november2024 - 20

DR. DAVI GEIGER
Co-Founder
Kooick Inc.
Dr. Davi Geiger is co-founder of Kooick Inc. and leads the company's artificial intelligence and sensor
fusion research and development efforts. Davi has been working on computer vision and artificial
intelligence solutions for more than 20 years. At Kooick, Davi is working on solving the twin challenges
of ease of use and security in the unattended grab-and-go retail space, including refrigerated,
ambient and warm cabinet systems. Kooick has delivered and is deploying its first sensor fusion
solution with its refrigerator partner, Due North. In addition to serving as AI leader at Kooick, Davi is also associate
professor of computer science and neural science at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
SEAN GRUNDY
Co-Founder
Bevi
Sean Grundy is the co-founder of Bevi,
which started in Boston in 2013. Prior
to Bevi, Sean worked in environmental
conservation at a not-for-profit
organization in the United States and
China, which shaped his commitment to create a more
sustainable future. Since Bevi's inception in 2013, the
company has helped thousands of organizations across
North America save more than 500 million plastic bottles
collectively and has raised over $160 million in venture capital
to disrupt the bottled beverage industry. Sean holds an MBA
from MIT and a B.A. in philosophy from Princeton University.
Congratulations
Jon Holden
Jon continues
to be the catalyst
that pushes
All Star Services
to be an industry
leader with
his passion for
supporting All
Star's customers
and local snack
and beverage
products.
20 Automatic Merchandiser * November 2024
2411AUTM_AllStarServicesInc-JonHolden.indd 1
10/24/24 3:00 PM
JOHN HAJDUK
Vice President Operations,
Equipment and Service
Vegas Valley Beverage / First Class
Vending OCS
When starting Vegas Valley Beverage
20 years ago, John always put his
customers and employees as top
priority, treating customers and employees the way
he would want to be treated as a customer or an
employee. This commitment helped create a reputation
for Vegas Valley Beverage as one of the go-to service
companies in the Las Vegas area. Today, with eight
technicians under his responsibility, the company now
services several coffee roasting companies as well as
most convenience stores throughout southern Nevada,
focusing on coffee, tea and espresso equipment. In
2018, He merged his sales and service business with
First Class Vending Inc., bringing with him the same
customer service beliefs. Due to his comprehensive
expertise in both the coffee/tea/espresso and
equipment industries, in addition to his Vegas Valley
responsibilities, John has taken on the OCS (office
coffee service) service and equipment department.
BLAKE HARRISON
Senior Customer Manager
Mars Wrigley Confectionery
Blake Harrison is a senior customer
manager at Mars Wrigley
Confectionery and is currently
leading the strategy and execution of
programs such as the flagship Remix
and Smart Vending programs. Based in Laguna Niguel,
Calif., he has a robust background in sales, equipment
management and product marketing. Harrison earned
an MBA and a B.A. in marketing and management
from Concordia University Irvine. His career includes
roles such as senior sales manager for the West at
Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA, where he expanded
the company's regional presence, and national
account manager at Lavazza, managing a $40 million
portfolio and leading new product launches. Harrison
also held positions at Mars Drinks and PepsiCo,
focusing on distributor management and key account
management. Living in Orange County, Harrison is
married to Jill and enjoys fatherhood with his son
Levi. His career reflects a strong emphasis on growth,
innovation and strategic customer relationships.

november2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of november2024