Ethan King explains how AI can free operators to focus on relationships

Ethan King, a keynote speaker at CTW 2025, joins Bob Tullio to explain how AI can eliminate busywork and help convenience services operators focus on growth.
Dec. 16, 2025
2 min read

Listener insights

  • AI is a productivity multiplier, not a replacement for people. Used correctly, it handles repetitive tasks so teams can spend more time on service and relationships.

  • Low risk entry points exist. Email drafting, content creation, SOPs and customer follow-up are practical first steps with immediate ROI.

  • Speed matters more than ever. AI can help operators respond to leads, service issues and customer questions faster — a critical advantage in today’s on-demand environment.

  • You don’t need a technical background. If your team can type, copy and paste, or talk into a microphone, they can start using AI tools effectively.

  • Waiting has a cost. As AI becomes a baseline business skill, operators who delay adoption risk falling behind more agile competitors.

Endeavor Business Media / Ethan King
podcast Ethan King explains how AI can free convenience services operators to focus on relationships

At the Coffee, Tea and Water event in November, Bob Tullio interviewed approximately 25 operators and suppliers to gather their impressions of CTW. Every one of them was impressed by one thing in particular: keynote speaker Ethan King’s presentation about the power of AI.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation — part one of a two-part episode — Ethan King explains why convenience services operators should view artificial intelligence not as a threat but as a practical business ally that can help them deal with staffing challenges, margin pressure and myriad demands on their time.

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As the author of "ChatGPT to Double Your Business In 90 Days," Ethan teaches non-technical business owners how to save time, boost sales and scale operations without stress. His workshops are known for being both inspiring and tactical.

Drawing on real-world examples, King explains how AI can offload repetitive, low-value tasks — from email responses and content creation to customer follow-up and internal documentation — freeing operators to focus on what matters most: relationships, service quality, and growth. He emphasizes that AI adoption does not require a technical background, positioning today’s tools as accessible, learnable, and immediately useful for non-technical business owners.

This is a conversation worth listening to. If you're serious about your business's future success, this conversation is one you will appreciate.

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About the Author

Bob Tullio

Bob Tullio

Bob Tullio is a content specialist, speaker, sales trainer, consultant and contributing editor of Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com. He advises entrepreneurs on how to build a successful business from the ground up. He specializes in helping suppliers connect with operators in the convenience services industry — coffee service, vending, micro markets and pantry service specifically. He can be reached at 818-261-1758 and [email protected]. Tullio welcomes your feedback.

Subscribe to Automatic Merchandiser’s new podcast, Vending & OCS Nation, which Tullio hosts. Each episode is designed to make your business more profitable.

 

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