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Dale Wojciechowski of Dale's Snacks Vending Co.
Dale's Snacks Vending Co.

New vending operator takes over Prince Albert

Nov 15, 2019 | 10:48 AM

When there’s a strong dedication to do something that fills a consumer need – the result will be a business that is successful.

Dale Wojciechowski of Melfort, SK, got into the vending machine business 26 years ago as a hobby; something to do on the side. But his desire to make it into something more, something full time, something fulfilling, led him to build what is known today as Dale’s Snacks Vending Co.

The first vending machines were set up at Bourgault Industries in St. Brieux in 1992.

“I started it as something else to do for a second income. Once my wife and I got into it, we really enjoyed it. We liked it. We enjoyed doing it more than our regular jobs.” said Wojciechowski.

Like any start up business, it meant a lot of hard work and it wasn’t an easy road.

“It’s been a tough process but we slowly worked at growing it. Then, in 2007, I quit my job and focused on it full time. An opportunity came up to do concessions at the Northern Lights Palace in the City of Melfort and we took it because operating concessions was a evening and weekend gig. It provided us with a second income that allowed us to work during the day at vending and concession after hours. In 2009 we bought out a small vending outfit in Wynyard. We added locations in 2013 and bought out another vending outlet in Humboldt in 2014. We let the concession contract go to focus on the vending machine locations.”

Last September, Wojciechowski had the opportunity to expand into Prince Albert. He took over an existing vending operation that had around 170 machines across the city, within schools, rinks and workplaces.

Wojciechowski said he has enjoyed every step of the business in growing Dale’s Snacks Vending Co. into what it is today.

“I especially enjoy meeting people and interacting with them,” he said. “That’s great. We have such a huge area that we cover now. I get to meet so many people and I get to see so much of Saskatchewan and I enjoy just being on the road,” he added.

Dale’s Snacks Vending Co. is owned and operated by Wojciechowski and his wife. In the summer of 2017, their eldest son became their first full-time employee. They now have another two full-time employees – one in Prince Albert and the other based in Melfort.

Pamela and Brad Wojciechowski of Dale’s Snacks Vending Co.

Pride comes naturally to Wojciechowski. He values his work tremendously and wants people to not only feel satisfied with his product but also assured with his service– so much so, that he puts his phone number on every vending machine. If there is ever one in need of maintenance, fixing it is a priority.

“If someone ever has a concern and has to call the number, know you’re talking to either me or my wife. No run around. No fuss.  We take our business seriously and want everyone to be happy with it,” he said. “We recently had a call for a problem at a machine in PA and I told the person I would fix it. I showed up and met the person and dealt with the issue.  So far, the response has been great. This is how vending needs to work.”

Terry Glover of Dale’s Snacks Vending Co.

While Dale’s Snacks Vending Co. is based out of Melfort, the company has quickly grown throughout the region. They now cover an extensive area in Saskatchewan from Carrot River, Nipawin, Tisdale, Porcupine Plain, Kelvington, Rose Valley, Archerwill, Wadena, Foam Lake, Wynyard, Lanigan, Watrous, Leroy, Humboldt, Bruno, Wakaw, Kinistino, Melfort and now Prince Albert.

Wojciechowski said with a smile, “Hello La Ronge. Are you interested?”

With over 250 locations and over 350 vending machines, Dale’s Snacks Vending Co. vows to continue providing the area with a high level of service for all accounts thanks to their years of experience.

For more information on where you can find Dale’s Snacks Vending Co. like and follow them on Facebook.