From the discovery of explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship in Antarctica, to the theme of the presidential inauguration, “endurance” is a recurring word that hits home for operators when they reflect on what they have dealt with over the years.

The word certainly resonated with Bob Tullio, host of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast. In this episode, he speaks with numerous industry leaders - operators and suppliers, to get their take on endurance.

Fresh off a trip from Antarctica, Tullio tells his story of endurance - a riveting 37-year ride in the convenience services business that he and his partners still reflect on with amazement.

Lots of industry people are featured and mentioned in this podcast, so don't miss it. Among them, Tom Steuber, Craig Hesch. Mark Kronenberg, Pete Tullio, Jon Fishman, Larry Deagon, Orrin Hueber, C.J Recher, Carla Balakgie, Jennifer Ridnour, Jim Brinton, Ryan Harrington, Kailin McCauley Genton, Bill McCauley, Justin Fishman, Lance Deagon, Paul Tullio and Arthur Siller.

Don't miss the related article in the June/July issue of Automatic Merchandiser Magazine.

Here is a review from my Editor, Linda Becker. "It's a humdinger."

What is Josh Rosenberg up to now? It is question Josh hears, especially when he is not in the industry's spotlight, where he has spent so much time as a high profile player in and around convenience services. Bottom line: He's back.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser's Vending & OCS Nation podcast, host Bob Tullio sits down with Josh Rosenberg to talk about his 30 year industry journey and new family business, Forward Thinkers, a consulting firm and a dream come true for him.

Here is an insight sample from Rosenberg, when Tullio asked him what small operators need to do to land bigger accounts.

"This isn't a pity story for me, but I grew up on the streets. I went in and out of homes and didn't have the best upbringing. What I really was was undereducated. I didn't have the experience and the exposure. I walked into Coke as a merchandiser because they were hiring for six weeks during the Kentucky Derby and I needed to pay for school because somebody encouraged me to go to college or you're not going to ever get off the streets. But I was failing in college. I was making more money as a merchandiser and I was perfectly happy to be there until I saw somebody in a suit, driving a company vehicle that looked like they made a hell of a lot of money and I knew they weren't doing as good a job as I could," he said.

"And when I kept going in begging for that job and they wouldn't give it to me, somebody finally pulled me aside and said, if you want that job, you gotta act like that job. Meaning, dress like it, behave like it, and work towards it. Not much different for a small operator. If you want that account, your brand has to look like it, it has to feel like it, and you have to present like that."

There are plenty of good insights in this podcast from a man who has seen ups and downs in business, but has now combined a young, tech savvy team that includes his sons, with his many years of business experience, to offer something powerful for both operators and suppliers.

With all the consolidation this industry has seen – podcast host Bob Tullio asks, what is drawing the huge crowds at the NAMA Show? He thinks it's the newcomers - new operators who are highly motivated – intrigued by the promise of giant revenue (often driven by Tik Tok videos), but extremely excited by the technology.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, Tullio brings you more convention floor interviews with some big names and some up and coming operators, as he discusses the latest trends and innovations in the convenience services industry – some excellent insights from the 2025 NAMA Show. The conversation highlights the influx of newcomers to the industry, the importance of technology and smart markets, and the need for operators to adapt to post-pandemic challenges. Various industry leaders share their experiences and thoughts on the future of the industry, emphasizing the significance of networking and collaboration.

As for the groundswell of new operators, Tullio notes the following:

"There was an easy way to find the many newcomers to the industry – just go visit one of the many smart market vendors, and you could see them asking questions and placing orders. There is no question that the 2025 NAMA Show shined a big spotlight on smart markets, and the technology is a major reason why newcomers are flocking to the convenience services industry. It is easy to get started and to look like an established player, if you have a strong website and some capital. This extreme interest in smart markets by new operators, will only result in strong smart market growth, even more entrants among smart market suppliers and ultimately, lower prices – as the larger, established operators jump on board – as painful as it might be, to shelve existing equipment that is working just perfectly."