Elk Grove Village, IL – American Vending Sales (AVS) founder, Frank Gumma Sr., was honored by the Illinois Coin Machine Operator Association (ICMOA) with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was presented the award at the association’s annual meeting on June 18 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, IL.
On hand to pay tribute to Mr. Gumma were previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners and friends, John Neville and Don Hesch. Both men spoke fondly of the times shared coming up in the industry with Mr. Gumma. Mr. Neville is a former AVS employee and previous owner of Blackhawk Music Co. Mr. Hesch is the owner of A.H. Entertainers, a vending, amusement and gaming operation founded in 1939 by his father.
“I am flattered to be honored by so many of my respected peers, customers and friends,” said Mr. Gumma. “It has been a privilege to help this industry grow and achieve so much and I look forward to seeing how far the next generation can take it.”
Mr. Gumma has spent nearly 60 years in the vending and amusement industries, beginning as a collector and technician for a vending route in 1956. After holding positions at Rowe and World Wide Distributors, he opened American Vending Sales in 1971. Mr. Gumma’s son, Vince, now runs AVS while he spends his well-deserved retirement in Florida with his wife, Meli.
