after purchasing a vending route from his former employer of 15 years. His competent, honest and friendly demeanor generated a strong base of satisfied customers. Hard work and long hours were rewarded with a steady gain of new business throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. Lawrence and Jane sold the business to their son Larry Jr. had spent the last 19 years working for a national vending and food serv
ice company, quickly attaining management positions within the company. With one vending route and his vast knowledge and experience, he set out to be the largest and best vending company in Eastern Connecticut. With his vision and goals firmly in place, Larry and Gloria became an aggressive sales team, propelling Lathrop Vending into numerous high profile accounts. The team became members of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber, the National Automatic Merchandising Association, and the Connecticut Vending Association. LVI also became a Woman Owned, Small/Minority Business Enterprise through the State of Connecticut Supplier Diversity Program. Their goal of being the top vending company in Eastern Connecticut was quickly reached, through a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication. Larry and Gloria owned Lathrop Vending for twenty-two years and retired in 2010. Mark Lathrop, Larry and Gloria’s only son, and his wife, Lynne, currently own the business. Mark has served as Vice President and President of the Connecticut Vending Association, just as his father did. Mark is currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Vending Association and has represented the vending community at many hearings at the state capital, concerning laws about vending. He has been instrumental in the implementation of hand held computers, environmentally friendly technology, and contemporary marketing. Mark preserves the same high standards for quality products, backed by reliable people, just as his grandfather did, over forty years ago. LVI now proudly services the greater part of Eastern Connecticut, including factories, casinos, academic institutions, health care facilities, major corporations, state and federal offices, public safety buildings, municipality buildings, and several business in between, large and small. Our office coffee division of Lathrop Vending features New England Coffee, Green Mountain coffee, and filtered water coolers from Newco. Two years ago, LVI began offering Avanti Micro Markets as an alternative to vending machines. A Micro Market is like having a convenience store in your break room at work, with racks and coolers, and a self-check out monitored kiosk. No product getting stuck…no more losing money. Micro Markets are a lucrative addition to any company, keeping employees on site, increasing productivity, and each market can be personalized to fit the needs of each company. Healthy choices are always available, as well as our traditional products. We are always seeking new ways to strengthen our company, to satisfy our customers, and maintain the superior service reputation that Lathrop Vending has embodied since it’s conception.
