Industry leader Bob Tullio traces his path from family coin-op to building and selling a $25M operation—and shares a practical roadmap for winning and scaling in convenience services. Description In this episode of the VIBE Cast, we sit down with Bob Tullio—a longtime voice and innovator in the convenience services industry, and contributing editor for Automatic Merchandiser Magazine and vendingmarketwatch.com. From starting a family-run coin-op games company during the rise of Asteroids to building a $25 million business spanning vending, coffee service, Micro Markets, pantry service, and point-of-use water, Bob’s career is a masterclass in adaptability and growth. Bob reveals how small operators can compete with industry giants by over-delivering on service, protecting key accounts with strong agreements, presenting like a “big” brand, and diversifying offerings without losing focus. He shares why coffee is one of the most powerful emotional products in sales, how point-of-use water can deliver annuity-like revenue, and why Micro Markets, and increasingly, smart markets, are reshaping customer expectations. Throughout the conversation, Bob outlines the fundamentals that separate hobbyists from high-performers: proper capitalization, trusted advisors, disciplined branding, and ongoing training. He also points to valuable industry resources—from trade shows and training programs to educational content—that help both new and established operators sharpen their skills and stay competitive. Whether you’re launching your first machine or expanding into multiple services, this episode offers clear, field-tested strategies for sustainable growth in today’s convenience services market.

After nearly 30 years in banking, Portia Boston's was laid off—but instead of returning to corporate life, she made a bold move into entrepreneurship. In this episode of VIBEcast, Portia shares how she reinvented herself after corporate, launching a successful vending business through Naturals2Go. She opens up about the emotional toll of job loss, the support that helped her transition, and how vending gave her the flexibility to be more present with her family. Now with nine machines and plans to keep growing, Portia is not only building a business—she’s creating a legacy for her son. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the comfort of a paycheck, wondering if something more is possible, Portia’s story is a powerful reminder that it's never too late to start again.

How Ross went from 6 to 19 machines overnight—and built lasting success through acquisitions, partnerships, hiring, and heart In this episode of VIBEcast, we sit down with Ross Kramer, founder of Remarkable Vending Services, to hear how his background in the snack industry and entrepreneurial mindset helped him turn a small vending operation into a growing, strategic business. Ross shares how he scaled from 6 to 19 machines overnight through acquisition, built trust with nine YMCA locations, and secured a two-year contract by treating vending like a real business—not just a side hustle. He dives into how he hired his nieces to manage the day-to-day and how that flexibility gave him time to focus on growth, relationships, and long-term planning. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation is packed with insight on how to build a business that's sustainable, relational, and real.

In this episode of VIBE Cast, we sit down with Laura and Ross Crandall, a dynamic duo who made the leap from tech to vending—and brought their values and strategic mindsets with them. Ross shares how his research journey sparked their transition from traditional careers to business ownership, while Laura explains how she overcame her initial skepticism by realizing that vending could align with her passion for food equity and dietary inclusion. The Crandalls have grown their business quickly by learning to self-locate machines, creatively test products, and deeply engage with their local community. As a result of their business success, Laura was able to retire from her career in tech and fully step into vending. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow with purpose, this conversation is a must-listen for any operator who wants to build something real, sustainable, and personal.