Lathrop Vending, Inc was founded by Lawrence and Jane Lathrop Sr. 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. and wife Gloria. Larry Jr. had spent the last 19 years working for a national vending and food service company, quickly attaining management positions within the company.  With one vending route and his vast knowledge and experience, he set out to be the biggest and best vending company in eastern Connecticut.

With his vision and goals firmly in place, Larry and Gloria Lathrop 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.

Continuing to grow through marketing and acquisitions, LVI now proudly services factories, casinos, colleges, health care facilities, schools, and state offices.  Coffee services expand, now featuring New England Coffee, Green Mountain, and Timothy’s World Coffee.  With online ordering and a growing line of products, including new Point-of-Use Water Coolers, Lathrop Vending offers a truly 'One-Stop' solution.

Larry and Gloria’s son Mark presently serving as vice president of the CT Vending Association is the third generation to be part of the Lathrop Vending vision.  He was instrumental in the implementation of hand held computers, credit card readers and environmentally friendly technology.  Mark currently serves as operations manager and has been a valuable part of the team for the past 15 years.

Mark will one day take over and is looking forward to enhancing the business even further while continuing his family's involvement in the community.  Mark will no doubt preserve the same high standards for quality products backed by reliable people, just as his grandfather Lawrence did over 30 years ago when founding Lathrop Vending.