TAfter almost four decades in the technology sector, I thought I had a solid handle on how transformation happens – how new systems, new thinking and new behaviours combine to create lasting change. 

What I didn’t expect, after joining my son and his business partner, Sam Marra, at Vending Sense ten months ago, was to find those same principles alive and well in a completely different business arena.

At first glance, technology and a workplace refreshment strategy don’t have much in common. But spend any time looking closely at how organisations support their people, and you realise something important: it’s never really about the kit. Whether you’re implementing digital platforms or designing refreshment solutions, the focus has to be on experience – how it feels, how it fits, and how it changes daily life for the better. 

I’ve spent much of my career helping businesses understand the ‘art of the possible’ – opening eyes to what change can do when it’s planned with intent. And that’s exactly what I’ve seen here. Only this time, the transformation isn’t just in data or workflows. It’s in something more human: how employees and customers refuel, connect and feel valued throughout the day. This is so important, perhaps even more so than the specifics of the tech they are interacting with. When people have access to healthy, enjoyable snacks, meals and drinks, their mindset shifts to feeling more valued and cared for, raising staff satisfaction and productivity.

Designing experiences, not systems

The workplace has shifted dramatically over the past five years. Hybrid models, flexible schedules, reimagined offices… all of it has changed what people need from the spaces where they spend their time. Once a background detail, a workplace refreshment strategy is now a central part of every organisation putting its people first – a signal of care, culture, and belonging.

At Vending Sense, I’ve watched teams rethink what’s possible, blending smart technology with hospitality thinking to create spaces that actively support wellbeing and engagement. Not just installing equipment, but designing experiences: social hubs that encourage collaboration, breakout areas that spark creativity, and customer zones that reflect the brand’s energy from the first sip.

What’s impressed me most is the attention to detail, not only in the machines themselves but in how they’re managed. Predictive maintenance, proactive support, real-time monitoring – all the same data-driven principles I’ve seen drive success in tech, now applied to ensure the workplace experience runs smoothly. That’s transformation in its truest sense; invisible technology enabling visible human benefit.

Working alongside my son has made this journey even more rewarding. There’s something special about seeing the next generation building on the lessons of the last. It may be in different industries, but the same core philosophy applies: focus on people, keep evolving, never stop asking what’s next.

The future of workplace refreshment strategy

After nearly a year, I’m convinced this sector is at an inflection point. Businesses that treat refreshments as a strategic part of workplace design – rather than a box-ticking exercise – will attract, retain and energise the best people. Those who don’t will miss an opportunity hiding in plain sight.

It’s been a joy to rediscover the thrill of change in a completely new context, and to see first-hand how the smallest details, such as a well-placed water tap or a perfectly brewed coffee, can shape culture just as powerfully as any technology platform ever could.

If this perspective on workplace refreshment strategy resonates with you, I’d welcome a conversation – after all, sharing experiences and best practice is often where the next great idea begins. Drop me a line and we can schedule a call.

stephen@toddassociates.co.uk