2024 is done. After countless interviews, 36 podcasts and multiple webinars, podcast host Bob Tullio has six observations about the convenience services industry to point out to his listeners. Do you agree with his perspective as we head into 2025? Tune in - find out - leave a comment.

In addition to those six observations, in today’s episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, we’ll peek back at 2024 and hear some solid content from many operators who were featured on the show.

Enjoy "The Best of 2024 - Six industry observations plus notable insights, opinions and advice from operators." You will hear from Matthew Marsh, Jennifer Fox, Louis Baresh, Nakia White-Hazel, Al Hernandez, Mike Jamison, Linda Saldana, Jim Evans and more...

Next episode - January 21st - More operators with great stories and insights - Part II - Best of 2024 - Operators with something to say...

Kim Miros of DAC Total Refreshments in Florida, Dean Prather from Quality Vending & Coffee in Kansas City, Jon Holden from All Star Services in Michigan, Jon Corto from Buffalo Strive, Dan Welch from World Cup Coffee in Portland, Arthur Siller from Evergreen Refreshments in Seattle and more…

And of course, some additional secret sauce recipes you won’t want to miss…

The 2024 NAMA Coffee, Tea and Water event (CTW) has come and gone. For those who attended, takeaways varied, but everyone agreed that the CTW was focused on collaboration, engagement, networking and education - always a strong combination of features.

On this edition of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio expressed his regret for missing the event, but especially the po' boys, gumbo, beignets, jambalaya, oysters, clams and shrimp, which were enjoyed by many.

He sat down with Linda Becker, Editor in Chief of Automatic Merchandiser and Vending Market Watch to get her impressions of the CTW and added some interviews done by Linda plus some of his own, to offer listeners a broad perspective on the CTW event and what it will take for OCS operators to succeed in 2025.

You will hear comments from Linda Becker, Tom Steuber, Linda Saldana, Joe Simonovich and Mike Jamison.

No industry topics are off limits when Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast host Bob Tullio interviews Matthew Marsh for the second installment with the founder of First Class Vending and Coffee.

Much like the first installment of the Matthew Marsh interview, listeners can expect a fast pace, no shortage of opinions and a fair a fair amount of banter with podcast host Bob Tullio, including a final question from Marsh, "Does anyone even listen to this podcast?"

In fact, Part I of Matthew Marsh was the most listened to Vending & OCS Nation podcast in the initial five-day period after release. According to Tullio, he was contacted by more than one listener who asked, "Why do we have to wait two weeks for the next one?"

Apparently, Matthew Marsh has star power.

Listen and find out why, as Marsh discusses everything from smart markets, his frictionless market experiment, his take on the future of vending and the suppliers/people who have helped his company succeed.

His blood pressure elevates when he talks about his legal battle to level the playing field on beverage pricing, his disdain for newcomers who are inspired by Tik Tok videos, some advice/a warning for newcomers as well as existing operators who want to do it right. You will also hear his take on the importance of giving back to the community.

Plus - a secret sauce recipe that may surprise you - or maybe not!