If you’ve ever met Rihards, you’ll notice two things immediately: he’s probably the tallest person you’ve ever met and his laugh — loud, bright, and absolutely contagious — could power a small espresso machine.
When he joined Vendon this summer as Cloud Product Manager, Rihards didn’t just switch jobs; he stepped into a whole new industry. After years in the financial world, he decided to swap numbers for coffee data and algorithms for vending machines.
From finance to vending and coffee
Before joining Vendon, Rihards spent years building financial products used by millions. That world was all about precision and scale — but it also taught him something deeper: how to make sense of complexity.
“It was a big change for me because I’ve spent almost my entire career in the financial industry,” he says. “But the logic stays the same — understand what really matters and focus your energy there.”
Switching industries meant learning fast — and relying on the people who know the craft best.
The surprise of how complex this industry is
What surprised Rihards most after joining Vendon was the hidden complexity of the vending and coffee world. He talks about Vendon Cloud like someone who has both feet on the ground but his head in the system architecture.
“Most of us just grab our coffee or snack and move on,” he says. “But running a vending or coffee business is far more complex — there’s stock, logistics, payments, maintenance. It’s a whole system working quietly in the background.”
And that’s how we know we’ve found our person (or as we call Vendonian) — when someone starts admiring vending and coffee machines like living systems of their own.
No software can replace people
For Rihards, the key is combining smart technology with human experience. “No software can replace people,” he says, “but when you bring together Vendon Cloud and operator expertise, everything runs smoother — from refills and maintenance to route planning and decision-making.”
And as someone passionate about progress, he already has an eye on what’s next.
“AI can help us make better, faster decisions,” he says. “It’s not about replacing people — it’s about helping them focus on what truly matters, the moments where human experience still beats automation.”
Trust is everything
What Rihards values most in technology is the same thing operators value most in their work — trust.
“Operators care about one thing above all: trust,” he says. “They need to know their machines are running smoothly — even when they’re asleep. Vendon Cloud gives them that peace of mind.”
Whether it’s monitoring performance, planning routes, or fixing an issue remotely, Rihards sees every new feature through the same lens: make life easier, not harder.
At Vendon you are allowed to experiment
When asked what he values most at Vendon, his answer isn’t about technology — it’s about freedom and teamwork.
“We’re encouraged to experiment,” he says. “Sometimes ideas work. Sometimes they don’t. But both help you grow. You learn something every time.”
That openness fuels his curiosity — and it’s what keeps Vendon Cloud evolving. But, as he points out, none of it would be possible without the people around him.
“Vendon team is incredible,” he says. “I’m privileged to work with such talented individuals. A culture that encourages trying new ideas is key — sometimes you succeed, sometimes you learn, and both make you stronger.”
Five minutes of fame
Outside of work, Rihards recharges with a mix of friends and physical activity. But he’s also had his moment of fame (well..almost).
“I almost made it to the big screen,” he laughs. “I had a dialogue in German language in the movie with one of the famous Latvian actors – Arturs Skrastiņš in the film Tēvs Nakts! But my face never appeared, and my voice was dubbed by a German actor. Still, one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life.”
Let’s say your home had its own vending machine — what would be inside?
“A vending machine for socks,” he says instantly. “I lose them constantly.”
P.S. Not a bad business idea, actually. Studies suggest the average person loses 1.3 socks a month, which adds up to more than 15 socks a year — a global mystery still unsolved by science.
So if anyone out there is looking to invest in SockVend™, you know who to email.
