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Edwards has worked multiple posi- tions in this industry, including in the warehouse as a shipping and loading coordinator, as a machine repairer, as a manager and as a route driver. Of all those positions, he pre- fers the one he is in now: servicing locations as a route driver. "I like being responsible for myself. The managerial position was not easy, and I found out it was not for me," said Edwards. "I like my job, I really do. I get to be my own boss. If you do what you're supposed to, and do it right, there aren't many issues." The best and the worst When asked what he likes most about his position as a route driver, Edwards responded that he likes being out and around town. "I love running into different people. This job is great because I'm not con- fned to one place," said Edwards. "The routes have a pattern, but the scenery is different most days and I love that." One of the hardest things for Edwards as a route driver is dealing with traffc on a daily basis. "It's easy to take care of customers," said Edwards. "I want customers to be happy and to keep coming back to that machine. The biggest headache is dealing with drivers on the road." Edwards drives about 70 miles each day, 6 days a week. Although weather is never an issue, the majority of his commute is on Highway 29 from Greensboro, N.C. to Reidsville, N.C. "It gets congested and a lot of people travel that road, so that's the hardest thing I deal with all day." Nothing but the good stuff On Saturdays, Edwards can be found working his route. This 6-day-per-week route driver services two large accounts, Equity Meats and Procter & Gamble, two compa- nies that run 24/7. "Between both of those companies, there are about 1,500 people," he said. Edwards has to constantly maintain stocked machines at both locations while simultaneously providing products customers request. "If I can get it, I'll put it in the machines," said Edwards of trying new products. "I always tell people that if they don't see me, they can put a sticky-note on the machine to let me know what product they want." Edwards will request one helix of a product in order to test how well that product sells, before ordering more. "There are some instances when someone requests a product and they end up being the only person that buys the item." Although he is receptive to new product requests, Edwards believes customers will always have their favorites. When it comes to healthy foods, however, Edwards admits that in his experience, it hasn't been all the rage. "I hear more complaints than requests," he said. "People want the good stuff." All work and some play Like most employees, Edwards says he can't let work consume his life. He became an avid disc golf player in 1994 and played heavily for ffteen years. Ten- donitis in the elbow has slowed Edwards down from his profes- sional disc golfng days, and although he still plays on occa- sion, he prefers to spend time with his kids. "My son and I are always shooting baskets, playing football or playing disc golf in the yard," said Edwards of his son, Matthew. Even though Edwards spends most Saturdays stocking machines several towns away, he still has enthusiasm for the week- end when he can spend time with his family. "I love Saturdays," exclaimed Edwards. He enjoys spending time with his son, two step children and wife, Jennifer. Edwards is glad that his fam- ily understands that he has to work on the weekends. And he is thankful to the company's owner, president and manager for nomi- nating him for the award. "I want to thank Monty and Dennis and Brian for giving me the chance and the opportunity to win this award. Greensboro Vending has taken care of me and treated me well over the years and I'm grate- ful to work for them." Profle: Greensboro Vending & Coffee Year founded: 1949 Location: Greensboro, N.C. Number of employees: 13 Number of routes: 6 vending, 1 micro market, 1 OCS Micro market provider: Avanti Markets '' If you do what you're supposed to, and do it right, there aren't many issues. '' April 2014 VendingMarketWatch.com Automatic Merchandiser 53 autm_52-53_0414RDOY_F.indd 53 3/21/14 12:08 PM