Note: This article was originally published in the May 2026 issue of RePlay Magazine. I’m expanding on it here with some extra "Clint’s Corner" strategies and structural advice for operators who need to transition from "survival hiring" to "excellence hiring." As I travel the country on the Novak Roadshow, I hear the same refrain from nearly every operator I meet: "Clint, I just can’t find good help." It’s the universal struggle of the 2026 FEC landscape. We are all fighting

The IAAPA Expo map is live, and for those of us who have spent years navigating the North-South Concourse, this year requires a new game plan. The show has officially expanded across the street into the West Concourse. For the FEC operator, this isn't just a map change—it’s a shift in how you need to prioritize your walk-through. Here are my key observations as I’ve been mapping out my own route for the show. 1. The West Hall "Power Shift" The most significant change is the m

Every month, I get asked by other operators, "Clint, what is actually moving in your cranes right now?" To be honest, it’s a constant game of testing and adjusting. If you put a generic mix in every machine, you’re going to see your collections plateau. You have to constantly rotate in what’s hot and keep a close eye on what’s actually hitting the glass. The "Weekly Refresh" Strategy What makes this list different? At Planet Novak, we don't just set it and forget it. We have