On the surface, taking over a family business would seem to be a dream scenario. But each time a new generation takes the reins, especially in a well-established operation, there are inherent stresses that come with the job. So far, Patrick and Michael Sheehan have been up to the task.

What kind of stress does the third generation of a family-owned business typically deal with? Patrick Sheehan of Sheehan Brothers Vending sits down with host Bob Tullio in this episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation. During his many interviews with operators, Tullio has picked up some common examples.

• Will customers be happy to work with the next generation?
• How do we make it a smooth transition?
• As the new leadership, how do I establish authority with my employees (especially those who have been here for many years)?
• How do I ensure continued success? After all these years, I don’t want to be the one who screws things up!

Many successors feel the weight of preserving the family’s legacy. This aspiration can create pressure and lead to decisions rooted in tradition rather than what is best for the business’s future.

It is certainly a great opportunity – stepping into a family business – but it also comes with challenges. After nine years of leadership, Patrick and Michael are taking a well-established company to a new level and are having some fun along the way.

This episode of Automatic Merchandiser’s Vending & OCS Nation podcast features more conversations and insights with industry leaders (some big names in the industry) from the Connection Hub at the CTW – NAMA’s Coffee, Tea and Water Show.

Three questions were asked:

• What is your takeaway from the CTW event?
• What do operators need to do to succeed in 2026?
• And a very timely question: As an operator or supplier, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

This podcast features comments from:

• Kevin Brinton of Evergreen Refreshments
• Linda Saldana of Seventh Wave Refreshments
• Christine Johnson of The J.M. Smucker Co.
• Katelyn Davis of Seventh Wave Refreshments
• Ryan Stoulil of Alliant Coffee Solutions
• John Hickey of Tech 2 Success
• Patricia Cowan of Rainmaker Sales Support
• Brian Zakeski of Follett Products LLC
• Rick Dutkiewicz of National Coffee
• Kevin Alves of Keurig Dr Pepper
• Chris J. Taylor of Canteen

EPISODE BONUS: Podcast host Bob Tullio has not been this emotional since he ate at Mary Mac’s Tearoom during the NAMA Show in Atlanta – an unforgettable experience. In Miami, in between interviews, he discovered a compelling reason to return to Miami. Tune in to learn more, and be prepared to get hungry.

The 2025 CTW in Miami – NAMA’s Coffee, Tea and Water show – is in the books. Both suppliers and operators said very good things about the engagement opportunities, and the two keynote speakers were quite compelling.

If you did not attend the event, this podcast will take you down to the convention floor, also known as the Connection Hub, where podcast host (and event emcee) Bob Tullio spoke with industry operators and suppliers.

Three questions were asked:

• What is your takeaway from the CTW?
• What do operators need to do to succeed in 2026?
• As an operator or supplier, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Of course, when questions are asked, the conversations tend to expand, offering some interesting insights from industry leaders.

Hear from:

• David Pemberton, Pepi Companies
• Brent Toevs, SEB Coffee and Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
• Kimberly Lenz, Associated Services
• Patrick Moran, Moran Refreshments
• Tammy Stokes, Insight Edge Performance
• Luke Webster, Newco
• Tara Fore, Nestlé Professional Solutions
• Karen Foster, Brokers Unlimited
• Paul Tullio, Five Star Break Time Solutions