Special award for a lifetime’s work T
he Vendies most prestigious honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was this year presented to Automatic Retailing (Northern) chief executive John
Crichton. John was an extremely popular choice evidenced by the rapturous applause from guests at this year’s ceremony. In this Q&A John tells VI about his road to success…
What does winning this award mean to you? To be recognised within the vending industry means the world to me. Customers and suppliers are not just work colleagues but trusted friends.
How did you begin your career in the industry? Forty years ago I began as a salesman in the world of vending for Brooke Bond Tea.
What has been your key to success? Surrounding myself with great people and having a good sense of humour! Having a healthy liver has helped! Not so healthy now….
What is your greatest professional achievement? Being promoted to chief executive at Automatic Retailing (Northern) 16 years ago. We now supply over a 1,000 products to our customer base selling over £2.5 million on a weekly basis and being number one in our field.
How has the vending industry evolved and how has that impacted your career? Technology has made the vending industry much more attractive to our consumers, being able to enjoy a great selection of drinks, both hot & cold, snacks, confectionery and food “on the go”. The development of micro markets is making a positive impact in our business. The professionalism and enthusiasm shown within our industry has certainly impacted myself and our company giving us challenges on a regular basis; being number one in our industry; making sure we give the service levels that we have set over the years and will continue to do so in years to come.
What does the future hold for you and Automatic Retailing (Northern)? Retirement in October this year! I predict Automatic Retailing will flourish even more and not only as part of The Kit Wave Group of companies. Allan Walker has been promoted to managing director, Gordon Johnson is now sales director and James Elliot operations director. Automatic Retailing (Northern) is in great shape and run by fantastic people. I can only see it going from strength to strength.
A popular winner
John Crichton has been involved with the vending industry for over 30 years and was a clear choice for this most coveted award after receiving numerous nominations from all corners of the vending industry. What stood out most in all of his nominations was his commitment to putting the customers first. This is what some of them had to say… “His dogged attitude to continually improving and investing back into the industry have garnered him the respect and admiration of his peers.” “He will leave a big hole in the industry. He is unique. A special character in an industry not short of characters.” “His ability to light up any room he walks into and connect to anyone at any level is a very special ability to have.” There’s no doubt that his contribution over many years for the good of the industry makes him thoroughly deserving of this special award.
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