In this episode of The Automation and Self-Service Podcast Sandra Carpenter, editor of Vending Times, and Jack Brown, CEO of Legacy Ventures Group, discuss the company's "unbundled" vending packages. Brown's model aims to increase accessibility to vending business ownership, particularly for veterans, women and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, by offering flexible entry points with lower initial investments. The conversation examines the structure and potential impact of this alternative to traditional vending business setups.

Brown explains Legacy Ventures Group's business philosophy, emphasizing strategic planning, collaborative partnerships and long-term growth. The discussion focuses on the company's approach to providing tailored solutions and support, highlighting its commitment to addressing the specific needs of individual entrepreneurs. The podcast explores the company's stated goal of facilitating sustainable business development through innovative problem-solving.

Carpenter and Brown detail the practical aspects of the "unbundled" package concept, outlining how it allows for phased business development. The episode provides information on the potential benefits and challenges of this approach, offering listeners an overview of how Legacy Ventures Group is attempting to modify the vending industry's traditional entry barriers.

The world of retail is rapidly transforming, and at the heart of this change lies the powerful force of artificial intelligence. In a recent conversation with Ray Friedrich, chief strategy officer of East Street Business Advisors, Sandra Carpenter, host of Networld Media Group's Automation and Self Service podcast and editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times, discussed the exciting and sometimes daunting landscape of AI-driven automated retail. The podcast explored how AI is revolutionizing the customer experience, moving beyond simple automation to offer highly personalized recommendations and purchasing journeys.

Friedrich shared compelling examples of how AI is being used to tailor offers and even entire shopping experiences, while also addressing the potential benefits and drawbacks of this level of personalization. The conversation also tackled the critical issue of data privacy, discussing how retailers can ethically leverage the vast amounts of data generated by automated systems to improve operations and build consumer trust.

Beyond personalization and data, Carpenter and Friedrich examined the evolving role of human workers in this increasingly automated environment. Friedrich offered insights into the potential for new opportunities and discussed how businesses and individuals can prepare for this significant shift in the job market.

Friedrich's predictions for the future of this rapidly growing tech offer a glimpse into how these advancements might fundamentally change the way consumers shop and interact with brands, painting a picture of a retail landscape that is both innovative and customer-centric.

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In this episode of the Automation and Self Service podcast, we explore the innovative world of campus wellness with Melanie Day, founder of In Living Curls. Day shares her journey of bringing hair care vending machines to Kentucky colleges, including Morehead State University. We discuss the impact of this initiative on student well-being, particularly for students of diverse backgrounds, and explore the challenges and triumphs of introducing this unique self-service solution.

Discover how technology is empowering students with personalized hair care options while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. Listen to learn how In Living Curls, grounded in accessibility, affordability, and community, is transforming the college experience.

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Follow In Living Curls's self-service journey on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

In this episode of the Automation & Self-Service Podcast, host Sandra Carpenter explores the world of restaurant automation with Parrish Chapman, chief revenue officer of GRUBBRR.

GRUBBRR is a provider of self-ordering technology that streamlines restaurant operations and improves customer experiences. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, GRUBBRR helps businesses increase efficiency, boost sales and enhance customer satisfaction.

Chapman shared insights into the latest technologies shaping the industry, including self-ordering kiosks, AI-powered solutions and data-driven analytics. Learn how GRUBBRR's innovative platform can streamline operations, improve customer experiences and seamlessly integrate with existing POS systems and payment platforms.

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In this episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter talks with Sassan Rahimzadeh, president of Arya Cleaners. They discussed the history of self-service in the dry cleaning industry, exploring the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the sector.

Rahimzadeh shared insights into Arya Cleaners' approach to customer service, technology integration and its commitment to delivering high-quality garment care.

He recently told Retail Customer Experience, "The best marketing always creates trust between consumers and product. To get things off the ground sometimes you may in fact have to resort to the live human resource to be able to create that trust between consumer and machine."

Rahimzadeh will also join other industry leaders at Self Service Innovation Summit for a panel talk, "Self-Service Retail: A Profitable Path to Growth in High-Traffic Locations" Dec. 9-11 in Tampa, Florida. Registration continues through Dec. 6.

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In recent months, the availability of ammunition vending machines has sparked significant debate and controversy. From concerns about accessibility to questions about safety, these machines have become a hot topic.

To dig deeper into this issue, Vending Times sat down with Grant Magers, the CEO of American Rounds, a company in the development and distribution of ammunition vending machines.

Magers discusses the company's stance on safety regulations, addresses the concerns raised by lawmakers and provides insights into the potential benefits of these machines. Join us as we explore the growing trend of ammunition vending machines and the ongoing discussion about their impact on public safety.

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This past year, Gong cha, an international bubble tea chain, has seen a surge in self-service kiosk usage across its stores in the Americas.

In the inaugural episode of the Automation and Self-Service Podcast, Rebecca Kahn, Gong cha's franchise business leader executive for the U.S. and Canada, shares insight with Kiosk Marketplace Editor Sandra Carpenter on how Gong cha's Gen Z customers interact with kiosks, touching on boosts in sales, personalization and an enhanced customer experience.

This podcast is an extended conversation stemming from a feature article exploring Gong cha's triumphs in the beverage industry.

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