As Gary Arwin explained, "After becoming a partner in a supplier to the hospitality industry, I had figured out very quickly that I had made a lot of other people a lot of money and I wanted to do something on my own. We dissolved the business and I went to a business broker and said, 'Hey, I'm interested in purchasing a business. What do you have available?' That is how Arwin got into the vending business.

On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sat down with Gary Arwin, president of Gator Refresh, to discuss his eventful journey from the hospitality industry into convenience services and how he transformed a tiny vending operation into a modern refreshment services company driven by innovation and customer service.

Arwin shared how he purchased a struggling 20-machine vending business in 2007, complete with old combo machines and operations run from a storage locker. He steadily evolved it into a full-service operation offering vending, micro markets, AI coolers, office coffee service, pantry, water, and ice solutions.

The conversation dives deep into:

- How technology transformed Gator Refresh

- Early adoption of mobile payment systems and PayRange

- How he relies on HAHA Vending and Micromart

- Why AI coolers are reshaping the industry

- The growing demand for pantry service and workplace amenities

- The importance of diversification and data verification for new operators

- Product trends driven by Gen Z and millennials

- Why independent operators still hold a major competitive advantage over national companies

Arwin also explained why traditional vending machines are slowly giving way to AI-powered retail solutions and how operators can position themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing convenience services landscape.

If you’re interested in the future of vending, smart markets, technology adoption, and independent operator strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. It’s a classic operator story.

Marc Rosset’s approach to M&A is very hands-on. In many ways, he serves as a matchmaker, connecting the seller to the right buyer. With more than 33 years of experience and over 350 completed transactions, representing nearly $1 billion in transferred revenue, the process clearly works.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast, presented in cooperation with Professional Vending Consultants, podcast host Bob Tullio sits down with veteran intermediary and acquisition specialist Marc Rosset, founder of Professional Vending Consultants. Marc shares his unique philosophy on acquisitions, confidentiality, valuation and why trust remains the foundation of every successful deal.

Marc explains how an unexpected career transition from commercial photography led him into the convenience services industry and ultimately into becoming one of the most long-standing intermediaries in vending, micro markets and OCS acquisitions.

The conversation dives into:

• Why confidentiality is critical in M&A transactions
• The importance of matching the right buyer with the right seller
• Current trends in vending, micro markets and specialty coffee acquisitions
• How consolidation is reshaping the industry
• Why Marc avoids “mass marketing” deals
• What operators should do before going to market
• How technology, labor and changing buyer strategies are influencing valuations

Marc also shares candid insights into the current acquisition climate and why strategic buyers continue driving activity across the industry.

If you’re an operator considering growth, succession planning, or selling your business, this episode delivers invaluable perspective from someone who has spent decades helping operators navigate life-changing transactions.

While there were rave reviews and plenty of excitement surrounding all the new technology at the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles, the beverages, snacks and legitimate dining options on display and available for tasting are always a big part of the show experience.

In Part 3 of our coverage from the 2026 NAMA Show, Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation Podcast host Bob Tullio walks the convention floor speaking with suppliers, innovators, operators, and emerging brands focused on helping convenience services operators build stronger customer loyalty through smarter product selection.

This episode highlights:

• Protein-forward snacks and healthier options driving consumer demand
• Functional beverages and clean-label energy drinks
• Premium grab-and-go innovation
• Office coffee trends and new beverage formats
• Shelf-life solutions and operational efficiency
• Data-driven merchandising and product selection
• New product launches from major brands and emerging companies

Key takeaways related to CPG products:

• Operators are increasingly focused on products that combine convenience, health, and strong margins.
• Protein continues to dominate snacking trends across vending, micro markets, and OCS.
• Clean ingredients and natural formulations are becoming major differentiators.
• Operators are relying more heavily on data to customize client programs and optimize product mix.
• Premiumization remains a major theme throughout the convenience services industry.

Featured guests and companies:

• Larry Atnip - Atnip & Premier Broker Partners LLC
• Maggie Eich - Nestlé Professional
• Monte Farrar - Jack Link's Protein Snacks
• James Kolodziej - Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds
• Dylan Reiner - Odyssey Functional Energy
• Kinsley Torpin - Alliant Coffee Solutions
• Drew Smith - Mondelēz International
• Eli Owings - Primal Eats
• Haley Eggum - Hormel Foods
• William Cross - Tina's Burritos
• Jessie R. - E.A. Sween Company
• Linda Saldaña - Seventh Wave Refreshments, NAMA 2026 Operator of the Year

In his five years with AVS Companies, Keith Krail has seen some significant and welcome changes in the convenience services business. What was a more traditionally focused automated retail solution business has become a dynamic AI integrated industry where new solutions have been put forward and are changing the way that companies and operators do business.

On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast. presented in cooperation with AVS Companies, podcast host Bob Tullio sat down with Krail to talk about how AVS Companies continues to adapt to maintain their position as a leading distributor in the convenience services industry.

This episode explores how AVS Companies is transforming the convenience services industry with advanced solutions like AI smart coolers, multiple product offerings and seamless software integrations. This conversation offers insights into industry trends, competitive differentiation and strategic growth initiatives.

A wide range of topics are covered related to how AVS Companies is serving operators in this fast changing industry. Listeners will hear about:

• The evolution of AVS Companies from traditional vending to AI-integrated solutions
• The importance of offering diverse product solutions to meet unique operator needs
• How AVS integrates equipment and software to streamline operations
• The role of AI smart coolers in the future of vending and micro markets
• Building partnerships with industry leaders like Cantaloupe, Sandstar, and IDW
• Support strategies for new operators entering the convenience retail space
• The significance of product mix and location-specific solutions
• Industry challenges and common pitfalls in micro market operations
• The future focus on AI tech and integrated solutions for business growth

After exploring smart market innovation in Part 1, Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s coverage of the 2026 NAMA Show shifts the focus from hardware to something just as critical: The technology, infrastructure and support systems that are powering the industry forward. Back on the convention floor in Los Angeles, contributing editor Bob Tullio continues the conversation with a wide range of suppliers and operators.

The first of our 2026 NAMA Show podcast episodes looked at what’s new, trending and eye-catching. This episode is about what makes it all work. AI continues to dominate the conversation with a focus on loss prevention and operational efficiency. Suppliers are leveraging increasingly sophisticated analytics, computer vision and cloud-based tools to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: micro market theft. Technology is enabling growth and protecting it. At the same time, digital media platforms are transforming micro markets into dynamic retail environments, helping operators tell their story, promote products and drive incremental sales. Even in a show dominated by AI and automation, there’s a strong reminder that not every solution needs to be high-tech to be impactful. Sometimes, the biggest operational wins come from solving simple, everyday challenges. Great fixtures, pre-kitting solutions, and the right bean-to-cup coffee for a location can be a game-changer. The OCS channel makes a meaningful showing, with continued innovation. If Part 1 showed where the industry is going, Part 2 explains how it is getting there.

Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio did so many interviews from the convention floor at the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles that he will be dedicating three episodes to the event. Part one is about the clear theme of the show, smart markets. Walking the floor of NAMA Show 2026, one thing became immediately clear: smart cooler technology has arrived in a big way. What just a few years ago was a niche innovation has now become the dominant force in unattended retail. Multiple manufacturers filled the convention center with AI-powered coolers, each promising greater accuracy, stronger security and higher sales potential. For operators, the opportunity is undeniable, but so is the challenge. With so many options, choosing the right partner and committing to a long-term ecosystem has never been more critical. Throughout the episode, Tullio captures the voice of an industry in transition. Operators describe a thoughtful, measured shift toward smart technology - starting with trusted locations, learning the systems and scaling over time. It’s not a flip-the-switch moment. It’s a strategic evolution. In this podcast, Tullio focused on the supplier convention experience and the smart market industry leaders he spoke to were well aware of the momentum. From advancements in AI accuracy to integrated software platforms that streamline operations, the innovation on display goes far beyond the cooler itself. Route optimization, seamless multi-door transactions, dynamic pricing and real-time inventory tracking are all part of a rapidly expanding ecosystem designed to make operators more efficient and more profitable. There is another shift gaining traction: hot food. As consumers continue to spend heavily on delivered meals, operators are looking for ways to compete, to bring fresh, hot options directly into the workplace through unattended solutions that were on display at the NAMA Show. Takeaway from this episode: The future of unattended retail is here and it’s smarter than ever. In Part 2, Tullio continues his coverage of the NAMA Show with more operator insights and supplier innovations, diving deeper into the technology and other key products that are shaping the next era of convenience services.

Headed to the 2026 NAMA Show in Los Angeles? This episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast is your insider guide to making the most of your trip - inside and outside the convention center.

Podcast host Bob Tullio highlights the must-see booths at this year’s show, featuring cutting - edge innovations in AI, smart retail, and frictionless commerce. Then, he interviews downtown LA expert Johnna Hughes, from DTLA Alliance, who maps out the best places to eat, explore, and what you must see, just steps from the convention center.

Whether you're chasing the future of unattended retail, looking for the next big thing in point of use water, seeking the hottest new snack, the coolest looking micro market fixture, an awesome single cup solution, or the perfect taco and rooftop cocktail, this episode has you covered.

• 365 Retail Markets (Booth 1221)
  • Flexible, modular smart store solutions
  • AI-driven insights + next-gen Pico kiosks
  • Expanded reach into healthcare, campuses, and hospitality
• Panoptyc (Booth 1561)
  • Live ShopperSense theft deterrence demo
  • New “Market Health Tool” for predictive risk insights
  • Data-driven tools to boost profitability
• Cantaloupe (Booth 1233)
  • Fully immersive smart store experiences
  • New Hot Hold solution for fresh food
  • AI-powered route optimization + business intelligence tools
• The AVS Companies (Booth 1731)
  • Full lineup of AI-powered smart coolers
  • Multiple AI approaches tailored to different operator needs

DTLA tips from Johnna Hughes

• Grand Central Market
• TE Isshoku
• Broken Shaker
• 71Above
• Fugestu Do
• Sonoratown
• The Wolves

Danni Sra, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, has enjoyed a successful career as an human resources manager, and she wants businesspeople to know that the job of running an HR department goes well beyond rule enforcement – a typical stereotype of what HR managers do. With years of experience in the convenience services industry, she has plenty of valuable advice for operators.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sits down with Danni Sra to unpack the evolving role of human resources in today’s fast-moving workplace, especially within the convenience services industry.

Drawing on her experience in helping grow Gourmet Coffee Service into a major market player, Danni shares practical, real-world insights on hiring, retention, compliance and the increasing complexity of managing a dispersed, frontline workforce.

From the rising expectations of Gen Z employees to the costly risks of compliance missteps, this conversation is a must-listen for operators and business leaders looking to build stronger teams and avoid expensive mistakes.