History

Jesse J. Risha graduated from Uniontown High School in 1968. He went on to join our Armed Forces in the US

Navy. Jesse served aboard the USS Yorktown CVS-10, until it was decommissioned in Boston in 1970. Then, he

served on the USS Independence CVA-62. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Upon returning to Uniontown, he

was hired at Steel Scaffolding by plant manager and family friend John Chisler. Then, honoring his mother’s

wishes, Jesse enrolled at California University of PA under the GI Bill. Jesse decided to open his very first pool

hall while attending school and continuing to work at Steel Scaffolding. Eli Gabriel a local business entrepreneur

entrusted Jesse completely and in so treated him extremely well over the years. This enabled Jesse with a $1,000

loan he obtained to purchase a building located on Gallatin Avenue from him and Mr. Gabriel graciously carried the

loan for Jesse for 10 years.

The building later became the base of operations of the original James Vending business. After

approximately eighteen months of juggling school, full-time employment, and his commitment to his business

venture, Jesse decided to leave Steel Scaffolding but never wavered on his goal of finishing school. Jesse graduated

from California University with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. After teaching sixth grade for a short

time, Jesse found himself becoming more devoted to his growing company. He decided it was time to focus all of

his efforts on James Vending! Jesse handled all aspects of the business himself. This included the servicing and

replenishing of all machines. Because of his hard work and dedication, his business continued to grow annually.

In the meantime of course just being a young man he fell in love with a registered nurse Joanne M. Sulik. Ten

months later they married on September 13^th 1978. Joanne would help on and off with the business and we raised

three children together Jessie Catherine, Tofy Daniel and James Michael.

On January 1, 2002, James Vending became incorporated. In 2007, James Vending, Inc. built a state of the

art building, which is located at 160 Shady Grove Road in Lemont Furnace, Pennsylvania. In 2011, James Vending,

Inc. built a satellite location in Jane Lew, West Virginia. James Vending, Inc. has grown to operate more than 20

routes, covering 5 states.

Lifelong employee and oldest son, Tofy D. Risha, has since assumed the position of majority owner and

CFO, as Jesse is now partially retired and is a consultant for the company. Tofy has been an integral part of the

company’s growth, and has served in several positions, learning all facets of the business. He is continuing to build

on the foundation set forth by his father, including the assembling of a strong team of managers and employees and

continuing to reinvest in the company.

Justin G. Packrone is the director of operations and now oversees all functions of the business. Together with

his knowledgeable staff of managers and tireless team, James Vending, Inc. plans to continue its success in this

ever-changing industry for years to come.