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From the Desk of Nate Skala

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2025 Skala Industries Annual Letter to Our Clients, Community, and Investors.
In this year’s Annual Letter to Shareholders, Partners, and Clients, CEO Nate Skala discusses: the pivot from vending to micro markets, the fortress balance sheet, the 2026 roadmap, and the vision for 2030.
Jan 211 min read


Why Micro Markets Are Cannibalizing Vending Machines at Record Speed
In our latest industry brief, I break down the massive shift occurring in the vending & micro market space:
📉 Traditional vending is flattening.
📈 Micro Market locations grew by 28% in the last year alone.
💰 Consumers are now spending 53% more at micro markets than they do at machines.
Read the full breakdown on why the "Glass Front" is dead and what comes next.
Dec 5, 20253 min read


Why the Future of the Office is About Experience, Not Mandates
Why are top companies investing billions in "future-proof" HQs with hotel-like amenities?
Because they know the RTO battle is won with experience, not mandates. If you want your best people to collaborate in person, you have to earn their commute.
In my latest article, I discuss the "Flight to Quality" and how you can apply the same principles in your own office to build a culture people won't want to leave.
Nov 17, 20253 min read


Many Are Ignoring the Warning Signs. Skala Industries is Preparing for an Economic Storm.
I’m probably going to get a lot of heat for this. I hope I'm wrong. I’m building my company, Skala Industries, for a 2008-level financial crisis.
Signals are flashing red. Soaring consumer defaults, "zombie" companies on life support, and a commercial real estate time bomb.
In this article, I’m breaking down why I see this coming, and sharing our exact playbook at Skala Industries for not just surviving the next downturn, but coming out of it ready to dominate.
Nov 13, 20253 min read


AI Won't Kill Physical Retail. It's Going to Make It Unstoppable.
The headlines are easy to write. "AI is coming for cashiers!" "The robots are taking over!" But the data—and simple human nature—tell a different story. Why did Amazon keep Whole Foods after the acquisition? Why does waiting 48 hours for a package feel like an eternity? Immediacy. Choice. Experience.
In this article, I break down our core philosophy at Skala Industries: AI isn't the store; it's the system that makes the in-person experience frictionless and exceptional.
Oct 16, 20253 min read


Q325 Letter to Investors, Clients, and Friends
Dear friends, Our third-quarter results reflect a deliberate and foundational investment in the future of our company. This was a period where we consciously traded short-term profitability for a significant and durable increase in our long-term capacity to serve our clients. We executed our strategic plan, absorbed the upfront costs of expansion, and have emerged a stronger, larger, and more capable company well-positioned for the years to come. A thoughtful analysis of the
Sep 30, 20253 min read
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