Reduce cyber risk and drive growth: What operators can do right now
If you run a convenience services operation, you are already a target. That was the clearest takeaway from a recent episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast with John Hickey, CEO of Tech2Success.
Cyberattacks in the channel are more common than most operators realize, Hickey said, and they often are preventable. Operators who take a practical approach to technology are seeing measurable gains, including double-digit sales lifts tied to better systems and integrations.
From industry breakup to opportunity
Tech2Success was born out of disruption — a time when the company Hickey worked for was being broken up and sold. Hickey and his partner acquired the IT infrastructure and team, then rebuilt the business by offering those services to operators.
Early adoption was not automatic. Many operators hesitated to trust a startup. A small group of early customers helped prove the model and allowed the company to scale across North America.
Bridging the technology gap
What Tech2Success actually does
Hickey describes the company as a team of problem solvers focused on IT, infrastructure and integrations for unattended retail. Core services include:
- IT support and cloud infrastructure
- Cybersecurity and system protection
- E-commerce platforms for operators
- Mobile apps for maintenance and pantry programs
- Connectivity solutions supporting vending and micro markets
The objective is straightforward: Give operators access to enterprise-level tools without enterprise-level cost or complexity.
Many operators are behind on technology, but not because they do not understand the need. “They know,” Hickey said. “They just have not started.”
His advice is to stop waiting for a full roadmap and take the first step:
- Implement one improvement
- Build from there
- Avoid waiting for a crisis
Operators who delay often end up making decisions under pressure, especially after a cyber incident.
Cybersecurity: A growing, underreported threat
Cyber risk is not theoretical. Hickey said attacks happen regularly in the convenience services space, even if operators rarely talk about them publicly. The impact can include:
- Loss of access to bank accounts
- Systems locked by ransomware
- Operational downtime
In one case, a hacker impersonated a bank and nearly convinced an operator to transfer $40,000. In others, a single clicked email link allowed attackers to enter a system and deploy ransomware weeks later.
Backup failures can make the situation worse, forcing operators to rebuild from scratch.
Why hackers succeed
Most attacks do not rely on advanced coding. They rely on people.
Hackers create urgency or fear, prompting employees or owners to act quickly, click links or follow instructions they would normally question. “We let them in the front door,” Hickey said.
Hickey outlined three actions operators can implement immediately:
- Update passwords: Replace predictable or reused passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Add a second layer of login security.
- Freeze credit: Prevent unauthorized access through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
These steps are simple, low-cost and effective at reducing risk.
Integration and customer-driven innovation
Tech2Success builds integrations based on operator demand. Rather than developing tools in isolation, the company works directly with customers and partners to prioritize what gets built. A successful integration is one that:
- Solves a real operator problem
- Gets adopted quickly
- Is recommended by partners
Technology investment can also drive meaningful growth. Hickey shared an example of a large operator that implemented the company’s e-commerce platform and saw a 35% increase in sales. The operator validated the results through an independent audit.
“Start with small things. Get something done. Do something. It’s better than doing nothing.”
- John Hickey
People over technology
Despite the focus on systems, Hickey said the company’s advantage comes down to people. Strong relationships, responsive support and shared knowledge are what drive long-term results.
For operators, the takeaway is practical:
- Cyber risk is already in the channel
- Small steps can significantly reduce exposure
- Waiting increases vulnerability
- The right technology can drive measurable revenue growth
Operators do not need to overhaul everything at once. But doing nothing is no longer a safe option.
Tune in to the podcast
About the Author
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.