Branch Transformation

At The Watercooler with Marc Solomon of ACG

Marc Solomon, CRO of ACG, shares his experience working on remanufactured ATMs as well as his personal love for cooking.

presented by

Photo: ACG

August 20, 2025 by ATM marketplace

Describe your current role.

As the CRO, I am responsible for the overall sales of refurbished ATMs and parts, ATEC Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs) and parts and parts repairs for ATMs and TCRs. Other major responsibilities are to align and optimize the efforts of sales and marketing to drive sustainable revenue growth.

What was your first-ever career role and what is one important lesson you learned from it?

I began my career at a technology company in a customer support, implementation and training role, supporting ACH software for financial institutions. From the start, I knew I wanted to move into sales, but I also understood the importance of truly knowing the customer first — who they are, how they use the product, what their expectations are, and what success looks like from their perspective.

Starting in a hands-on role gave me invaluable insight into the customer experience. It shaped the way I approach sales today — not as a transaction, but as a consultative process. I've carried that mindset throughout my career and now instill it in my team: focus on understanding the customer's goals and challenges, and work to solve real problems rather than just selling a product.

This customer-first approach has been the most important lesson I've learned and continues to guide how I lead and build relationships.

What do you enjoy most about your current role?

As the chief revenue officer of a company specializing in remanufactured ATMs, new Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs), and comprehensive parts and repair services, what I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to drive strategic growth in a highly specialized and essential industry. The dynamic nature of our offerings — from remanufacturing to parts supply and repair — allows me to work across multiple revenue streams, each with its own challenges and opportunities. It's incredibly rewarding to see how our solutions not only reduce costs for our clients but also contribute to sustainability by giving new life to existing hardware.

Who is/was your mentor and what's one important lesson you learned from them?

Over the years, I've been fortunate to have several mentors who've shaped both my personal and professional growth. One of the most valuable lessons I've learned from them is the power of listening actively and asking open-ended questions. This approach fosters deeper understanding, encourages meaningful dialogue, and helps build stronger relationships. Whether I'm working with clients, leading teams or navigating personal conversations, this mindset allows me to connect more authentically and make more informed decisions.

What industry trends do you think are currently over-hyped and why?

I have been hearing for years that the future will be a "cashless future." Despite the rise of digital payments, cash remains vital for millions of people, especially the unbanked and underbanked populations. People tend to underestimate the resilience of cash-based transactions, particularly in emergencies or low-tech environments.

What industry trends do you think don't get enough attention and why?

In the ATM and TCR industry, there are several trends that aren't garnering enough attention. One such trend is the growing role of remanufactured and refurbished ATM hardware. While new machines and flashy tech get most of the attention, remanufacturing offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative that supports environmental goals and extends the lifecycle of existing infrastructure — especially valuable for community banks and credit unions with tighter budgets.

Another trend is cash automation in branch optimization strategies — particularly through TCRs. TCRs can significantly streamline teller operations, reduce errors and improve customer service, yet adoption remains slow due to cost concerns and the digital banking narrative. However, in markets like the U.S. where cash remains resilient, this technology could be a game-changer for a branch.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your industry?

My advice to anyone starting out in their field is to take the time to deeply understand the industry they've chosen. Stay informed about the latest rules, regulations and trends that impact your space — it's essential for staying ahead.

Equally important is knowing your competition inside and out. Understanding what your competitors are doing allows you to position your company's strengths effectively and identify areas where you can differentiate. But beyond strategy, competitors can also be valuable sources of insight. Building relationships with them can offer perspectives you won't find anywhere else.

I've always made it a priority to learn who my competitors are and what drives their success — or lack thereof. That knowledge has consistently helped me make better decisions and build stronger strategies.

If you weren't working in your current field, what would you be doing instead?

I've always dreamed of owning a coffee and wine bar that also offers small plates. It would be the perfect way to combine several of my passions — great coffee, fine wine, delicious food, and meaningful conversations. I've long been fascinated by both the art and culture surrounding coffee and wine, and creating a space that brings those two worlds together would be incredibly fulfilling. More than just a business, it would be a place to connect with people and share experiences over thoughtfully crafted drinks and dishes.

What do you do to have fun outside of work?

My wife and I love traveling to new destinations, immersing ourselves in the local culture, cuisine and sights. It's always exciting to explore a place through its food and traditions. Outside of travel, I enjoy playing golf — though I'll admit I'm more enthusiastic than skilled — and I have a passion for cooking. I especially enjoy trying out new recipes and preparing meals for family and friends.

Where did you grow up and how did your upbringing impact the person you are today?

I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and still call it home — now living in Alpharetta, a suburb just north of the city. As a true Southerner, I bring a calm, friendly and relaxed approach to both life and work. These qualities have shaped how I engage with others professionally.

I believe in treating people with fairness and respect, and I make a genuine effort to understand each individual — not just in their professional role, but also in their personal life. When you take the time to know someone beyond the surface, it builds stronger, more meaningful connections. That understanding has always helped me foster better collaboration and trust in every relationship I build.

What's one interesting thing about you that even the people you work with every day probably don't know?

When I first started working, I was looking for a hobby to unwind after hours. One day, while reading the newspaper, I came across an ad for a cooking class being taught at the local high school. I decided to sign up—and to my surprise, the instructor turned out to be the former chef for Jimmy Carter during his time as Governor of Georgia.

The class met three nights a week for six months, and there were just five of us — myself and women. It was an incredible experience, and it's where my passion for cooking truly began. That class sparked a lifelong love for experimenting in the kitchen and sharing meals with family and friends.

Is there anything else you would like to tell people about yourself or your company/organization?

ACG (Atlanta Computer Group) is a global leader in ATM and TCR solutions, offering remanufactured equipment, parts, and expert repair services. With decades of experience and a commitment to quality, ACG helps our customers reduce costs, extend hardware life, and improve operational efficiency. From turnkey deployments to sustainable refurbishments, ACG delivers reliable, customer-focused support across the ATM and cash automation industry.

Included In This Story

---

ACG

Industry leader since 1986, ACG operates offices in Atlanta, Las Vegas, London, and Poland. Providing ATM hardware and services to financial institutions, ATM service providers and gaming industries. ACG is proud to be a Master Distributor of the ATEC LTA-450, LTA-380 and LTA-100 Teller Cash Recyclers.

Request Info

Learn More