Oklahoma City, OK — VendTech International will attend this weekend’s Oklahoma Business Enterprise Program (BEP) event to show support and opportunity for visually impaired and blind vending operators – highlighting products, services, and partnerships that help operators grow in the convenience services industry.
The BEP is part of a national initiative established under the Randolph-Sheppard Act of 1936, which gives blind entrepreneurs priority to operate vending facilities on federal and state properties. In Oklahoma, the Department of Rehabilitation Services administers the program, providing training, business sites, and ongoing support for licensed operators.
“At this event, we’re here to share our support, demonstrate what we offer and learn more about how to help blind merchants succeed even more through engineering and technology,” said Paul Ihn, SVP in Product Strategy and Innovation in R&D at VendTech International. “Our focus is simple: be thoughtful and connect operators with the practical tools and partners that help them run stronger businesses.”
What VendTech Will Highlight
- Micro Market Growth — A fast-growing channel in unattended retail, with customer spend 33% higher than vending.
- Prison Operations — A compliance-driven, steady opportunity that benefits from backend software integration, durable machines, and strong working relationships with correctional staff.
- Healthy Product Partnerships — Access to better-for-you options from trusted partners including UMBO, Queen City, Wafer Everbar, and Thin Energy.
- Technology & Support — Solutions under VendTech, including Vending Ops (VMS) and Endevor Pay (cashless), supported by strong partners — AVS (coolers distribution) and Sandstar (AI product recognition for smart coolers).
“While exhibiting at the first NAMA Show – the industry’s largest vending and convenience services event – we had opportunity to speak to many blind operators,” said Jim Kendall, Director of Integration and Administration of Naturals2Go Plus, a brand within VendTech International portfolio that is focused on implementation of micro markets and vending services. “These individuals made it clear they are excited about the dependable solutions we offer operators. We look forward to sharing more about how we can guide their focus on customers and growth at the BEP event this weekend.”
Blind merchants are positioned not just to participate, but continue to hold a significant role in the future of vending by embracing markets, healthy products, and technology.
Learn more about the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services Business Enterprise Program (BEP): https://oklahoma.gov/okdrs.html
