for the business snowballed. MVVC
currently employs more than 90
individuals from the warehouse to
the offce staff. Since micro markets
require prekitting, Plassman discov-
ered a strong need to bulk up ware-
house staff and currently employs 15
people in that area. Staff in the com-
missary has also grown, as the fresh
food sales have increased with micro
markets. In the offce, Plassman has
hired staff to manage the promotions,
both implementing them and track-
ing the special products. "We're very
fortunate to have great people around
us — and they wear many hats," said
Plassman, recognizing those that
work at MVVC. "That helps us pull
all this off," Plassman acknowledged.
MVVC launches micro markets
It was only four short years ago that
MVVC launched its frst micro mar-
ket and experienced a superior level
of growth. In 2012, Terry Miller, gen-
eral manager at MVVC, began talking
to Plassman about the micro market
concept and its potential in their area
of Ohio. At frst, Plassman was skep-
tical. "Common sense told me you'd
get robbed blind," laughed Plassman.
However, after months of discussion,
Plassman fnally agreed to try it.
One of their longtime customers
might be open to the concept, Plass-
man knew, so he set up a meeting.
The location agreed to try the concept,
but had stipulations. "They wanted to
MVVC invests in extras to make the micro
markets feel sophisticated and comfortable.
MVVC offers various micro market promotions, including the chance to win a free kayak.
Enhancing the breakroom
It's important to Maumee Valley Vending to include area treatments on
each micro market installation to really make it feel special and unique.
"We've done some pretty creative stuff," said President Todd Plassman.
His staff has done dark wall treatments, set off with track lighting. In one
installation they placed all Harley Davidson branded furniture. "People
love it," said Plassman. "We want to make the markets a fun place to go."
40 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com June/July 2016
O P E R A T I O N P R O F I L E