Are you maximizing your operational efficiency? According to industry veteran and successful convenience services consultant Tom Bauer, small changes in operations can lead to big results for operators. On this episode of Automatic Merchandiser & VendingMarketWatch's Vending & OCS Nation Podcast, Tom Bauer sits down with podcast host Bob Tullio to reveal five essential focus areas to help your business thrive in 2026! 📈 From logistics to route optimization, these tips don’t require big investments, just your time and dedication!

The podcast emphasizes the importance of not overlooking operations and creating a disciplined environment and culture. It highlights the need for changes in 2026, focusing on disciplined people, thoughts, and actions to improve organizational efficiency.

Especially for those who did not attend the CTW and hear Ethan King's keynote address, the December 16th Podcast with King was impactful. Host Bob Tullio said he heard from several listeners who wanted to learn more.

In that podcast, King explained how AI can eliminate busywork and help convenience services operators focus on growth, relationships and greater productivity.

Tullio and King discussed the fact that AI is a productivity multiplier, not a replacement for people. Used correctly, it handles repetitive tasks so teams can spend more time on far more important functions. He mentioned that speed and connectivity with clients and prospects is more important than ever. AI can help operators respond to leads, service issues and customer questions faster — a critical advantage in today’s on-demand environment.

Best of all, you don’t need a technical background. King was an art major. If your team can type, copy and paste, or talk into a microphone, they can start using AI tools effectively.

Today’s episode is part two – we take the conversation to another level. If you are serious about gaining a competitive advantage – this episode is a must listen.

According to business broker Mike Kelner, the M&A market for convenience services is red hot. Valuations are higher than ever. It’s a good time to be a convenience services operator and with these market conditions, many operators are pondering their options for 2026.

Mike Kelner, owner of VBB Advisors, said he has learned over the years that selling a business is as much a psychological and life-planning decision as it is a financial and transactional one. In this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation, host Bob Tullio sat down with Kelner and asked him to talk about the key questions an operator needs to ask before finding the exit door.

The podcast discusses part 5 of Kelner’s M&A Best Practices series, written for Vending Market Watch.

The first four parts of his series, available at vendingmarketrwatch.com, were focused

• Preparation
• Valuation
• Marketing
• Negotiation
• Part 5 looks at the psychological side of a deal - Key questions to ask before you sell your business.

For any operator who is considering a sale in 2026 or beyond, it’s a thought provoking listen, as Kelner shares those questions and the answers he receives from operators.