In this Inside Track Edition of CCI Drive Time, Steve sits down with Keni Smith, CCI’s Western Territory Account Manager, to introduce distributors to one of the key people supporting them in the field every day. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how account managers work alongside distributors and store owners to deliver the right payment solutions—and why leaning on that support can make selling and servicing systems easier. 

Keni shares her journey into the laundry industry, what surprised her most about the community, and how relationships—both at trade shows and through organizations like Women in Laundry—play a major role in helping distributors grow their knowledge and confidence. She also discusses the most common questions she receives from distributors, including product selection, quoting systems correctly, and understanding how evolving technology impacts sales conversations. 

The conversation also touches on a trend many distributors are seeing today: store owners initially considering hybrid systems but becoming more open to reducing or eliminating coins once they understand the operational and financial advantages. It’s a practical reminder that education and communication are often the key to helping customers move forward with confidence. 

This episode is a great introduction to one of the people working behind the scenes to support distributors—and a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The CCI team is there to help you quote, position, and deliver the right solution for every store.

Listen to this episode to learn:

•  What a typical day looks like for a territory account manager 
•  The most common areas where distributors need support 
•  Why using your manufacturer as a quoting resource reduces risk and stress 
•  How customer attitudes toward coin, hybrid, and card-only systems are evolving 
•  Practical advice for new sales reps entering the laundry industry