ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) announced the 2022 winners of three NAMA Industry Awards, which recognize one exemplary leader and two standout companies in the convenience services industry. The 2022 recipients will be recognized and honored for their achievements at The NAMA Show in Chicago, April 6-8, 2022.
The award winners are:
- Industry Person of the Year — Mike Brown, President, PGI Services
- Operator of the Year — Trolley Hospitality Companies (Scott Halloran, CEO and Michael Calkins, Chief Sales Officer)
- Allied Member of the Year — Translucent LLC (Patty Closser, CEO, and Steve Closser, Co-Founder)
“The 2022 NAMA Industry Awards represent a longstanding tradition of recognizing the standout leaders and companies that fearlessly innovate to become pioneers of success within convenience services,” said NAMA President and CEO Carla Balakgie. “We are all very impressed with the achievements, professionalism and commitment to excellence that each winner has brought to the convenience services industry.”
Mike Brown — Industry Person of the Year
The Industry Person of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has consistently exemplified the highest standards of professional excellence and achieved business success throughout their career in the convenience services industry. Recipients have been an inspiration and thought leader to others throughout their career.
Mike Brown, the 2022 winner, has worked in the convenience services industry for more than 35 years, leading sales and marketing efforts for PGI Services.
“Mike has shown he can lead a team and continue to excel as an industry leader both within PGI Services and the convenience services industry,” according to the person nominating him. “He was an early adopter of micro markets and continues to push the boundaries when it comes to delivering new services to consumers. He is a big believer in the power of technology to run a consumer-centric, operationally efficient business.”
Brown has shared his successes and mentored others in the industry, supporting the resurgence of “unattended retail” as the option of choice for consumers in every space. He serves on the NAMA Board of Directors and actively participates in industry events and advocacy efforts.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as Industry Person of the Year,” Brown said. “I thank my team at PGI Services for making our company a success that makes us all look good. And the ultimate thanks goes to the many customers and consumers who buy our products and services and make it all possible.”
Trolley Hospitality Companies (Scott Halloran and Michael Calkins) — Operator of the Year
The Operator of the Year Award is presented to a company that best exemplifies consistent advancement of the convenience services industry. Recipients are innovative and possess a willingness to expand conventional business practices.
Scott Halloran and Michael Calkins, the 2022 winners, merged their two companies to create Trolley Hospitality Companies, which they lead together.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with Scott’s commitment to the industry as well as his insight into the issues that we face,” according to the person nominating him. “Scott’s unique perspective into a wide range of businesses has helped him provide foresight into the future of convenience services.”
Halloran serves on the NAMA Board of Directors and is leading the implementation of the NAMA Special Interest Groups (SIGs). He is also a volunteer leader of the Atlantic Coast Expo and active in the Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association.
Calkins has more than 25 years of experience building client relationships, providing customized breakrooms and catering experiences for business throughout Central Virginia. His enthusiasm for creating the best experience for clients, as well as his employees, is recognized across the industry. He also serves as the volunteer secretary of the International Facility Management Association Richmond Chapter.
“We have always believed we can achieve more if we work together,” Halloran and Calkins said in a joint statement. “This drove us to build our business together and extends to the entire industry and NAMA, where members accomplish so much for the industry. We appreciate the opportunity to be recognized with this award.”
Translucent, LLC (Patty and Steve Closser) — Allied Member of the Year
The Allied Member of the Year Award, presented to a nonoperator member, recognizes a company that has exhibited the highest level of integrity, dedication and leadership to the convenience services channel. Recipients provide innovative leadership, demonstrate responsiveness to the needs of the industry through education and best practices and offer products and services that help operators grow their businesses.
Patty and Steve Closser, the 2022 winners, have helped hundreds of convenience services operators launch micro market lines in their businesses using the latest technology and fixtures creating a “brand” for each operator.
“Patty and Steve along with their team, are true partners with the companies that rely on them and are always pushing their clients to succeed,” according to the person nominating them. “They are dedicated to helping operators successfully install and open micro markets all over the world.”
In a joint statement, the Closser’s said, “Team Translucent” believes that our client successes are our successes, and we are very pleased to be recognized for what we have done for our clients and in support of the industry. When a client doesn’t need us any longer that’s a great thing, because it means we have done our job and they are on their way to a more successful business.” We want to recognize our entire team at Translucent, this award is a true accreditation to our team members’ commitment to our clients and the industry. We all love helping them and their families. This is such and blessing and honor.
The NAMA Industry Awards will be presented at The NAMA Show 2022 as part of the General Session on Wednesday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
