NAMA Names Vending Veterans Dieffenbach Recher and Schindelar Industry Award Winners

CHICAGO -- The National Automatic Merchandising Association has announced the winners of its 2015 Industry Awards. Hershey's Mark Dieffenbach is Industry Person of the Year; Alan Recher of Five Star Food Service is Operator of the Year; and Paul Schindelar is Allied Member of the Year. The awards will be presented at the NAMA OneShow in Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 22.

NAMA's vending industry awards are presented to individuals that best exemplify support of the refreshment services industry through a history of service and leadership throughout the industry and in their own communities. They must be innovative, possess a willingness to expand conventional practices and follow ethical business standards in accordance with the NAMA code of ethics.

Dieffenbach, director of specialty channels for the Hershey Co., is a 31-year veteran of the chocolate giant. Recher, president and chief executive of Five Star Food Service, is also a 31-year industry veteran.

Schindelar, a refreshment services industry professional with 30 years experience, held executive roles at such national brands as Nabisco, Kraft and most recently MondelÄ"z International Inc., where he was sales vice-president until his retirement in December.

"The Industry Awards are a much-anticipated highlight of the OneShow, recognizing leaders who have served our association and industry as innovators and advocates," said Dan Mathews, NAMA executive vice-president and chief executive officer.