Are you maximizing your operational efficiency? According to industry veteran and successful convenience services consultant Tom Bauer, small changes in operations can lead to big results for operators. On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation Podcast, Tom Bauer sits down with podcast host Bob Tullio to reveal five essential focus areas to help your business thrive in 2026! 📈 From logistics to route optimization, these tips don’t require big investments, just your time and dedication!

The podcast emphasizes the importance of not overlooking operations and creating a disciplined environment and culture. It highlights the need for changes in 2026, focusing on disciplined people, thoughts, and actions to improve organizational efficiency.

Especially for those who did not attend the CTW and hear Ethan King's keynote address, the December 16th Podcast with King was impactful. Host Bob Tullio said he heard from several listeners who wanted to learn more.

In that podcast, King explained how AI can eliminate busywork and help convenience services operators focus on growth, relationships and greater productivity.

Tullio and King discussed the fact that AI is a productivity multiplier, not a replacement for people. Used correctly, it handles repetitive tasks so teams can spend more time on far more important functions. He mentioned that speed and connectivity with clients and prospects is more important than ever. AI can help operators respond to leads, service issues and customer questions faster — a critical advantage in today’s on-demand environment.

Best of all, you don’t need a technical background. King was an art major. If your team can type, copy and paste, or talk into a microphone, they can start using AI tools effectively.

Today’s episode is part two – we take the conversation to another level. If you are serious about gaining a competitive advantage – this episode is a must listen.

According to business broker Mike Kelner, the M&A market for convenience services is red hot. Valuations are higher than ever. It’s a good time to be a convenience services operator and with these market conditions, many operators are pondering their options for 2026.

Mike Kelner, owner of VBB Advisors, said he has learned over the years that selling a business is as much a psychological and life-planning decision as it is a financial and transactional one. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sat down with Kelner and asked him to talk about the key questions an operator needs to ask before finding the exit door.

The podcast discusses part 5 of Kelner’s M&A Best Practices series, written for Vending Market Watch.

The first four parts of his series, available at vendingmarketrwatch.com, were focused

• Preparation
• Valuation
• Marketing
• Negotiation
• Part 5 looks at the psychological side of a deal - Key questions to ask before you sell your business.

For any operator who is considering a sale in 2026 or beyond, it’s a thought provoking listen, as Kelner shares those questions and the answers he receives from operators.

At the Coffee, Tea and Water event in November, podcast host Bob Tullio interviewed around 25 operators and suppliers, asking them about 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 – Tullio is talking to Ethan King. 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.

Ethan King is a bestselling author, and award-winning entrepreneur who helps business leaders simplify success through the power of AI and automation. His client work has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, and even the Grammys.

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. This is conversation worth listening to. If you are serious about the future success of your business, this is a conversation you will appreciate.

On the surface, taking over a family business would seem to be a dream scenario. But each time a new generation takes the reins, especially in a well-established operation, there are inherent stresses that come with the job. So far, Patrick and Michael Sheehan have been up to the task.

What kind of stress does the third generation of a family-owned business typically deal with? Patrick Sheehan of Sheehan Brothers Vending sits down with host Bob Tullio in this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation. During his many interviews with operators, Tullio has picked up some common examples.

• Will customers be happy to work with the next generation?
• How do we make it a smooth transition?
• As the new leadership, how do I establish authority with my employees (especially those who have been here for many years)?
• How do I ensure continued success? After all these years, I don’t want to be the one who screws things up!

Many successors feel the weight of preserving the family’s legacy. This aspiration can create pressure and lead to decisions rooted in tradition rather than what is best for the business’s future.

It is certainly a great opportunity – stepping into a family business – but it also comes with challenges. After nine years of leadership, Patrick and Michael are taking a well-established company to a new level and are having some fun along the way.

This episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast features more conversations and insights with industry leaders (some big names in the industry) from the Connection Hub at the CTW – NAMA’s Coffee, Tea and Water Show.

Three questions were asked:

• What is your takeaway from the CTW event?
• What do operators need to do to succeed in 2026?
• And a very timely question: As an operator or supplier, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

This podcast features comments from:

• Kevin Brinton of Evergreen Refreshments
• Linda Saldana of Seventh Wave Refreshments
• Christine Johnson of The J.M. Smucker Co.
• Katelyn Davis of Seventh Wave Refreshments
• Ryan Stoulil of Alliant Coffee Solutions
• John Hickey of Tech 2 Success
• Patricia Cowan of Rainmaker Sales Support
• Brian Zakeski of Follett Products LLC
• Rick Dutkiewicz of National Coffee
• Kevin Alves of Keurig Dr Pepper
• Chris J. Taylor of Canteen

EPISODE BONUS: Podcast host Bob Tullio has not been this emotional since he ate at Mary Mac’s Tearoom during the NAMA Show in Atlanta – an unforgettable experience. In Miami, in between interviews, he discovered a compelling reason to return to Miami. Tune in to learn more, and be prepared to get hungry.

The 2025 CTW in Miami – NAMA’s Coffee, Tea and Water show – is in the books. Both suppliers and operators said very good things about the engagement opportunities, and the two keynote speakers were quite compelling.

If you did not attend the event, this podcast will take you down to the convention floor, also known as the Connection Hub, where podcast host (and event emcee) Bob Tullio spoke with industry operators and suppliers.

Three questions were asked:

• What is your takeaway from the CTW?
• What do operators need to do to succeed in 2026?
• As an operator or supplier, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Of course, when questions are asked, the conversations tend to expand, offering some interesting insights from industry leaders.

Hear from:

• David Pemberton, Pepi Companies
• Brent Toevs, SEB Coffee and Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
• Kimberly Lenz, Associated Services
• Patrick Moran, Moran Refreshments
• Tammy Stokes, Insight Edge Performance
• Luke Webster, Newco
• Tara Fore, Nestlé Professional Solutions
• Karen Foster, Brokers Unlimited
• Paul Tullio, Five Star Break Time Solutions

In the last episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio discussed five powerful sales strategies with convenience services operators and industry consultants. In this episode, he is back with five more — with an objective to help operators and sales reps finish the year on a high note, with more closed deals than ever.

In our last episode, Tullio focused on cold calling, the importance of doing your research before an appointment, cause marketing, storytelling, and the criticality of face-to-face meetings. In this episode, Tullio brings in three consultants: Josh Rosenberg from Forward Thinkers, Orrin Huebner and Sandy Schoenthaler — experienced industry professionals with excellent insights to offer.

Additionally, Tullio gets a frontline operator perspective from Charles Long of One Source Refreshments, Tre Johnson of Aramark, and Terry Adelstein and Robyn Azus, two reps from Corporate Coffee Systems in New York.

This podcast offers strategies that are “out of the box” and ready to be put to work immediately. Listen today to get in on some simple ways to elevate your sales performance and finish strong in 2025.