, has been talking to many operators over the past two months regarding the state of the office environment. Tullio has asked them:

• Has the office population improved over the past six months?
• Are things trending in the right direction?
• Are enhanced amenities enough to bring employees back to the office?
• Will it ever feel like 2019 again?

Among the interviews – don’t miss the insightful, “must hear” conversations with Judson Kleinman of Corporate Essentials and Matthew Marsh of First Class Vending & Coffee - plus some down to earth advice from the 2023 NAMA Show from Bill Moxey of PepsiCo and Ryan McWhirter of 365 Retail Markets.

Podcast: What is going on with all of these acquisitions?

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio explores the recent flurry of acquisition activity. 

Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio heard a definite buzz on the convention floor at the 2023 NAMA Show, May 10-12, in Atlanta. The question being asked: “What is going on with all of these acquisitions?”

In this podcast, Tullio looks for the answers, talking to a leading industry broker, who provides the inside scoop on what is driving the recent acquisition activity – from both a buyer and a seller perspective. Plus, some strategies from Tullio that will help an independent operator exist comfortably (even more profitably) in the giant shadow of their new national competitor.

 

 

Podcast Trailer: Two Questions in June: “What is going on with all of these acquisitions?” AND “Will it ever be like 2019 again?

In June, Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio is exploring the question – “What is going on with all of these acquisitions?” Major deals are going down every month. What impact will it have on your business. Tullio asked an expert and offered some strategies for operators.

Then – he asks another question – “Will it ever be like 2019 again? Tullio looks at the state of the office environment, looking at recent research and more importantly - operators weigh in. 

What blew you away at the NAMA Show in Atlanta? Operator picks and Tullio’s picks too

Your roving reporter, Bob Tullio, was all over the convention floor in Atlanta, trying to work off the cheese grits from his breakfasts at Waffle House - Big culinary mistake.

Tullio spoke to many operators and they had plenty to say about what impressed them at the NAMA Show last week. He weighs in with his own opinions as well - of course. Instead of running in the opposite direction when they saw Tullio approach with his microphone in hand - these operators offered insightful, sometimes amusing comments. 

In this podcast, Tullio mentions so many operators and suppliers, if you don't hear your name or your company name, you should contact him directly and give him grief. He will more than likely make it up to you in a future episode! His email is bob@tulliob2b.com

Are you making equitable deals - good for you and good for the client?

Is it even possible to make equitable deals today?

Two months ago, Bob Tullio touched on this topic in his Best of OCS column, which is featured in Automatic Merchandiser's monthly OCS newsletter from VendingMarketWatch.com.

Tullio decided that making equitable deals might be a great topic to discuss with industry leaders. You will hear from Matthew Marsh, First Class Vending and Coffee, Las Vegas; Arthur Siller, Evergreen Refreshments, Seattle; John Holden, All Star Services, Michigan; and Dan Welch from Old World Coffee in Portland.

How would you answer the questions?

Are you making equitable deals – good for you and good for the client?

Is it even possible to make equitable deals today?

Send your answer to Bob Tullio at bob@tulliob2b.com