2025 Automatic Merchandiser Pros to Know

Automatic Merchandiser announced the 2025 Pros to Know award winners, and among the winners is Five Stars own, Preston Snodgrass, Sales Director and Stephen Kondroik, Vice President of Category Management and Purchasing. This award program highlights outstanding individuals whose work is helping move the industry forward. The winners are nominated by readers who see individuals or teams going above and beyond to promote their companies in the vending, micro market, and office coffee service industry.

With nine years of industry experience, including four with Five Star Breaktime Solutions in Ohio and northern Kentucky, Preston Snodgrass has built a reputation as a strategic, customer-focused leader who consistently drives growth through strong relationships and innovative problem-solving. His personable approach and dedication to client satisfaction set him apart and helped him earn Five Star’s Rising Star Award in 2022. Preston combines a deep understanding of the industry with a natural ability to connect with people to help clients find tailored solutions that support their food and beverage goals. He is known among colleagues and clients alike for his integrity, energy and results-driven mindset. Preston holds a B.A. from Wittenberg University, where he met his wife. Together they have three children, a son and twin daughters.

Stephen Kondroik is vice president of category management and purchasing for Five Star Breaktime Solutions. He leads Five Star’s category growth strategy, consumer insights, merchandising direction, trade promotion optimization, assortment planning, vendor relations and procurement for markets and vending. Previously, Stephen worked at The Coca-Cola Company on the global customer and commercial leadership team, leading the direction and strategy on integrated execution and segmentation, working in RGM tools and capabilities, category management and execution capabilities. He has held several roles leading space strategy and category management at Coca-Cola Bottling Company United in the United States. Before Coca-Cola, Stephen worked in the convenience store industry at 7-Eleven in store operations and merchandising, and he was an operations consultant to several independent owners.

We are proud that two members of Five Star was among the 2025 Pro's to Know to be recognized. Stephen and Preston exemplify what leadership and innovation look like at Five Star Breaktime Solutions. From driving category growth and strategic partnerships to building client relationships that deliver real results, their dedication is shaping the future of our industry.