Gateway Ticketing Systems, a leading provider of admission control systems, is celebrating 35 years in the business. The firm, which was incorporated on 8 July 1988 in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, is now the preferred ticketing provider for more than 500 clients around the world.
Gateway Ticketing Systems was originally a subsidiary of Merion Software Associates, a mid-Atlantic regional consulting firm run by Peter Grumblatt and a business partner. Grumblatt’s desire to develop a better ticketing system was motivated by his participation in a customised ticketing project for New Jersey Transit with Globe Ticket Company.
One of his outstanding achievements was developing a PC-based ticketing system that enabled operators to control their own ticketing product setup and sales accounting. He created a prototype and initially shared it with clients like Howard University, Grey Line New York Tour, Bonanza Bus Lines, and Greyhound Lines of Canada. As a result, he was able to create one of the first systems of its kind within the first two years.
Humble beginnings
Due to these experiences, the Company grew from a tiny technology company to a creative supplier of a ticketing platform that focuses on results and generates money, bringing a breakthrough technological advancement to the intercity bus sector in the United States. A sizable portion of the Company’s early work was done in a tiny outbuilding in Grumblatt’s backyard that the previous owner had used as a chicken coop.
“Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much we achieved in the early days of our bus ticketing venture. Our passion for technology and the belief that anything was possible drove us forward,” says Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. president and CEO, Michael Andre. “Though we had ambitious goals, we never could have imagined our platform’s impact on so many companies and families today. It’s gratifying to know that our work has helped create unforgettable experiences and profitable opportunities for others.”
The humble “chicken coop” beginnings of the company were swiftly outgrown. Gateway Ticketing Systems’ expansion was driven by Grumblatt, along with Michael Andre and Darryl Moser, who were collaborating with him on Merion Software Associates projects. Together, the team successfully developed the business by extending its software services outside bus lines and into a variety of sectors, including theme parks, attractions, museums, zoos, and aquariums.
A reputation for innovation
As the business grew, Grumblatt named Michael Andre as president in 1998. Gateway gained a reputation for its steadfast commitment to innovation and top-notch customer service under Andre’s direction.
“Innovation goes beyond just developing cutting-edge solutions; it involves providing customers with exceptional experiences,” says Andre. “At Gateway, we believe in the potential of innovation to transform our industry while also recognizing that exceptional customer service is the key to long-term success.”
The Company continues to invest in research and development to stay on the cutting edge of industry technological innovations. Gateway has made a significant contribution to the attractions sector, and its offerings have had a beneficial impact on visitor happiness and revenue production for more than 500 clients globally.
The company held a week-long staff summer summit at its worldwide corporate office to celebrate its 35th anniversary and to express gratitude for the team’s contributions to its success. Participants from the US, Canada, and the UK gathered to share insights, spark new ideas, and commemorate the company’s noteworthy accomplishments.
Earlier this year, Gateway Ticketing Systems announced the appointment of Sharon Parker as its senior manager of marketing.
