The fourth and final quarter winner of the 6th annual Route Driver of the Year contest isn’t just a route driver. He is also a business owner. John Granato of Snackmaster Vending, Inc., based in Whippany, N.J. still chooses to be the only full-time driver for his company because he wants to be the best vending person for his locations. “Service is the main thing,” said Granato, “and then it’s the personal touch that makes the difference.”
Nominator Cindy Granato, wife and co-owner, sees his extra effort first hand. “He is on call 24/7. He even goes out at night to check on machines or purchase requested items,” she said. “He tries to fill special requests the same day if possible.”
Christine Walker, one of a handful of end users who entered a nomination, said Granato goes out of his way to find products and give service.
“He is especially well liked with all the clients,” she said.
FIRST OWNER/DRIVER
Kraft Vending & OCS and Automatic Merchandiser use the Route Driver of the Year contest to honor the important role drivers play in vending. Granato is the first owner/driver chosen, but it’s clear his score in various areas including machines serviced, years driving routes, truck/machine conditions and comments from locations rank him very high.
His “above and beyond” attitude as both an operator and driver has kept many of Granato’s big accounts with him since he started 15 years ago.
He now has 60 locations.
Granato says about half of his locations have expanded from vending to other things such as OCS, kitchen supplies and paper supplies. He recognizes it makes accounts more secure.
GOODWILL IN THE COMMUNITY
Granato also donates money to local schools and sponsors little league teams.
“I like making people happy,” said Granato, who won’t stop driving anytime soon.
