By Neil Swindale
When you’ve spent 25 years mastering the science of keeping things cool, stepping into the fast-evolving world of vending and micromarkets is both a challenge and an opportunity. For Sean McGrann, the new Chief Commercial Officer at Due North, it’s also the perfect time to bring fresh thinking — and a wealth of refrigeration experience — to an industry on the brink of transformation.
From Supermarkets to Smart Coolers
McGrann joined Due North at the start of 2025, taking the reins from the founder of the Minus Forty brand. While new to vending, he’s no stranger to refrigeration. His career has spanned large-scale supermarket systems and convenience retail, and he sees clear parallels between those sectors and the refreshment industry’s latest frontier — smart, connected refrigeration.
“The micromarket space is growing fast,” McGrann says. “As operators look to tackle theft and improve the customer experience, smart coolers are emerging as the next big wave.”
A Fusion of Legacy and Innovation
Formed four years ago through the merger of Minus Forty and QBD, Due North represents the best of both brands — quality engineering and practical innovation. Both companies, based near Toronto, built their reputations on reliability: Minus Forty with its premium freezers and QBD with efficient, modular beverage coolers.
Now, under McGrann’s leadership, those foundations are driving Due North into new territory. The company partners closely with technology providers to integrate AI, RFID, camera vision, and payment systems directly into refrigeration units — helping operators deploy smart coolers at scale.
“We’re not the experts in AI or cameras — we’re refrigeration experts,” McGrann explains. “Our job is to help technology companies incorporate their innovations into reliable, high-performing cooling systems that work day in and day out.”
Backed by Big Capital, Focused on Growth
Due North recently entered a new chapter with its acquisition by Mill Point Capital, joining forces with AeriTek — parent to well-known brand Imbera. The move brings global scale,
new capital, and expanded reach.
“This merger unites two of North America’s strongest commercial refrigeration brands,” McGrann says. “It gives us an innovation lab mentality — where customer collaboration drives new solutions.”
Smart, Sustainable, and Customer-Centric
McGrann estimates that about 35% of Due North’s business now comes from the micromarket and vending sector, with strong growth ahead as smart coolers gain traction. Yet sustainability remains core to the company’s DNA. All Due North products use natural refrigerants (R290 propane) with ultra-low global warming potential, LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems designed to perform in tough environments.
“We’ve been all-in on natural refrigerants for eight years,” McGrann says. “Sustainability matters — but performance comes first. Our customers need units that last.”
The AI-Driven Future of Cooling
Looking ahead, McGrann sees artificial intelligence reshaping how operators manage refrigeration. “We’re starting to use AI to predict equipment failures before they happen,” he says. “That turns emergency service calls into planned maintenance — saving operators real money.”
From break rooms and airports to warehouses and retail stores, McGrann envisions smart refrigeration becoming standard — not a novelty. “Younger generations expect technology to enhance every interaction,” he notes. “The refreshment industry is no different.”
A Partner for the Industry’s Next Evolution
As he settles into his new role, McGrann’s focus remains clear: listen to customers, stay agile, and keep innovating. “The vending and micromarket world is at an exciting intersection,” he says. “We’re here to partner, not just sell — and to build the next generation of refrigeration together.”
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