Fred Tinker

Rick Anderson was in a MBA program that required he write a research paper about a local business. This was his introduction to the Rodgers Instrument Corporation located in Hillsboro, Oregon, for which Rick was associated with (one way or another) over a period of 37 years. Rick, who became the historian for the company and its many innovative products, began working there in 1973.

Rodgers Jenkins was the founder of the Rodgers Instrument Corp., based outside of Portland Oregon.  Under Rodgers leadership, the company developed a strong engineering team that created many firsts for the church and home organ market, as well as holding dozens of patents for their innovations.  While Rodgers left the company in 1968, the philosophy he established remained a strong element of the company's success in the decades that followed.  Rodgers lived to be 99 years old.

Glen Kersten and his wife had just been married when they rented a small house that turned out to be owned by Frank Lohnes. Mr. Lohnes also owned a music store called Dearborn Piano & Organ. Glen joined the sales team and was introduced to the Rodgers Organ, an instrument he would remain connected with for nearly 60 years. He became the top salesman for Rodgers in the 1960s and later moved into the role of Eastern Regional Sales Manager before serving as manager of the Engineering Division. He worked closely with the company’s co-founders, President Rodgers Jenkins and chief e

George Kirkwood joined the Rodgers Instrument Corporation in the engineering department just five years after the company was founded by Rodgers Jenkins and Fred Tinker. By his fourth year with the company, George had become a Product Engineer, contributing to a number of key innovations and product lines, including the Rodgers Harpsichord and home organ. Following his retirement, George continued his association with Rodgers by working for a local dealer, installing and repairing instruments for another decade before retiring a second time.

Fred Tinker and Rodgers Jenkins formed the Rodger Instrument Company in 1958. The partnership began when their church asked if they would join the team to help purchase an organ. Fred and Rodgers thought they could build one instead. Over the years the company introduced many innovative products, including being the first to use transistors in a musical instrument. Fred not only led the engineering department, he also hired many key engineers over the years, including George Kirkwood. Fred remarked during his NAMM interview that he felt lucky to have worked with such talented peop