If you are like me, you’ve been hearing a lot about telling your story. It makes the younger generation feel connected to a brand and increases their loyalty. It helps solidify the company’s marketing message. It could also get you in the pages of a magazine or newspaper. We love sharing stories, specifically the success of operators throughout the county. In this issue you won’t want to miss a truly exceptional vending operator who has worked with nearly all the major technology suppliers in the industry and also happens to be visually impaired.
Recognition is a great gift
One thing that unites nearly every success story we write is when the operator brings up his or her great team. Some might claim it is just lip service, but I have a feeling that if the team gets mentioned, it is because in order to be successful in your job/business/life, you need a group of people that can work together to achieve a goal. And therefore successful companies have good teams. That is certainly true of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. We have a strong, cohesive team whom I would really like to take this opportunity to introduce and thank.
- Ron Bean
- Julie Sheade
- Adrienne Zimmer
- Barb Evenson
- Erin Brown
- Nicci Turner
- Debbie Dumke
- Rhonda Dennis
- Thamaraj (Beck) Udomwongyont
There are more, but these are the people I correspond with on a regular basis to keep the publication strong and moving forward. Thank You! I would also like to thank the thousands of readers of our publication for their time (which is a premium), kind words and helpful suggestions for more great content ideas. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank the advertisers that support the operation profiles, news, products, videos, podcasts, newsletters and more. Through advertisements and sponsorships, they keep the publication delivered to mailboxes and inboxes.
Don't omit the Pros
In the spirit of recognition, be sure to take a look at this year’s Pros to Know. These are the people that keep the industry strong, share their knowledge, advocate and support in a variety of ways.
I truly believe that stories are important, and people are integral to their development. Come into the holidays and the New Year with appreciation for your people and lead your excellent (and recognized) team onward.

Emily Refermat
Emily began covering the vending industry in 2006 and became editor of Automatic Merchandiser in 2012. Usually, Emily tries the new salted snack in the vending machine, unless she’s on deadline — then it’s a Snickers.
Emily resigned from Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com in 2019 to pursue other opportunities.