Founded in 1929 by a Columbus, Ohio druggist named Estel "Pop" Shaffer as a route operation called the Shaffer Coin Machine Co, the organization has grown into one of the nation's most respected distributing networks. A large company to be sure, but it remains as much a family affair as ever, with a fourth generation of Shaffer men filling executive positions in both arms of the organization today. Shaffer's route went from table top pingames and other pre-war novelties to full blown jukeboxes and games as the active help from Pop's son, Ed, moved the company steadily toward more and more prominence in the state.

In 1954, Ed Shaffer bought the company, whose name had been changed to Shaffer Music Company. In 1962, in recognition of their enormous scope in machine marketing, Ed changed it finally to Shaffer Distributing. Through the years, the roster of factory brands the company has handled is a virtual who's who of coin-op manufacturers in games and vending (including several jukebox lines such as Seeburg, Rowe, Rock-Ola and TouchTunes). Today, the Company still represents most major product lines in the amusement machine industry.

The Company’s headquarters have remained in Columbus throughout its nearly 80 years of operation. In fact, our principle office on Third Street isn't all that far from Pop's original "store" on First Street. We also maintain fully-staffed offices in Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis and St. Louis. The Columbus headquarters is an 80,000-sq-ft building that houses extensive product and parts departments, along with the executive offices and service areas. A 10,000-sq-ft service and flat rate repair facility is also located there. Quality service and an extensive parts department have been among the reasons so many operating personnel have been attracted to their nearest Shaffer facility over the years, apart from the product spread on stage in our various showrooms. 

Shaffer serves a solid customer base in many parts of the Midwest, many of whose businesses are manned by second- and third-generation family members themselves. As Ed Shaffer once replaced Pop Shaffer in command of the company, so too did Ed's son, Steve (our current chairman), replace Ed. Steve served as President before appointing company veteran Bill Kraft to that post. Fourth generation Scott Shaffer currently serves as VP of sales and marketing.

Many notables, some of whom have since passed on, have worked for Shaffer during its history, and there are still industry long timers who will recall fellows like Bernie and Joe Flynn, Eddie Franz, Tom Reed, Chuck Farmer and Dick Gilger fondly, often with gratitude for services rendered above and beyond the call. "We've been blessed with an extraordinary number of loyal employees over the years besides all the fine customers and suppliers who've all stood by us in great times and not-so-great times," said Steve Shaffer. Current President Bill Kraft added these thoughts: "I've said it before and I'll say it again that Steve Shaffer has created an outstanding work environment over the years. We all work hard, but we all take time to have some fun as well. Four generations in a successful family business is remarkable and very rare," Kraft continued. "Scott is next and he'll be outstanding," he added. Steve Shaffer is clear in his vision and gratitude. "Our business is moving ahead into even more complex and high-tech times," he stated. "We're fortunate to have deep roots from which to draw and a solid tradition to help guide us. I'm excited about future challenges.

(portions taken from RePlay Magazine's August 2004 article, "Shaffer Sets a Diamond; Hits 75th Year in Coinbiz")