Automatic Merchandiser and its online sister outlet, VendingMarketWatch.com, are pleased to announce this year’s recipients of AM’s Pros to Know Awards. AM profiled each of the 2021 honorees in its December issue.
The esteemed awards program from Automatic Merchandiser, the leading print publication covering the convenience services industry, recognizes outstanding individuals whose accomplishments are moving the industry forward. This year marked the eighth time the magazine asked readers to nominate individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond to promote their companies in the vending, micro market and office coffee service industry.
“While many segments of the industry – operators, suppliers, distributors, brokers and manufacturers – struggled in 2021 to regain footing during a make-or-break period of uncertainty, this year’s Pros to Know honorees took charge to deliver services and solutions in a time of need,” said AM and VMW editor Nick Montano.
The following 22 individuals and nine teams have persevered through many difficult months, overcoming supply chain and hiring challenges, all while navigating dramatic changes in the workplace refreshments space.
Pros to Know individuals
Jameel Ahed – President, Blue Sparq Inc.
Mac Bolak – Chief Executive, Panoptyc
Paul Brown – President, Mcliff Coffee + Vending
Alex Buck – Regional Sales Director (West), Cantaloupe Inc.
Lindsay Easter – Operations Specialist, Gimme
Cathy Feeley – Western Regional Sales Manager, CBI & Associates
Brian Gill – National Sales Executive, OptConnect
Evan Jarecki – Cofounder, Gimme
Bob Keenan – Regional Sales Director, G&J Marketing
Laura King – President, Candy Dynamics
Rich Lau – Eastern Regional Micro Market Rep, Avanti/365 Retail Markets
Danelle Layton – Director Of Creative Services, Five Star Food Service
Natasia Malaihollo, Head of Business Development, PopCom
Tammy Peters, Director of Logistics & Unstoppable Freight Strategist, The MoveIt Cos.
Josh Rosenberg – Chief Executive, Threeboysstrong Consulting
Ron Scadina – Senior Vice President of Sales, Steeped Coffee
Brian Shimmerlik – Chief Executive and Cofounder, Vengo Inc.
Vatsana Souvannavong – Chief Executive, Koala Kolache
Ty Stork – Roasting Plant Manager/Roastmaster, PrairieFire Coffee
Alex Vaserman – Vice President of Technology, Nayax NA
Ravi Venkatesan – Chief Technology Officer, Cantaloupe Inc.
Geoff Wilcox – Director of Retail Execution, Five Star Food Service
Pros to Know teams
365 Retail Markets Training Team
Team leader: Linde Hutson, Director of Global Marketing, Communications and Training. Members: Carmen Collie, Training Manager; Matthew Hudas, Customer Training Specialist; Caitlyn Kliest, Technical Writer; Dylan Buckley, Technical Designer; Mikael Pachana, Technical Trainer
40BelowJoe
Team members: Curt Jones, Founder; Tracey Jones, Co-owner
Cantaloupe Customer Success Managers
Team members: Terry Hovis, Greg Young, Jack Thompson, Jake Graham, Jason Pardue, Maxwell Elliott, Terry Rinck
Chemesis International Inc.
Team leader: Josh Rosenberg, President. Members: Terry White, SVP of Operations; Vinnie Pappano, Vice President of Sales and Category Management
Custom Data Solutions
Team leader: Michael Nudi, President and Chief Executive. Members: Rick Ruth, Jim Powers, Alyssa Lesmeister, Sharon Bohning
Everest Ice and Water Systems
Team leader: Ben Gaskill, Director of Sales. Members: Dan Doromal, Director of Operations; Gilbert Ramirez Jr, Marketing Manager; Chris Beech, Service Manager; Jon Black, Operations Manager; Jordan Flores, Account Manager
Federal Machine
Team leader: Kristen Miller, Senior Distribution Support Specialist. Members: Jennifer Cogdill, Lead Distribution Support Specialist; Opal Hobbs, Distribution Support Specialist; Emily Mehlin, Distribution Support Specialist; Margaret Antenucci, Distribution Support Specialist
Fixturelite
Team members: Steve Orlando, Cofounder and President and Troy Geis, Cofounder and Chief Executive
Tahoe Vending
Team leader: Jarrad Duxbury, managing partner. Members: Cesar Aguilar, Micro Market Manager; Anthony Young, OCS Manager; Elliott Richards, Vending Manager; Bambie Sackett, Purchasing Manager; Pierre Sundland, Operations Manager
Automatic Merchandiser, a 50-year-old trade publication, and VendingMarketWatch.com are B2B media brands owned by Endeavor Business Media LLC. Headquartered in Nashville, TN, EBM was formed in late 2017 to acquire and operate trade publications, websites, events and marketing solutions. The company targets U.S. B2B audiences in the accounting, aviation, dental, facilities maintenance and fire and public safety; along with design engineering, buildings and construction, energy, manufacturing, industrial and technology; as well as medical, securities, laser, lighting, oil and gas, public services, security, construction, vehicle repair, vending, and water and wastewater markets. For more information, visit endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
