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Many of the Pro-Vend team have long-time and invaluable experience. "Butch Puckett, our senior supervi- sor, has been on our team for more than 25 years," said Keener. "He started as a route man at 19 years old at Mid Atlantic Coca-Cola and is a wealth of knowledge." Keener con- siders him a huge asset by helping to keep the routes running smoothly as well as managing the daily issues in the shop. Mechanics John Moody and Rob Knowles have both been with Pro- Vend for more than 25 years and are excellent at what they do. "They, with the additional help of Jonathan Hankins, keep up with the ever changing technological needs in our business and customers love them," said Keener. "We are very fortunate to have numerous other hard work- ing employees who have been with us over 15 years and are a big part of Pro-Vend's success," added Keener. She knows that Pro-Vend customers appreciate their experience, depend- able service and friendly attitude. Healthy vending sinks commissions While commissions aren't a problem for Pro-Vend, Keener notices they aren't requested as often as they used to be. "It's just something to work through with new lines and healthier products where we try to be on the forefront of what is avail- able," she said. In fact, Keener has noticed an increase in the number of locations paying the vending opera- tor to subsidize healthy items. "It's a new thing employers are doing. It keeps healthier products available in the breakroom and at a lower price than traditional items. This way healthier options are more appealing to workers, due to the lower price, when deciding on something to eat or drink," she said. Pro-Vend offers a number of great-selling, healthier food options made by a family owned, local cater- ing company, but there are also an increasing number of snacks that are meeting the consumer's desire for "better-for-you" selections that taste good. "Some of the really popu- lar options include baked chips, fruit items with less calories and fat, as well as a wide variety of protein and granola bars," said Keener. The oper- ation isn't afraid to try new products in its machines to see what sells. "We are told by our suppliers we are quick to try new things," said Keener. "We are always taking samples around to our locations." '' Some of the really popular options include baked chips, fruit items with less calories and fat, as well as a wide variety of protein and granola bars. '' Pam Keener, vice-president of sales, Pro-Vend 50 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com April 2016 O P E R A T I O N P R O F I L E Jonathan Hankins and Butch Puckett showing the finished installation of a Revision Door on a snack machine. Close up of a snack machine with a Revision Door.