(CHICAGO) September 19, 2014 – In honor of National Coffee Service Month, and to highlight the significant and continuing growth of the office coffee service (OCS) market, NAMA recognizes long-standing coffee industry veteran and Coffee Service Committee Member, Dan Hart. Dan Hart, CEO of Southern Refreshment Services, has spent three decades working in the coffee service industry, and grew his company from the ground up.
“We started a vending company in 1981. The business was growing and our customers started to talk to us about their coffee needs,” said Hart. “The coffee was an extension of our vending business, and now it is a separate division of Southern Refreshment Services.”
Hart’s company, established with business partner, the late Alan Plaisted, has evolved greatly. Their early days were marked by making deliveries out of an old station wagon, while focusing on the key areas of customer service. Looking ahead at industry trends for 2015, Hart believes that single cup coffee will continue to grow. “Bean to cup is growing in the high-end offices,” Hart said.
Challenges ahead include both finding quality personnel to sell to and service his customers and the continuing onslaught of government regulations. “Government regulations are, and will continue to be, issues for every business,” Hart said.
An annual CTW attendee, Hart is looking forward to this year’s event in November in Dallas, Texas.
“CTW is a great place to exchange ideas and meet new business leaders. You get to see new products and the latest ideas that will shape your business in the future,” Hart said. “Networking at CTW can be something that will help your entire career and business.”
To get the inside scoop on coffee industry trends, products and innovations, join NAMA at CTW 2014, Nov. 11-13 at The Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas, Texas. Matching the energy of its host city, this year’s CTW will blend Texas flair and southern hospitality with a fresh new look and feel in one big, bold package -- register at www.coffeeteaandwater.org.
Founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $42 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry. With more than 1800 member companies – including many of the world’s most recognized brands – NAMA provides advocacy, education and research for its membership. Visit NAMA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
