NAMA Reveals 2025 Industry Award Winners

Honorees to be recognized during The NAMA Show, May 7, in Las Vegas

The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Industry Awards, honoring two standout companies and an individual shaping the convenience services industry. This year’s honorees were selected for their leadership, innovation, and lasting impact across the field.

“The convenience services industry thrives because of exceptional individuals and companies like this year’s awardees,” said Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA, in a recent press release. “These honorees are not just winners—they’re thought leaders and changemakers. Their commitment to advancing the convenience services business, and the customer experience, are helping define what’s next for our industry.”

2025 Awardees are:

• Industry Person of the Year: Mark Stein, president of Mark Vend Co. (retired)
• Operator of the Year: The Pepi Companies
• Allied Member of the Year: VendCentral Inc.

Industry Person of the Year Award: Mark Stein

The Industry Person of the Year award is given to a leader who has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence and achieved business success throughout their career in the industry.

With a career spanning over three decades, Mark Stein is a driving force in convenience services, shaping the industry through both business leadership and advocacy. As president of Mark Vend Co., he led the company’s transformation into a powerhouse in vending, micro markets, and office coffee services. A longtime advocate, Stein also helped shape public policy through his work on the NAMA Board and the Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council, making him a key figure in the industry’s growth story. His contributions to business and entrepreneurship were recognized in 2004 when he was inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Now retired, his legacy of innovation and mentorship continues to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Operator of the Year Award: The Pepi Companies

The Operator of the Year award recognizes a company that best exemplifies consistent advancement of the convenience services industry.

The Pepi Companies, a leading vending and refreshment services provider in Southeast United States, is recognized for operational excellence and forward-thinking customer service. Under the leadership of David Pemberton, Donnie Pemberton, Shaun Morris, and Vic Pemberton, Pepi has advanced how vending and refreshment services meet the needs of today’s consumers. From integrating SNAP payments into micro markets to advancing healthy food access and touchless tech, Pepi stands out for its inclusive and community-first business model. Their technological advances and community support continue to push the industry forward.

Allied Member of the Year Award: VendCentral, Inc.

The Allied Member of the Year award recognizes a non-operator member company who has exhibited the highest level of integrity, dedication, and leadership to convenience services.

VendCentral Inc., under the direction of Neil Swindale, is transforming digital marketing solutions for operators across the U.S. and Canada. With a client-first approach and deep industry engagement, Swindale and his team have become trusted partners looking to grow their reach and modernize their customer experience. VendCentral’s tailored marketing solutions, from website development to social media management, have redefined how operators connect with customers in an increasingly digital world. Swindale’s commitment to education and advocacy, including his involvement in NAMA events and state councils, reflects his dedication to the industry’s success.

These recipients will be honored at the 2025 NAMA Show taking place May 7-9 in Las Vegas. For more information or to register, visit the website.

About National Automatic Merchandising Association

National Automatic Merchandising Association, popularly known as NAMA, represents the U.S. Convenience Services Industry, which contributes $34.9 billion to the U.S. economy. By providing advocacy, education, and research, NAMA works to promote and protect the industry’s over 160,000 hardworking employees. Through traditional vending and micro markets, office coffee and pantry services, product manufacturing, and small-drop distribution, convenience services meets the needs of over 40 million American consumers daily at work, home, school, and play. Learn more: namanow.org.