The Commercial Automation (CA) leadership team consists of experienced executives with a century of industry experience. Collectively the team has multiple, successful kiosk project implementations to its credit. The CA team understands from experience how to navigate kiosk projects from concept to design to operation in a way that generates short-term revenue and long-term market share.
A recognized Entrepreneur and Strategist with over 25 years of experience in building profitable business units from conception within both Fortune-500 organizations and as newly launched startups.
Astute expertise in securing strategic relationships with America’s biggest brands such as KPMG, DISH, Hollywood Video, Intel and Microsoft. John’s experience includes leading the Blockbuster Express kiosk division of Blockbuster LLC, where he positioned the business unit as a major competitor in the movie rental kiosk market following the acquisition of Blockbuster by DISH Networks. He was the executive responsible for the highly successful launch of the Gamezone retail store chain, skyrocketing the Gamezone brand from launch to 1,200 locations within two years, securing $770MM in revenue.
For more than 20 years, held integral leadership roles in kiosk development efforts, store operations, procurement, supply-chain and manufacturing divisions for a series of Fortune-500 companies as well as smaller startups.
Jeff’s past work experience includes industry leading retailers such as GameCrazy, Hallmark Cards, Hollywood Entertainment, Payless Shoes and Movie Gallery. Having led field operations of over 3800 specialty retail stores and over 35,000 associates, Jeff has also developed a deep understanding for developing, optimizing and operating high-impact supply chain, engineering, manufacturing and procurement divisions. He has taken numerous concepts from conception to deployment including ongoing operations.
Over 15 years of experience developing engineering solutions and building kiosks from concept stage to deployment. Her invaluable expertise helps clients consider not only manufacturing parameters, but also serviceability by both merchants and technical personnel.
Project experience includes: Movie Gallery (Hollywood Video Express); FYE; MovieQ; King Video (PR); Blockbuster Express (MX); Shimano; TurtleBeach; SkullCandy; ADX; and PDP. She worked as a software engineer for Celerity/Unit Instruments, an OEM supplier for the semiconductor industry, and as the Technology Director for an internet marketing company, where she developed a patent-pending, proprietary tracking tool. She was employed by a small specialty chemical company as Sr. Research Scientist working on various projects funded by the DOE, USAF and USN. An awarded research scientist, she has dozens of published articles. Beverly completed post-doctoral work at The Ohio State University and was awarded a fellowship from the National Cancer Institute.
Has 9 years of kiosk experience, including projects overseeing kiosks in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. He specializes in front-end user interface design and development, as well as integration with robotics and back-end enterprise systems.
In addition to touchscreen kiosks, Tim develops software solutions ranging from touchscreen mobile apps to websites. He is in the final stages of completing his Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction. Previously, Tim was Director of Software Applications for a multinational pharmaceutical company, overseeing a team of 29 developers, designers, and analysts responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining the company’s software applications and web presence.
Has extensive experience designing, modeling, and integrating robotic systems. Is the author on multiple patents, including one for a food product storage and vending kiosk. He is a unique blend of outstanding technical acumen enhanced by strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Experienced collaborator, able to work with customers, vendors, suppliers, and team members in multidisciplinary environments. A versatile expert adept at applying mechanical, electrical, software, and mathematical principles to deliver innovative solutions.
Has for decades helped organizations adopt empirical, scientific management processes while also building cultures that can evolve quickly to adapt to changing business conditions, resulting in better performance and opening new channels.
Most recently, Ben was President, CEO and Director of Nebraska Book Company, a multi-channel collegiate retailer, wholesale outlet and software provider with annual revenues in excess of $500MM. Ben entered this highly distressed enterprise and quickly reorganized the company; divesting significant assets, stabilizing the remaining divisions and identifying sustainable growth pathways. As a senior executive at Hollywood Video, Ben had sole P&L responsibility for a purchasing budget of $600MM. Ben also oversaw the company’s Strategic Planning function; including site selection and new channel development for the 4,300-store international chain of movie and game retail outlets. He was a co-founder of Steelhead Enterprises, a multi-channel distressed retail goods dealer. Ben holds a BA from Boston University as well as various professional certifications.
Has provided consulting services to retail, financial services and manufacturing clients for over 20 years. He develops solutions to improve clients’ business processes, manage key projects and conduct strategic planning.
His recent experience includes developing and implementing retail supply chain and operational process enhancements as acting PMO for an international client where he supported system implementations in over 400 stores. Allen is currently an Adjunct Professor in the School of Industrial Engineering and Management at Oklahoma State University. He has served as President of the Business Consulting Group, Inc., a management-consulting subsidiary of Southwest Bancorp, Inc., and as Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning of Stillwater National Bank. From 1995 to 2000, Mr. Glenn was a manager with Kurt Salmon Associates, an international management-consulting firm to the retail consumer products and healthcare industries.
Accomplished technologist with a proven ability to conceive, launch and successfully commercialize products in SaaS and B2B having held CTO and Chief Innovation Officer positions in multiple technology companies.
Ari brings more than 20 years’ experience with global service provider network design and platform deployment, Including data center, Software/Protocol development and security.
Ari was the co-founder of Novatel Networks having spent the past 16 years building the company through organic growth and acquisitions before it was acquired by private equity.
A creative technologist, with great instincts for what’s next.
Strategic and logical thinker who is skilled at planning and execution.