Automatic Merchandiser serves the business management, marketing, technology and product information needs of its readers including vending operators, coffee service operators, product brokers, and product and equipment distributors in print.
Issue link: http://automaticmerchandiser.epubxp.com/i/331646
mon and people showed a prefer- ence for pour over coffee compared to vended coffee. The OCS side has grown to include nine different pri- vate label blends in 2 and 2.5 ounce frac packs. "We try to promote good quality private label," said Pavlic. In addition to private label, Pavlic has partnered with several regional roasters, most notably Colectivo, the former Alterra coffee famous in the Midwest and now part of the Flavia line of single-cup coffees. Coffee represents about 25 per- cent of Pavlic's total sales with the majority from private label frac packs. Single-cup has not been embraced in the Milwaukee area to the extent that it has in other cities. "It's hard to get people to spend 60 cents for a cup when a pot costs a dollar," explained Pavlic about his frugal marketplace. Still, for those locations looking for the fexibly and variety of single cup, Pavlic offers Flavia. Pavlic has also had success with other bean to cup machines and countertop machines that use freeze-dried, soluble coffee, especially when paired with specialty drinks like cappuccino. Developing the personal touch — drivers Providing personalized service is something Pavlic strives for in his operation. From the friendly demeanor of the person answering the phone to the drivers making deliveries. "I want customers to know there are real-life people taking care of them," Pavlic said. Hiring the right driver is impera- tive to create the right impression and it takes them a while to develop those skills. "The average tenure of our route drivers is 10 years with our company and they average 15 years in the industry," said Pavlic. He looks for people with "court awareness" that are personable and take pride in their work. He pays drivers commission and expects them to anticipate what is needed to fll their machines and bring the trucks back empty. "It's not a rolling warehouse," said Pavlic. It's hard to fnd just the right per- son, so Pavlic feels lucky to have great drivers. "We have really good people," he said. As a thank you, Pavlic invites the employees to his house on the lake for an annual picnic. Pavlic Vending is a great example of the service-centered family com- pany that people love to do business with. It's bringing some of the most promising technology to the area while keeping its strong bottom-line. It's a company with which it's easy to do business — a motto Pavlic shares with his customers. Profle: Pavlic Vending — Modern Coffee Headquarters: Waukesha, Wis. Number of employees: 20 Number of routes: 6 vending, 2 OCS, 1 micro market Software provider: ChallengeMaster Vending Man- agement Software Micro market provider: Avanti Markets Annual sales: Not revealed Kris Wagner answers the phone and much more as the Pavlic Vending receptionist. Route drivers at Pavlic Vending average 15 years in the industry. 24 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com June 2014 S U C C E S S S T O R Y autm_18-25_0614OpProfile_F.indd 24 6/10/14 11:49 AM