Lessons from Vending Industry Legend, Bob Betz, and His 50-Year Career

By Neil Swindale

In an industry where fast growth and quick exits often dominate the headlines, Bob Betz’s story is different. Over more than five decades, he has built One Source Refreshments from a single route in 1997 into the largest independent vending operator in his region, with 25 routes, a thriving office coffee division, and a reputation for staying ahead of the technology curve.

It’s a journey defined not by shortcuts, but by persistence, smart reinvestment, and a deep commitment to customer service.

Loving the Route from Day One

Bob’s vending career began in 1975, working for a small family-run company called AVM Services — a company he would later buy. “The minute I went out on the truck, I loved it,” Bob recalls. “I liked being my own boss, being around people, and the independence. It felt like I was running my own little business.”

That passion for the work never left. Even now, decades later, Bob still refers to his early days with affection. “I didn’t really envision being where I am today, but I knew I loved it from the very first day.”

Taking the Leap: Now or Never

By the mid-1990s, Bob had built a small “side hustle” placing his own machines in the afternoons after finishing his day job with Interstate Canteen. Over the years, those afternoons became a second business. By 1997, with a young family at home, he faced a choice: stay in his job under new management or bet on himself.

“I knew it was now or never,” Bob says. He had saved diligently, reinvesting every dollar back into equipment. He also had a crucial advantage — his wife Jackie’s job in the medical field, which provided healthcare coverage during those first few critical years. “That helped me take the risk,” he says. “And thankfully, it worked.”

Building with Integrity and Staying Ambitious

When people ask Bob how big he wants to get, his answer is simple: “I want one more.” It’s not about empire-building or chasing an arbitrary number. It’s about sustainable, steady growth.

That mindset — paired with discipline around debt — helped Bob weather the ups and downs of the business. He bought small competitors. He kept some low-volume but strategically located accounts. And he built a team he could trust.

“You can’t run 10 routes by yourself,” Bob explains. “At some point you have to decide: put up or shut up. And you need good people around you. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

The Power of Relationships

Bob credits his early mentor, Harry Mowery, with teaching him the fundamentals of running a route and managing customers. Another partner taught him sales. The rest he learned through experience.

“I’ve probably talked 20 people out of getting into vending,” Bob admits. “Not because I want less competition, but because I don’t want to see people get hurt. You need to know what you’re getting into. You need to be careful with debt. And you have to be ready to sell.”

Relationships, both with customers and colleagues, have been a cornerstone of One Source’s success. Bob has maintained accounts for decades — some since his earliest days — and built friendships across the industry.

Technology and Teamwork Will Set You Apart

One Source is known for embracing new technology, from early adoption of Cantaloupe and Lightspeed to the rollout of ZippyAssist. Initially skeptical, Bob now calls ZippyAssist “a godsend,” enabling his team to deliver fast, accountable service across vending machines, micro markets, and coffee equipment.

“We put Zippy on everything,” Bob says. “It separates us from the crowd. It gives customers direct contact with us. And it’s transformed how we handle service requests.”

But technology alone isn’t enough. “We have a great team here — Jared, Steve, Chuck, Brian, Sam. Without them, we couldn’t compete. I don’t just take every bit of profit out of the business. I reinvest it to make us better.”

Expanding into Office Coffee and Micro Markets

Office coffee entered the picture after Bob bought a partner’s accounts — roughly 150 at the time. Today, 25–30% of One Source’s revenue comes from office coffee, offered alongside vending and micro markets as a “one-stop refreshment program” for workplaces.

Bob is also bullish on smart coolers, which he sees as the next big step in reducing theft and making micro markets more efficient. “Theft is real,” he says bluntly. “Coolers that scan before entry will change the game.”

Family, Faith, and the Long Game

For Bob, success isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about family and legacy. These days, he and his wife Jackie take Fridays off to spend time with their grandchildren — a “second chance,” as Bob calls it, to make up for time spent building the business.

“I thank God every day,” Bob says. “I know a lot of people smarter than me. I’ve been blessed to be at the right place at the right time.”

Takeaways for Aspiring Operators

For anyone looking to build a vending business, Bob’s story offers a roadmap:

• Start lean, reinvest, and avoid debt
• Find mentors and never stop selling
• Embrace technology after confirming it works
• Surround yourself with good people
• Love what you do — and it won’t feel like work

And above all, “Always want one more.”