Why CEO Mike Kiser believes real AI will take vending to the next level
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, few leaders have witnessed — and shaped — as much change as SandStar CEO Mike Kiser. With more than 50 years in vending and foodservice, Kiser isn’t just another executive riding the latest trend. He’s someone who has built companies from the ground up, helped scale organizations into multi-billion-dollar enterprises, and now finds himself at the forefront of what may be the industry’s biggest disruption yet: AI-powered retail.
And if you ask him, the future is already here.
From Crumbs to Industry Leadership
Kiser’s journey started humbly. Early in his career, he was part of a group that acquired a business from Coca-Cola. “There was a pie, there was a slice… and there were crumbs,” he jokes. “I was one of the crumbs.”
That “crumb,” however, turned into a $50 million enterprise spanning three states, built on a then-uncommon focus: fresh, high-quality food in vending. At a time when vending had a reputation for being anything but fresh, Kiser leaned into quality as a differentiator — a philosophy that still defines his thinking today.
After selling the company, he joined Canteen, where he spent years helping grow what would become a $23 billion organization under Compass Group. Along the way, he worked with some of the most respected leaders in the industry and developed a deep understanding of both operations and innovation.
But retirement didn’t stick.
Discovering the Next Disruptor
Like many industry veterans, Kiser thought he might slow down after stepping away. Instead, he found himself missing the people, the pace, and the challenge.
That’s when he stumbled across computer vision technology at a trade show in New York.
“I saw it and immediately thought — this is the next disruptor,” he recalls.
That moment led him to SandStar, where he first became an investor and eventually CEO. Today, the company operates in more than 30 countries and has positioned itself as a global leader in AI-powered smart retail.
Real AI vs. “AI”
Plenty of companies claim to offer AI-powered solutions. Kiser is quick to draw a line between what he calls “real AI” and everything else.
“Just because there’s a camera in a machine doesn’t mean it’s AI,” he explains.
Many systems on the market rely on cameras paired with human verification — sending footage to offshore teams who manually determine what a customer took. It works, but it’s not truly automated.
SandStar took a different path, investing heavily — more than $60 million — into algorithm development. With a team of dedicated scientists, their systems can identify products in real time, without human intervention.
The result is faster transactions, lower operating costs, and a more scalable model for operators.
The Smart Cooler Reimagined
At the center of SandStar’s offering is its AI-powered cooler — though Kiser prefers a different term.
“They’re not really smart coolers,” he says. “They’re smart kiosks.”
These systems go far beyond traditional vending or even micro markets. They can sell refrigerated, frozen, or ambient products, and even non-consumables — all within a single platform.
The latest model, which Kiser enthusiastically compares to a Ferrari, combines high-end design with advanced functionality. Features like interactive LED handles, voice-assisted guidance, and multi-camera tracking systems aren’t just for show — they’re designed to enhance both user experience and operational efficiency.
But the real innovation lies under the hood: seamless, AI-driven transactions that remove friction for both customers and operators.
Built for Operators, Not Just Technology
One of SandStar’s biggest differentiators isn’t just its technology; it’s its operator-first mindset.
Kiser knows firsthand the challenges operators face: securing locations, managing costs, maintaining equipment, and delivering consistent service. That experience shapes how SandStar approaches everything from pricing to product design.
“We don’t want to gouge people,” he says. “We want to be better and less expensive.”
Because SandStar’s systems don’t rely on costly human verification, they can offer competitive pricing while still maintaining strong margins. Add in vertical integration — designing and customizing their own equipment — and the company is able to deliver both quality and value.
Even warranties reflect that philosophy, with coverage ranging from five to seven years — well above industry norms.
Flexibility That Matches the Market
Another key advantage is flexibility.
SandStar doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it offers a broad portfolio of systems manufactured across North America, Europe, and Asia, allowing operators to choose the right solution for their specific market.
That flexibility extends to design as well. Whether it’s a luxury apartment building, a high-end hotel, or a corporate office, SandStar systems can be customized to match the environment — from finishes and lighting to shelving and interfaces.
Even payments are adaptable. Rather than locking customers into a single processor, SandStar is payment-agnostic, integrating with a wide range of systems so operators can use what already works for them.
Lower Barriers, Bigger Opportunities
Perhaps the most exciting impact of AI retail is what it means for the industry as a whole.
Traditionally, vending and micro markets required significant technical expertise. Repairs, maintenance, and system complexity created high barriers to entry.
AI-driven systems are changing that.
By shifting complexity into software managed remotely, these solutions make it easier for new operators to enter the market while giving existing operators tools to scale more efficiently.
“They cost less, generate more revenue, and you don’t have to be a technician,” Kiser explains.
For an industry that has seen waves of consolidation, this could signal a new era of growth and entrepreneurship.
A Vision for the Future
After five decades in the business, Kiser remains as energized as ever. His passion for the industry and belief in its future is clear.
He’s equally proud of the broader ecosystem, including organizations like NAMA, which continue to support innovation, education, and industry standards.
But at the end of the day, his focus is simple: build better solutions, support operators, and push the industry forward.
For those considering the move into AI-powered retail, his message is direct:
The technology is here. The opportunity is real. And companies like SandStar are leading the way.
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