februarymarch2024 - 20

Billy O'Neal
Billy O'Neal started Lee Dee Vending in 1971 in Alexandria, Louisiana. The company services a
60-mile radius and covers 11 parishes in the central Louisiana area. Lee Dee Vending has been
in business for 52 years and became a Canteen franchise in 2003. When O'Neal signed to
become a franchise, he brought four other vendors in Louisiana to become franchises as well.
O'Neal was instrumental in starting VMOL (Vending Machine Operators of Louisiana), served
as secretary/treasurer for 26 years and remains an active member. He was also instrumental
in making VMAGS (Vending Machine Association of the Gulf South) a successful endeavor
and was a dedicated board member from the 1980s until 2004, during which he served as chairman. He is also
an active participant with SEVA (Southeastern Vending Association). O'Neal has been a key figure in building
and maintaining VMOL membership and organizing and developing the SEVA convention. He was National Expo
program chairman for the NAMA Expo in 2000 held in New Orleans. Today, his family is also involved in running
the business.
Aleksandar Radosav
Aleksandar Radosav is president and CTO of Coffea Group Inc. Radosav, a trailblazer in the
coffee industry, began his journey in 1996 with VKI/Vend-King and was involved in the creation
of the first Avalon coffee machine. His innovative spirit led him to create the first " iCup " just a
few years later. He poured his love and knowledge of chemistry and electronics into a " Golden
Cup. " In 2007, Radosav established Coffea, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His
passion for perfection culminated in the development of the first groundbreaking vacuum
brewing system (Coffea brewer), drawing inspiration from the Vacuum Pot/Syphon principle.
Radosav's credentials include notable affiliations with industry giants. He owns several U.S. patents and has
been awarded with many praises and recognitions such as NAMA-CCS, NRA - Kitchen Innovations, SCA, and
SBA. His visionary leadership and dedication to excellence have earned him acclaim and respect, solidifying his
legacy as a driving force behind advancements in coffee and tea technology. Radosav's unwavering commitment
to pushing the boundaries of coffee innovation has left an enduring impact on the industry, showcasing " The Art,
Science & Technology of Brewing Spectacular Coffee. "
Jim Roberson
Jim Roberson started his career
in the vending industry in 1972 as
a route salesman at Pet Bakeries.
Soon after, he was transferred
to Food Vendors Supply and was
promoted to sales manager within
five months. Since then, he has
served the industry in multiple ways. Roberson has
been a salesman with AVA Supply in Charlotte, a food
broker for Weathers Marketing, a salesman for VSA
and finally as a food broker with Brokers Unlimited
since they opened in 1994. Since his start in the
industry over 50 years ago, he has served on the ACE
Planning Committee and on the NCVA Board. In 2001
and again in 2009, he was awarded the North Carolina
Vending Association Supplier of the Year. In 2018, he
was awarded the ACE Lifetime Achievement Award. At
the young age of 81, Roberson is still calling on his loyal
customers in North Carolina.
At the young age of 81, Jim Roberson
is still calling on his loyal customers
in North Carolina.
20 Automatic Merchandiser * February/March 2024
Mike Weisser
In 1996, Mike Weisser began his
career in the convenience services
industry with the Vendo Company of
Fresno, California. Weisser started
as a customer service representative
and became a technical service
manager after just one year. In
2000, he accepted a promotion as Vendo's regional
sales manager of the Midwest, and in 2008, now
SandenVendo America, asked that he relocate his
family to the newly opened headquarters in Dallas as its
director of business development. He had several roles
of increasing responsibility until becoming its president
and CEO in 2017. In 2023, Weisser left SandenVendo
to join Innovative DisplayWorks (IDW) as its new vice
president of business development where he creates
and deploys the company's unattended retail strategy.
Weisser says the success he's enjoyed over the years is
because of his wife, his customers and the coworkers he
surrounded himself with.
Honorable Mentions
Louis A. Kershbaumer, Vending Machine Sales
Ken Seymour, BE'S Refreshments

februarymarch2024

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