ATM Talks

Welcome to ATM TALKS — the show where we interview real ATM operators, processors, and industry pros to bring you unfiltered, practical knowledge about running an ATM business.

In this episode, we sit down with Franco from Max Cash ATM. What started 15 years ago as a simple gamble—a first phone call that led to his first machine—has grown into a nationwide network of over 700 ATMs. Franco walks us through his raw, boots-on-the-ground story, from making lunchtime cash runs while working a 9-to-5 to building a scalable model that works across multiple states.

This is not a theory—this is a real operator sharing the exact systems, mistakes, and mindsets that built a sustainable ATM business from the ground up.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The First Gamble: How Franco transitioned from real estate to ATMs and why he decided to buy his own machines instead of a route.

The Scaling Model: How using third-party cash loaders allowed him to grow beyond time and capital constraints.

Location Strategy: The exact two qualifiers Franco looks for in a high-performing ATM placement.

Defining Real Success: Why his most “successful” location isn’t his highest earner, but the one that’s been with him for 15 years.

Revenue Beyond Withdrawals: A breakdown of the multiple ways (bitcoin, advertising, foreign cards) an ATM generates income.

Advice for New Operators: Franco’s non-negotiable first step that he repeats to every beginner.

The Human Mission: How serving the “underserved” and providing critical cash access defines the real value of the business.

The Family Legacy: Why, beyond profits, the business is about building something meaningful for the next generation.

If you’re searching for:

✔ How to Start an ATM Business

✔ ATM Cash Loading Model

✔ ATM Location Strategy

✔ Scaling an ATM Route

✔ ATM Passive Income

✔ ATM Industry Story

This episode is a masterclass in practical growth from an operator who’s lived it.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: "Why I'm Doing This"

01:03 - The Numbers: 715 Machines & 15 Years in Business

02:01 - The Origin Story: From Dallas to Denver & The First Gamble

04:17 - What Drew Him to the ATM Industry

04:39 - Current Operations: The Cash Loader Model Explained

05:34 - Placement Strategy: The 2 Qualifiers for a Great Location

06:38 - Defining a "Successful" Placement

07:03 - How ATM Operators Generate Income

07:44 - The Partnership Philosophy with Business Owners

08:40 - Common Misconceptions About Cash & Profitability

10:48 - Critical First Step for New Operators

13:56 - Maintenance, Support & Handling Downtime

15:09 - Future Trends: ATMs as Multi-Service Tellers

15:43 - Navigating Cash-Intensive Environments

16:47 - Biggest Challenges in Scaling the Business

18:33 - Managing Operations Across Multiple States

19:21 - Tools & Relationships for Efficient Growth

20:29 - One Final Piece of Advice for New Operators

22:01 - Success Beyond Profits: The Family Legacy

Connect With Franco & Max Cash ATM:

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Phone: 303-587-7459

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Welcome to ATM TALKS — the show where we interview real ATM operators, processors, and industry pros to bring you unfiltered, practical knowledge about running an ATM business.

In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Renard, the Executive Director of the National ATM Council (NAC). With over 15 years of experience leading the industry's premier advocacy group, Bruce provides an essential insider's perspective on the forces shaping the future of every ATM business.

For any independent operator, understanding the work of the NAC is not optional—it's critical for protecting your bottom line and navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Role of the NAC: What the National ATM Council does and what every independent operator should expect from their advocacy.

The State of Interchange: An update on the ongoing legal battles and what a potential resolution could mean for future interchange rates.

Top Regulatory Challenges: The most significant regulatory hurdles facing independent ATM operators today.

The Banking Hurdle: The critical challenge of finding a supportive financial institution and how NAC is working to create solutions.

The Cash Narrative: Is cash truly disappearing, or is this a narrative that's been overblown? Bruce provides the data-driven perspective.

Bruce's Journey: What inspired him to dedicate his career to advocating for the ATM industry.

A Look Ahead: What to expect from the NAC and the industry in the coming year, including what's next for their acclaimed conferences.

If you’re searching for:

✔ ATM Industry Regulations

✔ National ATM Council NAC

✔ ATM Interchange News

✔ ATM Banking Solutions

✔ Future of Cash

✔ ATM Business Advocacy

This episode delivers the crucial insights you need from the industry's leading voice.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:48 - Who is Bruce Renard? An Introduction to the NAC

06:22 - Summary of Key Legal & Regulatory Battles

11:48 - The Future of Interchange Rates

18:57 - The Most Challenging Aspects of Industry Advocacy

23:52 - Significant Regulatory Challenges for Operators

33:49 - The Banking Crisis for New ATM Businesses

37:11 - Is Cash Disappearing? Debunking the Narrative

45:26 - Bruce's Inspiration for Joining the ATM Industry

49:12 - The Value of NAC Conferences & Events

50:58 - How to Connect with Bruce Renard and the NAC

Connect With Bruce Renard & the National ATM Council (NAC):

Ph Number: 9047103522

📧 Email: [email protected]

🔔 Follow to ATM TALKS and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of cash access.

Welcome to ATM TALKS — the show where we interview real ATM operators, processors, and industry pros to bring you unfiltered, practical knowledge about running an ATM business.

In this episode, we are joined by Lonnie Talbert, CEO of the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA). With a 35-year career in banking and financial services, Lonnie now leads the largest global association representing the entire ATM ecosystem, from independent deployers to hardware manufacturers.

This is a must-listen for any operator who wants to understand the powerful advocacy, security resources, and future-forward technology that ATMIA provides to protect and grow your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Role of ATMIA: What the world's largest ATM association does for its members and the entire industry.

Key Legislative Battles: An inside look at the push for the Payment Choice Act and the Safe Access to Cash Act, which would make ATM crimes a federal offense.

Debunking the "Cashless" Myth: Why the narrative of a cashless society is overblown and the critical importance of payment choice.

The Future of ATM Technology: How contactless, NFC, and mobile pre-staging are transforming machines into multi-functional kiosks

.Combating ATM Crime: Practical security measures every operator must take and how to leverage ATMIA's global fraud database.

The Power of AI: How artificial intelligence is being used for cash forecasting, route optimization, and placement strategies today.

Financial Inclusion: The essential role ATMs play in communities where banks are closing (bank deserts).

Alternative Revenue Streams: Exploring new opportunities like crypto, digital topper advertising, and more.

The Value of Membership: How joining ATMIA provides networking, education, and a collective voice on critical issues.

If you’re searching for:

✔ ATM Industry Association ATMIA

✔ Payment Choice Act

✔ Future of Cash

✔ ATM Security Solutions

✔ ATM Business Advocacy

✔ Starting an ATM Business

This episode delivers a masterclass from the industry's top advocate.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:17 - Lonnie Talbert's Background: From Banking to ATMIA

02:04 - What is the ATM Industry Association (ATMIA)?

04:00 - The Core Mission: Advocacy, Education & Networking for Operators

06:21 - Key Legislation: Safe Access to Cash & Payment Choice Act

08:36 - The Future of ATM Technology (Next-Gen, Contactless, Mobile)

10:07 - Is Cash Going Away? Debunking the "Cashless Society" Narrative

14:22 - The Critical Role of ATMs in Financial Inclusion

16:14 - ATM Security: Global Fraud Database & Best Practices

21:35 - How the Industry is Using AI Right Now

24:17 - The Regulatory & Crypto Landscape for Operators

26:05 - Exploring Alternative Revenue Streams

28:36 - What Inspired Lonnie to Lead ATMIA

31:10 - The Unbeatable Value of ATMIA's Conference & Networking

32:09 - How to Connect with Lonnie Talbert and ATMIA

Connect With Lonnie Talbert & ATMIA:

🌐 Website: atmia.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

💼 LinkedIn: Lonnie Talbert

🔔 Subscribe to ATM TALKS and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of cash access.

Welcome to ATM TALKS — the show where we interview real ATM operators, processors, and industry pros to bring you unfiltered, practical knowledge about running an ATM business.

In this episode, we sit down with Todd McEwan, the founder and president of New England ATM LLC. With a background at major financial institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase, Todd made the "leap" in 2012 to build his own ATM empire. Today, he owns and operates nearly 500 machines, processes for over 2,000 more, and pays out roughly $30,000 in monthly commissions.

Whether you're a seasoned operator or just starting out, Todd delivers a masterclass in scaling a business, from his humble beginnings as a "reluctant" side-hustler to becoming a leading full-service provider in the Northeast.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Todd's journey from corporate banking to a pivotal, life-changing moment that forced him into the ATM business full-time.

How he grew New England ATM into a powerhouse, operating 500 machines and processing for 2,000+.

The biggest mistakes new deployers make and why patience is the key to building a profitable portfolio.

Strategies for finding underserved geographic markets and the types of locations that perform best (including a surprising take on nail salons and smoke shops).

How to approach merchant partnerships and why he doesn't always require a written contract.

Advanced revenue streams beyond surcharging: Credit Card Surcharge Segmentation, DCC, and the potential of digital topper advertising.

The critical importance of systems, procedures, and workflows for scaling beyond the "solopreneur" stage.

A deep dive into the opportunities and risks of operating in high-risk markets like cannabis dispensaries.

Todd's honest advice for newcomers: "Just do it," find a mentor, and overcome the biggest hurdle—finding a bank.

If you’re searching for:

✔ How to start an ATM business

✔ Scaling an ATM portfolio

✔ Corporate to entrepreneur transition

✔ ATM business management

✔ Veteran ATM operator advice

This episode is packed with the wisdom you need.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction & Todd's Background

01:38 - The "Leap" from Corporate Banking to ATMs

04:14 - The Pivotal Moment That Changed Everything

08:28 - Getting into the Industry "Kicking and Screaming"

11:41 - Describing the Current ATM Operation (Deployment & Processing)

13:44 - Co-Founding the ATM Business Startups Facebook Group

16:12 - Top Performing Location Types & Market Strategy

18:33 - How to Evaluate a New ATM Placement

20:38 - Approaching Merchant Partnerships

24:38 - Generating Income Beyond Surcharges

29:16 - The Future of ATM Toppers & Advertising

30:42 - Advice for Someone Starting an ATM Operation

32:18 - The #1 Hurdle for Newcomers: Banking

34:31 - In-House ATM Maintenance & Refurbishment

36:09 - New Technologies & Trends (Recyclers, Toppers)

37:25 - Operating in High-Risk Markets (Cannabis)

40:59 - The Biggest Challenge in Scaling: Systems & Procedures

43:39 - Using AI and Software in the Business

45:35 - Collaborating with Merchants and Service Providers

48:08 - Defining Success Beyond Profit

49:42 - How to Connect with Todd

Connect With Todd McEwen & New England ATM LLC:

🌐 Website: newenglandatm.net

📘 Facebook Group: ATM Business Startups

📸 Instagram: @newenglandatm

🔔 Follow to ATM TALKS and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode with the leaders and innovators shaping the future of cash access.

Welcome to the very first episode of ATM TALKS — the show where we interview real ATM operators, processors, and industry pros to bring you unfiltered, practical knowledge about running an ATM business.

To launch our series, we’re joined by Ed Cramer, the founder of Pro Solv Solutions (ATM processing & support) and Cash In The Spot (his own ATM deployment company). Ed brings valuable insights from both sides of the industry — the technical processing side and the real-world operator side.

Whether you're starting your first ATM route or looking to grow, this kickoff episode lays the foundation for new deployers by breaking down the fundamentals you MUST understand to build a profitable ATM business.

What You’ll Learn in Episode 1:

• How Ed started Pro Solv Solutions and built his ATM route Cash In The Spot

• The most common beginner mistakes new ATM deployers make

• How ATM processing really works — and what new operators overlook

• The truth about uptime, terminal setup, surcharge routing, and merchant relationships

• How to scale your ATM portfolio the right way

• Ed’s honest advice for anyone entering the ATM industry in 2025

If you’re searching for:

✔ How to start an ATM business

✔ Beginner ATM business interview

✔ ATM operator strategies

✔ ATM processing explained

✔ ATM entrepreneurship tips

This FIRST episode is your perfect starting point.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to ATM TALKS (Episode 1!)

01:10 – Ed’s background & getting into the ATM industry

04:50 – Starting Pro Solv Solutions & Cash In The Spot

09:20 – Biggest mistakes first-time deployers make

15:00 – Processing, routing & terminal setup made simple

21:40 – Uptime, merchant support & operational best practices

27:10 – Ed’s advice to brand-new ATM deployers

30:00 – Closing thoughts & what’s coming in future episodes

Connect With Ed Cramer, Pro Solv Solutions & Cash In The Spot:

🌐 Website: prosolvsolutions.com

📸 Instagram (Pro Solv): @prosolvsolutions

📸 Instagram (Cash In The Spot): @cashinthespot

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/prosolvsolutions

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/cashinthespot

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/prosolvsolutions