Coffee and vending services veteran earns spot on the coveted list in recognition of a career defined by curiosity, entrepreneurship and forward-thinking ideas
Chicago, IL – September 21, 2026 – Jim Carbone, WithMe, Inc.’s vice president of coffee experience, has been named to Automatic Merchandiser and VendingMarketWatch.com’s Pros to Know Class of 2026 in recognition of the three decades he has dedicated to shaping the evolution of coffee service.
The annual Pros to Know Awards recognize individuals and teams whose leadership, innovation and accomplishments are helping move the convenience services industry forward. For Carbone, the distinction adds another chapter to a career defined by an instinct for seeing where coffee service can go next, then helping take it there.
“I’ve had a front-row seat to decades of change in coffee service, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a small role in its evolution,” said Carbone. “While I am proud of the strides we have made, I am excited by how much opportunity still lies ahead. We have smarter technology, deeper insights and more ways than ever to create coffee experiences that people genuinely love. At WithMe, we’re always searching for the next innovative way to help our clients deliver unforgettable coffee experiences.”
Carbone’s roots in vending services run deep. After an early start in his family’s vending business, he went on to establish Tradecraft Outfitters, where he pioneered the distribution of craft coffee and brought specialty roasters into workplaces nationwide. Today, he brings that expertise to SipWithMe, WithMe’s fully managed coffee solution for shared living and working environments.
Under Jim’s guidance, SipWithMe has introduced a modern approach to self-serve coffee service, pairing craft-roasted coffee and commercial-grade brewers with proprietary allowance technology, real-time usage monitoring, automated supply replenishment and responsive service. These capabilities help clients simplify day-to-day management, gain greater visibility into usage and costs, and deliver convenient, barista-quality coffee to the people they serve.
Carbone’s selection marks the second consecutive year SipWithMe has earned recognition in the Pros to Know Awards. In 2025, SipWithMe’s service team was named a Pros to Know team for exponentially scaling the brand’s national footprint while maintaining the high standards of responsiveness, reliability, and service that have defined the brand’s growth.
Carbone’s Pros to Know selection comes on the heels of another major industry honor. The National Automatic Merchandising Association named him its 2025 Coffee Legend of the Year in recognition of his enduring contributions to coffee service and the convenience services industry.
Carbone’s impact extends beyond the businesses and coffee programs he has helped build. For more than 15 years, he’s given back to the industry through service on the NAMA Board of Directors, NAMA Foundation Board, and Illinois Automatic Merchandising Council Board. He’s also shared his expertise through trade publications, educational workshops, and mentorship programs. His place among the Pros to Know Class of 2026 reflects both the impact he’s made throughout his career and his continued focus on what comes next.
About WithMe, Inc.
WithMe is a technology-enabled amenities platform for shared living and working environments. Through its PrintWithMe and SipWithMe solutions, the company powers modern printing and coffee amenities for properties nationwide, partnering with on-site teams through flexible service models and fully managed solutions combining connected hardware, software, and ongoing support. WithMe’s goal is to make amenities more simple, reliable and easier to scale across portfolios.
WithMe is an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company, appearing on the list for the past six consecutive years, as well as a two-time Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50 honoree, Great Place To Work® Certified™, a two-time Inc. Power Partner and a three-time NAA Top Employer.
