From roots in his family vending business to the helm of nationally recognized organizations, Carbone’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the coffee industry
Chicago, IL – October 21, 2025 – For Jim Carbone, Vice President of Coffee Experience at WithMe, Inc., coffee has always been more than just a beverage. It tells a story — of connection, of community and of everyday delight across residential and work spaces nationwide.
Carbone’s own story is one of relentless curiosity, bold ideas and transformative impact. He got his start in his family’s vending business, where he gained hands-on expertise in coffee operations and the customer experience. That early foundation became the launching pad for a lifetime of industry-defining innovation. Over more than three decades, Carbone has consistently challenged convention, pioneering models and experiences that others would later adopt as industry standards.
In recognition of his tireless dedication and lifelong passion, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) has named Carbone their 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year. The prestigious award celebrates leaders whose ingenuity and commitment to excellence have meaningfully advanced coffee service and strengthened the convenience services industry.
“This award celebrates the people who define our industry’s standards of excellence, leaders whose innovation and integrity inspire others to aim higher,” said Carla Balakgie, president and CEO of NAMA. “Jim embodies that spirit. His contributions have left a lasting imprint on coffee service and on the many professionals who have followed his example.”
Building on his early success launching the nation’s first craft coffee distribution programs at Tradecraft Outfitters, Carbone now channels that same trailblazing spirit into WithMe’s SipWithMe platform, where innovative technology and an industry-disrupting, award-winning service model are redefining how people experience coffee where they live, work and gather.
SipWithMe’s self-serve coffee solution features proprietary allowance technology, real-time usage monitoring and automated inventory management to deliver a café-quality experience in multifamily communities. Carbone has transformed coffee from a simple amenity into a shared community experience, blending operational ease, technology-driven service and exceptional quality to delight residents and support property managers.
Under his leadership, the SipWithMe service team was named a 2025 “Pros to Know” Team Winner by Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com, recognizing rapid growth and industry-leading service standards in coffee and refreshment delivery.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the NAMA Coffee Legend of the Year award,” said Carbone. “Coffee has been my passion for my entire career. It’s never been just a beverage, but a way to connect people, create unforgettable moments and elevate everyday experiences. To be recognized for doing what I love, and to see the impact it has on communities and the industry, is truly humbling. I hope to continue inspiring others to push the boundaries of what coffee can be.”
Carbone’s contributions extend far beyond business innovation. For more than 15 years, he has contributed to the industry through service on the NAMA Board of Directors, the NAMA Foundation Board, and the Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council Board. Additionally, he has made valuable contributions to trade publications, led scores of educational workshops and provided mentorship to numerous professionals, helping to shape the next generation of coffee service leaders.
Jim Carbone’s career — from early entrepreneurship ventures to craft coffee disruption to redefining coffee in multifamily living — has been the blueprint for what it means to be a true coffee legend.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe, Inc. makes lives better every day through convenient, technology-powered amenities for the multifamily industry and beyond. WithMe’s PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions simplify resident printing and coffee, enabling property management teams to provide a superior living experience while reducing costs, optimizing spend and improving operational efficiency.
PrintWithMe powers printing solutions at thousands of multifamily, cafe and coworking locations across all 50 states. SipWithMe is redefining multifamily coffee by pairing reliable, high-performance machines with fresh, craft-roasted coffee.
WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, appearing on the list for the past five consecutive years, as well as a two-time NAA Top Employer.
