Take-A-Ticket, headquartered in Albany, Oregon, has been in business for over three decades, providing point-of-sale dispensers and merchandising aids to more than 30 state lotteries, as well as retail chains.
The company was founded by Calvin Tigner Sr. in 1985. Stopping in at a convenience store to buy a soda, he saw lottery tickets hidden away while the cash register drawer was open. He purchased two instant tickets from the new Oregon State Lottery.
But he realized that he might not have spotted them. That evening, he created his first lottery ticket dispensing prototype out of cardboard. The following night he made a plastic dispenser. He worked on several prototypes, perfecting his designs until he had something that could be taken to market.
“I remember what a pleasure it was working with Cal back in the day,” said Art Kiuttu who was the Oregon Lottery sales manager at the time. “Cal worked on numerous prototypes and would make modifications overnight and would be at my door the next morning enthusiastically with a new design. He always believed a handshake was the best way of doing business.”
That instinct for iterative innovation is alive today at Take-A-Ticket, now run by third-generation family members Seth and Zach Tigner. They remain true to the values their grandfather instilled in the company.
“Our primary focus has been to provide the highest quality products along with great customer service. We have made several major investments in equipment to ensure consistency throughout the manufacturing process,” said Take-A-Ticket President Seth Tigner. “These investments have also helped improve efficiency and keep our prices down. We have also purchased printing technology that enables us to print full-color logos and images on many of our dispensers and displays.”
One of the secrets to their success is the company’s deep commitment to its employees. Tigner boasts that their team has been with the company for over 20 years on average, providing consistent quality and a reliable experience for customers. The commitment runs both ways.
“During and through COVID we kept employees on the payroll, provided health coverage and benefits to them and their families,” said Tigner. “That decision ensured that the team stayed intact.”
Take-A-Ticket is known for consistency, quality, and exceptional customer service. “Take-A-Ticket has thrived over three decades because of our commitment to hard work, innovation, and respect for the customer and employees,” noted Tigner.