november2024 - 18

By Linda Becker, Editor In Chief
Honoring individuals and teams
for their achievements in promoting
industry innovation and future growth.
his year marked the 11th time that readers nominated individuals and teams whose
accomplishments are moving the industry forward, and this esteemed award recognizes and
celebrates their achievements. Congratulations to the 2024 Automatic Merchandiser Pros to
Know Award winners who have helped their companies excel in the vending, micro market and office
coffee service industry. The following individuals and teams have persevered through today's changing business
environment to elevate workplace refreshments and embrace new technology to promote future growth of the industry.
T
DAVID BARRIENTOS
Regional Sales Manager, North Region
Flowers Bakeries
David Barrientos has been with
Flowers Bakeries since 2019 as
regional sales manager for the
North region. In this position, he
plays a pivotal role in bridging the
gap between sales and production. With decades of
experience in the vending industry, David thinks outside
the box to help grow business in new directions. He
has been instrumental in promoting Flowers Bakeries
products and has helped operators and distributors
alike increase sales. He has also helped with the
implementation of marketing ideas based around the
end user and vend/micro market trends.
KRISTIN BLAKE
National Account Manager
Congo Brands
Kristin Blake is an accomplished
national account manager at Congo
Brands, noted for her work with
Alani Nu and Prime. With more than
15 years in the food and beverage
industry, she has established herself as a key player
in the convenience services sector. Kristin's passion
for brand building and her ability to cultivate mutually
beneficial relationships were instrumental in introducing
these brands to the national market for vending,
specialty and foodservice. Known for her exceptional
customer service, Kristin stays ahead of industry trends
to better support her partnerships. She embraces
the challenges of developing strategic initiatives to
promote new brands within convenience services,
always bringing enthusiasm and innovation to her role.
Her commitment to excellence and growth continues to
drive success for both her clients and the brands she
represents. She believes in fostering an environment
where collaboration and support are paramount,
empowering her colleagues to reach their full potential.
18 Automatic Merchandiser * November 2024
DON BLOTNER
Executive Consultant
Convenience Brigade
Don Blotner began his career in the
vending channel as a third-generation
operator in his early teens. He has
worked in a consulting role or as an
employee in the industry for nearly
54 years. His focus has always been on maximizing
profitability by leveraging the best technology available
at the time. He has managed some of the largest projects
in the industry, rolling out new software platforms and
hardware deployment for Streamware and Cantaloupe. If
you asked, he would tell you that " Basic business rules still
apply today, but access to timely and accurate data has a
significant impact on the level of profitability a company
can attain. " D&D Management Consulting joined forces
with Convenience Brigade in 2023, and that partnership
has already worked with some of the largest operators
in the country, changing data platforms and improving
their internal and external operations. Don resides in
northwest Arkansas with his wife, Deb.
ROD BURK
Director of Sales - Vending
E. A. Sween Co.
Rod Burk is a well-respected sales
professional in the vending channel,
possessing 24 years of food and
beverage sales experience. In 2016,
he joined E. A. Sween Co., bringing
his passion and can-do attitude to every aspect of
his work. Rod is known for his sound business acumen
and creative problem-solving. His expertise and
relationships have helped drive double-digit growth
annually for the Deli Express, Market Sandwich and San
Luis brands. In addition, Rod is a collaborative mentor
to others in the industry, developing younger talent
to help their professional growth. Burk is the vendor
partner who distributors and operators seek out to build
collective growth.

november2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of november2024