As co-owner of Quality Vending & Coffee, Dean Prather is a hard-working operator with 34 years in the business. His invention, Q-Tote, is having an impact on the micro market industry. Dave Marler of Lightspeed calls it a “game changer.” Beyond his work, he is driven by giving back in several directions.

In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, the podcast for the convenience services industry, Dean Prather talks to host Bob Tullio about the three things he is invested in – his employees, his customers and the community. It is Dean Prather – Part II.

Prather talks about his take on the coffee service industry and the fact that today, it is looking more and more like pantry service. He discusses his enthusiasm for one piece of equipment that he believes is the next big thing – a departure from his usually conservative approach to business.

Suppliers are critical to success and Prather identifies the key partners who have elevated his company. He explains the thought process behind Q-Tote and how the product, while not a perfect fit for every operator, is taking off.

Of course, he has his own recipe for the secret sauce that is perfectly in line with his approach to doing business.