Spotlighting the industry’s changemakers: 2025 Pros to Know Awards

As Mid-South regional vending sales manager at Saverino & Associates, Chrissy Breshears brings 28 years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods industry, marked by entrepreneurial drive, deep industry knowledge and a people-first approach. Her journey began in 1997 when, still a high school senior, she launched her own vending machine company. She successfully operated and expanded the business for a decade before stepping away to focus on raising her two daughters. Chrissy later returned to the industry as a marketing associate with Sysco of Kansas City, where she developed and managed accounts across northwest Missouri and northeast Kansas. During this time, she honed her expertise in territory development, customer relationships and solution-based selling. Today, as the Mid-South regional vending sales manager at Saverino & Associates, she leverages her entrepreneurial background and extensive industry experience to support partners and drive results across the Mid-South region. She is honored to be nominated and grateful for the opportunity to continue making a positive impact in the vending and consumer-packaged goods space.

Ashley Copeland

Ashley Copeland has been the engineering manager for the Stockwell team at 365 Retail Markets since May 2024. She has nearly nine years of experience in tech and has held multiple roles, including software engineer, QA engineer and API team lead. She’s been with 365 since 2018. During her tenure at 365, Ashley has driven dozens of engineering initiatives. She founded the company’s hackathon and expanded it into an internal knowledge-sharing conference. She built a successful engineering internship program that developed four classes of interns and contributed to long-term hiring and retention. Favorite projects include building a new API ecosystem, reengineering promotions logic for improved flexibility and performance, and designing AWS serverless architectures. Outside of work, Ashley contributes to the development community through MLH hackathons. She’s the DM for her D&D group and does ceramics in her spare time. She lives in Michigan with her partner, Evan, and their two cats, Chester and Boo.

Craig Gasperosky

Craig Gasperosky began his career at Coley Canteen in September 2003 as a route driver. He steadily advanced through roles in utility, service and service management, ultimately becoming branch manager. He has led several large-scale projects, including the successful conversion of more than 3,000 vending machines to accept cashless payments and the full integration of Seed across all equipment and more than 100 markets. Oversight also included the design and rollout of a warehouse pick system powered by Lightspeed, structured around multiple pick zones for snacks, candy and beverages. Additional initiatives have involved streamlining service workflows, improving inventory accuracy and supporting system-wide operational upgrades. These large-scale projects were executed with an emphasis on practical, scalable solutions that support both internal teams and customer satisfaction. Craig’s work reflects Coley Canteen’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within the convenience services industry.

Bryan Hebert

Bryan Hebert has spent two decades in cashless payments, unattended retail and data‑driven loss prevention, repeatedly turning pain points into profitable offerings. At USA Technologies, he built the first analytics-led customer success group, which served 350,000 devices at the time. At Nayax, he doubled the North American sales force and introduced cashless products that drove triple-digit growth. Now, as CRO/CFO of ProWatch Solutions, he is working with a team to provide an AI‑powered platform, ARMS (Automated Retail Management System), that monitors micro markets for theft and lost sales opportunities, providing an actionable, profit-enhancing tool for operators. Bryan’s blend of P&L ownership, product strategy, financial discipline and frontline operator empathy, along with his ability to scale innovations that directly address the thorniest 2025 threats — shrinkage, consumer demand for payment complexity, and cost inflation — are keys to his success. Bryan is excited to share how his industry knowledge can be a major benefit to operators seeking to maximize profits and mitigate theft by utilizing ARMS (Automated Retail Management System).

Orrin Huebner

With more than 40 years in the refreshment services industry and business consulting, Orrin Huebner is a respected expert in operational excellence, leadership and growth strategy. From fixing machines as a teen to building and selling his own company, then scaling post-acquisition revenue twenty-fold, Orrin’s journey reflects ground-up leadership and proven success. As a trusted voice in mergers and acquisitions, he helps business owners prepare for sale, increase value and navigate transitions with confidence. Now, through his company, Orrin Huebner Business Consultant, he partners with entrepreneurs to strengthen systems, improve performance and lead with clarity. Orrin’s unique blend of operational grit, corporate insight and consulting impact makes him a standout leader — and a true 2025 Pro to Know.

Darnell Huppert

Darnell Huppert has spent 37 years in the convenience services industry, with the past 14 years dedicated to managing the vending and micro market segment at Core-Mark Iowa, based in Carroll, Iowa. For the last decade, Darnell served as president of the Iowa Automatic Merchandising Association, following 16 years as a board member and vice president. During this time, he’s developed a strong working relationship with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing, which regulates vending, retail and many other industries across the state. The annual Legislative Day at the Capitol in Des Moines has helped foster open communication with state senators, representatives, legislative leadership and the governor’s office. Darnell says it has been rewarding to witness the evolution of technology in our industry and how it has enabled our customers to grow their businesses. At Core-Mark, he leverages retail expertise to support operators as they expand into micro markets and smart vending. Darnell notes that the outstanding support from the entire team at our operating company further drives his success.

Jens Knudsen

Jens Knudsen is the senior national sales manager of unattended retail, travel and convenience distribution at Hormel Foods. He is responsible for leading sales and distribution within the vending and unattended retail channel with leading brands such as Planters, Columbus, Corn Nuts, Spam and Hormel. Over the last four years, Jens and his team across convenience and unattended retail have delivered innovative products and driven growth in their core businesses, creating solutions for their customers. Jens is a 17-year veteran of Hormel Foods and looks forward to continued collaboration and new channel opportunities.

Stephen Kondroik

Stephen Kondroik is vice president of category management and purchasing for Five Star Breaktime Solutions. He leads Five Star’s category growth strategy, consumer insights, merchandising direction, trade promotion optimization, assortment planning, vendor relations and procurement for markets and vending. Previously, Stephen worked at The Coca-Cola Company on the global customer and commercial leadership team, leading the direction and strategy on integrated execution and segmentation, working in RGM tools and capabilities, category management and execution capabilities. He has held several roles leading space strategy and category management at Coca-Cola Bottling Company United in the United States. Before Coca-Cola, Stephen worked in the convenience store industry at 7-Eleven in store operations and merchandising, and he was an operations consultant to several independent owners.

Mikayla Lindenfeld

Mikayla Lindenfeld is an emerging leader in the better-for-you food industry, bringing bold innovation and fresh perspective to the shelf-stable snack space. As co-founder of Magos Chips, she developed clean-label egg chips designed to meet strict dietary, allergen and regulatory standards. Although new to the CPG world, she has successfully led product development, branding and strategic positioning efforts, earning attention from both major distribution channels and key health enthusiasts. Her work champions ingredient transparency, inclusivity and functional nutrition without compromise. Mikayla is most proud of her ability to navigate complex and novel manufacturing, compliance and marketing challenges with agility. Her commitment to rethinking what’s possible in food innovation — especially for consumers with dietary limitations — is helping redefine the future of snacking. With each step, she’s proving that being new to the industry can be its greatest strength.

Amber Magdaleno

Amber Magdaleno has spent more than 35 years in the industry, 28 of them at Atnip Co. Inc., where she provides inside support to 10 salesmen covering the western United States. Amber is known for being thorough, organized, and results-driven, always remembering to follow up — a lesson learned from mentor Dick Atnip. She strives to give her customers quick and accurate information and to help them through every aspect of their demands. Amber is a vital right-hand to her sales team, accompanying them to various meetings, trainings and shows, staying up to date with the industry. She is the go-to person at Atnip for all things OCS, everything from coffee to equipment to accessories. She looks forward to continuing to learn and grow in this segment. Amber is grateful for the amazing colleagues she has had the opportunity to work with and for all the support and knowledge they provide.

James McCandlish

Jim McCandlish discovered the convenience services industry one day while having lunch with a friend, who suggested that he come work with him at Aramark Refreshments. Jim applied for the only opening at Aramark in Las Vegas and became a route sales representative (RSR), also known in the industry as an OCS route driver. He absolutely loved the job, especially his daily interactions with customers as he restocked their breakrooms. Within his first year, he became an account executive and began selling Aramark Refreshment Services to the local businesses of Las Vegas. During his time with Aramark, Jim consistently met sales and revenue goals and performed in the top 20 (of over 225 account executives) in the annual performance rankings for six consecutive years, He was awarded membership to the company’s Sales STAR Club in 2017 and 2018. After achieving success at Aramark, Jim joined First Class Vending as the manager of business development for Las Vegas. In this role, he has expanded his experience into traditional vending, micro markets and pantry services with the advantage of working with seasoned veterans and the large number of existing accounts in the Las Vegas market. In 2021, Jim played a critical role in the company’s expansion into the Reno market. The new accounts Jim acquired in Reno played a critical role in the company’s success, as it became the largest vendor in northern Nevada during the pandemic. Jim approaches the business development side of the business with a blend of operations capabilities and a consultative sales approach. He works hard to understand exactly what a client’s actual needs are, so he can determine the best solution to meet them.

Mike McClure

Mike McClure began his sales career in 1986 with Dixie Crystal Foodservice. After 13 years, Mike transitioned to the vending and micro market channels by accepting the role of Southeast area sales representative for G & J Marketing Co. Mike’s dedicated service covered Georgia, north Florida and south Alabama for the past 26 years. He has been instrumental in growing this market area by developing relationships with manufacturers, distributors and operators. He takes great pride in his commitment to excellence, driving sales growth for all brands he represents and collaborating with the Southeast area sales team to drive growth for regional operators. Mike is a graduate of the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia, as well as the Michigan State University NAMA Executive Development Program and the Certified Coffee Professional Training Program. He is a longstanding member of SEVA and GAMC. Mike resides in Bremen, Georgia, with his wife of 41 years, Tracey. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

Matt Piere

Matt Piere is the operations manager with Imperial Vending in Davenport, Iowa. With more than 17 years of experience in the beverage and vending industries, Matt Piere is an expert in operational efficiency, technical troubleshooting and team leadership. For the past three years, Matt has served as operations manager at Imperial Vending’s Davenport location, overseeing day-to-day operations. His leadership has been instrumental in boosting productivity and improving customer satisfaction. Before joining Imperial Vending, Matt spent 10 years at PepsiCo and four years at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, gaining field service technician experience. His extensive knowledge of vending systems and field service operations has enabled him to streamline workflows and make strategic improvements. Outside of his professional life, Matt is a dedicated family man. He has been happily married to his wife, Amy, for 14 years, and they have four children: Logan, Luke, Blake and Brooke. 

Natalie Prince

Natalie Prince is the operational force behind VendTastic, a fast-growing vending company she co-founded with her husband, David, in late 2023. From just three machines to a fleet nearing 100, Natalie has been instrumental in scaling the business with precision and grit. She manages everything behind the scenes — ParLevel systems, credit card integrations, planograms, pre-kitting and even filling a weekly route — ensuring VendTastic runs like clockwork. Her blend of technical savvy, relentless work ethic and strategic thinking has helped transform a small startup into a vending powerhouse. Natalie’s tenacity, intelligence and eye for detail make her not just a “Pro to Know,” but a leader redefining what’s possible in the industry.

Brooke Reeves

Brooke Reeves, an account manager at 365 Retail Markets, stands out as a deserving recipient of this honor for her exceptional ability to translate industry challenges into actionable, impactful solutions. She doesn’t merely identify problems; she actively drives innovation and delivers measurable results for her clients. Her proactive approach to understanding market shifts, optimizing operational efficiencies and leveraging new technologies demonstrates a deep commitment to her clients’ success and the broader advancement of the industry sector. The examples provided — from the significant sales increase achieved through smart store conversions to the immediate elimination of overtime costs and the strategic deployment of new POS systems — clearly illustrate her capacity to drive tangible improvements and position her clients for sustained growth in a dynamic environment. And when operators grow, it only serves to strengthen our industry as a whole. Her consistent focus on practical application and demonstrable impact makes her a true leader and a valuable resource within the industry.

Mark Rincon

Mark Rincon has dedicated 25 years to the coffee industry, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in office coffee/vend, foodservice and retail. His long-standing commitment to the industry has made him an asset in driving growth and innovation. Throughout his career, Mark has developed a deep understanding of coffee trends, customer preferences and market dynamics, enabling him to lead and build strong relationships effectively. He is an experienced business development and client relations professional specializing in operations excellence, client management, and sales negotiation within the foodservice and office coffee sectors. Mark’s career spans leadership roles in major companies, including Starbucks, Nestle USA and First Class Vending, with a focus on sales growth, team leadership and strategic partnerships. Currently at First Class Vending, Mark expands business units and implements new vendor programs to meet customer preferences. His unwavering dedication and leadership leave a lasting impression on every organization he engages with.

Kurt D. Ring

Kurt D. Ring is the chief revenue officer at TACS LLC. His career in the unattended retail industry began as a principal at a guest amenities company that provided rental mobility equipment and electronic lockers to theme parks, water parks, zoos and casinos. Over nearly 20 years, Kurt held several senior leadership roles in operations, sales, marketing and strategic development. He played a key role in launching the market’s first online reservation system with an integrated POS solution. Kurt also pioneered the first unattended electric convenience vehicle (ECV) rental system and storage dock. He holds multiple patents related to both the system and its advanced technologies. His expertise in sales and use tax developed during his tenure at a leading tax technology firm, where he led large-scale integrations of tax software with content platforms, e-commerce systems, procure-to-pay solutions, and ERP platforms. Kurt holds a bachelor of science degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from Boston University.

Joe Simonovich

Joe Simonovich is the director of at-work operations at New Stand. Joe has been a part of the convenience services industry in some capacity since joining New York City-based Corporate Essentials in 2006. In his most recent role as director of operations with the workplace experience company New Stand, he has worked with operators across the country to create programs that allow companies to level up their service and deepen client relationships by offering easy-to-roll-out solutions like integrated apps, computer vision smart coolers, premium fixtures, in-person events and employee gifting programs. During his 13-plus years at Corporate Essentials, the company was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest-growing companies eight times, and Shoffee.com, a company he co-founded with Corporate Essentials owner Judson Kleinman, was listed at #651 on the magazine’s Inc. 5,000 list in 2012. In 2016, he took part in the NAMA executive development program at Michigan State University.

Preston Snodgrass

With nine years of industry experience, including four with Five Star Breatktime Solutions in Ohio and northern Kentucky, Preston Snodgrass has built a reputation as a strategic, customer-focused leader who consistently drives growth through strong relationships and innovative problem-solving. His personable approach and dedication to client satisfaction set him apart and helped him earn Five Star’s Rising Star Award in 2022. Preston combines a deep understanding of the industry with a natural ability to connect with people to help clients find tailored solutions that support their food and beverage goals. He is known among colleagues and clients alike for his integrity, energy and results-driven mindset. Preston holds a B.A. from Wittenberg University, where he met his wife. Together they have three children, a son and twin daughters. 

Jon Snyder

Jon Snyder is the vice president of Snyder Food Services Inc., a family-owned business founded in 1969. As a third-generation leader, Jon has more than 20 years of experience in the food service and vending industries. He is a former chair of the Coffee, Tea & Water committee, served on the NAMA trade show committee, and was part of the founding class of the Emerging Leaders Network (ELN). Jon holds both NCE (NAMA Certified Executive) and CCS (Certified Coffee Specialist) certifications. He is known for his leadership and commitment to innovation, specializing in technology, exceptional customer service and custom-tailored solutions across north and central Indiana, western Ohio and southern Michigan. Jon is also actively involved in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as Easter Seals Arc, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society and local youth sports programs.

Jonathan Stack

Jonathan Stack recognized the shift toward fresh, high-quality grab-and-go offerings long before it became a national trend. Over the past decade, he built Fresh Creative Cuisine into a strategic commissary partner for breakroom service providers across the country. He brings deep expertise in culinary innovation, supply chain execution, packaging sustainability and operational excellence. In a landscape where most breakroom providers carry the same national snack and beverage brands, Jonathan has enabled operators to differentiate themselves through fresh food designed for micro markets, smart coolers and high traffic locations. He has met market demands by providing diverse, chef-driven options that utilize high quality ingredients, have eye-catching packaging and employ production systems that are both eco-responsible and operator-friendly. Jonathan’s efforts have helped elevate the standard for what “Cuisine to Go” can be, all while preparing his company to meet the explosive demand in a rapidly evolving channel.

Eric Steinbach

As director of marketing for foodservice and convenience, Eric Steinbach is a driving force behind channel-focused innovation in the evolving landscape of unattended retail. With a deep understanding of consumer behavior, he bridges the gap between operator needs and shopper expectations, translating insights into breakthrough programs that build both traffic and loyalty. Eric has a proven ability to shape strategic marketing platforms that elevate foodservice in convenience environments, from micro markets to traditional vending. His leadership is defined by a balance of creativity and data-driven precision, ensuring that every initiative has a measurable impact. Under Eric’s direction, his teams have introduced solutions that not only enhance the consumer experience but also deliver scalable profitability for operators and distributors. Passionate about the future of convenience, Eric continues to position Hormel Foodservice as a trusted partner in defining what’s next for unattended foodservice retail.

Brett Stenner

Brett Stenner was nominated as a 2025 Pros to Know for his work as sales manager of Sunrise Vending.

Joshua Wells

Joshua Wells was nominated as a 2025 Pros to Know for his work as chief operating officer of American Food and Vending, Syracuse, N.Y.

The &Back Coffee leadership team is redefining what office coffee can be, using quality, storytelling and purpose to drive value for businesses and impact for women coffee farmers. Founder and CEO Roxanne Joyal brings more than 30 years of experience in social enterprise and sustainable development. A recognized advocate for women’s empowerment, Roxanne leads with a long-term vision, aiming to positively impact the lives of 10,000 women through responsible sourcing, training and community investment. COO Lucas Goodenough has scaled &Back Coffee across North America while embedding sustainability and corporate responsibility at every level. He leads the company’s partner-centered approach, delivering strategic partnerships, tools and sales enablement that help operators successfully bring &Back Coffee to market. CMO Jacqueline Grossman is an executive with more than two decades of experience in hospitality, CPG and experiential marketing. She leads content strategy and creative execution, helping &Back Coffee’s B2B partners activate purpose through turnkey campaigns and value-added storytelling. Together, this team has built a model that helps businesses meet corporate goals around sustainability and workforce engagement and productivity while protecting the future of coffee for the people and communities who depend on it.

Key personnel include Roxanne Joyal, founder and CEO; Lucas Goodenough, chief operations officer; and Jacqueline Grossman, chief marketing officer.

Boost inc

The product team at Boost inc has reimagined what unattended retail can deliver. At a time when operators are seeking new and effective ways to scale, this team has introduced a suite of technology innovations that enable operators to increase revenue, drive operational efficiency and enhance the customer experience. The team has introduced retail-like features and remote point-of-sale management capabilities to unattended retail, an industry that has historically been left behind in the digital transformation. With every release, the team focuses on simple, scalable tools that deliver measurable impact to vending businesses on the ground. What truly sets this team apart is their willingness to challenge the status quo. They aren’t just improving existing systems; they’re reshaping how the industry thinks about vending. By pairing rapid product development with deep operator insight and a vision for creating the most seamless and exciting customer experience, Boost inc’s product team has positioned itself as a driving force in the future of unattended retail.

Key team personnel include Benedict Koehncke, vice president of product; Annelous Konijnenberg, product owner point of sale and UX/UI lead; Sara Berrino, lead product owner software; Christopher Radones, scrum master; Christopher Tlusty, technical project manager; Viktória Molnár, project manager, product; Nigel Boxhoorn,UX/UI designer; Lavinia Lattanzio, UX/UI designer; and Emmy Daniel, implementation engineer.

Canteen Miami

The team at Canteen Miami is a 2025 Pros to Know Team award winner for their passion for customer service and client relations, which makes them a force to be reckoned with in the industry. The well-rounded team of Andres Hernandez, district operations manager; Craig Thornburg, customer service manager; and Khalil Ali, customer service manager, completes market refreshes with the highest sales uplift in the division.

Everest Ice and Water

The production team at Everest Ice and Water, led by Hector Miranda, exemplifies a relentless commitment to overcoming industry challenges while driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Despite the challenges posed by supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, the team has maintained a strong focus on producing high quality machines that meet the evolving demands of the market. Their proactive approach to addressing material shortages through better inventory management, alongside their successful implementation of energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions, has not only set them apart as a leader in the vending equipment industry but has also ensured that Everest continues to meet customer expectations for sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, their efforts to invest in workforce development and automation demonstrate their forward-thinking approach to ensuring long-term operational success and resilience. Hector Miranda’s leadership and the team’s collective focus on continuous improvement have led to increased production capacity, faster turnaround times, and consistent product quality — all of which have contributed to Everest’s success. This team’s dedication to overcoming industry challenges, combined with their tangible contributions to the company’s growth, makes them a standout choice for the 2025 Pro to Know award.

Key team members: Hector Miranda, director of manufacturing; Thomas Denardo, national service manager; Jordan Flores; logistics manager; Edgardo Garcia, assembly Technician; Jon Black, production manager; Jared Black, plant engineer; Astrid Ramos, supply chain administrator

Naturals2Go

Naturals2Go isn’t just vending machines. They serve as a gateway for vending entrepreneurs to access the $40 billion convenience services industry, offering a business model that can include frozen food, coffee services, pantry services, AI-powered coolers and micro markets. The Naturals2Go business opportunity team is the reason approximately 14% of all vending business owners in the U.S. have turned their dreams into successful business ownership. From day one, each new operator is paired with a dedicated account manager who offers one-on-one coaching, reviews performance and helps develop strategies for growth. These team members go beyond setup: They help owners analyze sales, refine product choices and expand into high potential areas. They also lead training, Q&As and community networking to keep everyone supported and inspired. What makes this team truly stand out is their personal investment in each owner’s success. Each new operator is paired with a dedicated account manager who provides one-on-one coaching and performance reviews throughout their business journey. They bring practical guidance, real encouragement and a genuine belief in what’s possible. Operators are also backed by other professionals offering valuable and essential skills such as technical support and professional location services, growth experts and a leadership team committed to innovation, technology, engineering and R&D. With 49 employees, many who are operators too, completely dedicated to bringing the best-in-class to professional training and programs for entrepreneurs, this team is certainly the pros to know for new vending business operators. With Naturals2Go, people don’t just get a business: They get a team that’s with them every step of the way.

Tech 2 Success

What sets Tech 2 Success apart is its deep industry specialization paired with future-focused innovation. Tech 2 Success doesn’t just offer generic IT or software: The company designs, builds and supports solutions specifically for convenience services businesses. From fully integrated B2B e-commerce systems that sync directly with VMS platforms, to PCI-compliant hosting, data security and operational automation, Tech 2 Success enables operators to scale efficiently, serve smarter and compete with larger players.

Key personnel include John Hickey, CEO; Brian Butrym, vice president of web services and development; and Darryl Perkins, cloud services manager.

With Me Inc.

SipWithMe customers and their satisfaction are the top priority for the service operations team. In an industry full of options, this team was built from the ground up to be customer-obsessed and deliver consummate support. It was intentionally designed to be different: Not just reactive but committed to delivering true service. Today, 89% of SipWithMe customers are supported directly by internal team members, with the remaining 11% served by trusted partners who uphold the organization’s standards. This structure enables SipWithMe to scale without compromising the personalized service that customers rely on and appreciate. While the ops team drives the experience, their success is made possible by strong collaboration with other groups across the WithMe organization. Support from client experience, business operations and technical support helps ensure that every customer interaction is seamless and consistent.

Key team members include Andrew Shockley, service operations manager; Mario Rodriguez, principal technical service specialist; Ardiana Hysenaj, service admin; Mike Benson, field service supervisor; Jason Brillantes, Atlanta service representative; Diego Rivas, Houston service representative; Emanuel Brown, New York service representative; Craig Lewis, Dallas service representative; Brady Fosse, Denver service representative; Jorge Cordero, Miami service representative; Luis Castillo, Orlando service representative; Edward Torres, Austin service representative; Mohamed Sillah, Baltimore/DC service technician; Luis Popoca, Chicago service representative; Keith Kerr, Connecticut service representative; Matt Kaplan, Philadelphia service representative; Nadia Assad, senior project specialist, and Brad Duncan, client onboarding manager.