Innovation

Remembering Jason Kuhn: ATM industry pioneer and beloved friend

Jason Kuhn, vice president of product marketing for Hyosung and leader in the ATM industry died on May 21, 2020. His loss is greatly felt throughout the ATM industry. Jason's business associates, family and friend share their thoughts and memories with ATM Marketplace.

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Remembering Jason Kuhn: ATM industry pioneer and beloved friendJason Kuhn


| by Pat Shea — Editor, NetworldMedia

Editor's note: Jason Kuhn was admired, respected and valued by many throughout the ATM industry, and once people learned of his passing, they came forward to share memories, photos, and reflections of a man who had a gift for making friends everywhere he went. Our thanks to everyone who contributed to the article.

Jason Kuhn, 47, a leader, developer and innovator in the ATM industry, died Thursday, May 21, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer. 

Prior to becoming involved in the ATM industry, he served our country as a Tactical Electro-Environment Systems Specialist on the F-15 aircraft for the United States Air Force. After leaving the service, he applied for a job with Jim Penza at WRG Services.

"I am terribly saddened to hear of Jason's passing," said Penza, currently the owner of All Ohio ATM and formerly the president of Western Reserve Group Services. "Jason came to work for us around 1994 when we were still a coin-operated music and game company. He had just completed his tenure in the Air Force and answered an ad we had placed for a service tech.

We quickly realized what a talented person we hired and soon after he became our service manager. In 1996, we bought our first ATM and transitioned out of the vending business into a full-service ATM provider.

"Jason was instrumental at WRG, designing our own line of ATM products. We could not have achieved what we accomplished without him. Whenever we traveled to trade shows, seminars, or meeting with clients, we always brought Jason along. I can't even imagine how many miles he logged or how many suitcases he went through over the years.

"Jason's knowledge of the ATM industry was unsurpassed. Our common response, when asked a question about anything to do with the ATM business, was 'Go ask Jason.'"

Jason and his Dad in Bermuda on a WRG trip.

As Penza shared, Jason was instrumental in the development, design and manufacturing of retail ATMs at WRG. While he was at there, the company manufactured over 20,000 ATMs.

"Many of us at Triton have known Jason since his time with WRG," said James Phillips, executive vice president, sales, and marketing for Triton Systems. "Over the years and changes in the marketplace, we have known him as a competitor, customer and friend. Jason was always easy going, and open to conversation with anyone about anything. He was an asset to the industry, a good person, and will be missed."

In 2010, Payment Alliance International acquired WRG Services, and Jason became the director of ATM product development and the chief privacy officer for PAI. He won the 2011 ISO of the Year award from the Electronic Transactions Association and chaired the PAI Data Security Council.

John J. Leehy, former chairman and CEO of PAI, had the opportunity to work closely with Jason at that time. 

Jason traveled with industry leaders to Washington D.C. to hear testimony on tariffs. (L-R) Jeff Matthews, John Leehy, Bruce Rennard, Jason Kuhn and Min Hyung Kye.

 "We all loved Jason. He was so personally engaging and completely unpretentious. He had a fiery passion for the ATM business and saw everyone in it more as ‘comrades' rather than competitors. His high energy and keen mind were second only to his good-hearted, fun-loving nature. He was a spectacular soul and a good friend," said Leehy. "This is a heart-wrenching loss to everyone who knew him, and he'll be missed by us all."

From PAI, Jason moved to Hyosung, joining as the vice president of product marketing, but still maintaining a strong relationship with PAI, which became and still remains one of Hyosung's key retail ATM Partners. 

At Hyosung, Jason brought his extensive knowledge of the retail ATM marketplace to the company. He continued his passion for innovation by working on dynamic currency conversion, cardless ATM programs and the industry's first mobile ATM management application. His loss is keenly felt by the Hyosung staff as was apparent in the tribute to him on Hyosung's website.

"Jason will be remembered for his great personality, positive attitude, friendliness to everyone he met, passion for his work, and overall love for living every day to the fullest. He truly loved the little things in life, and it was an honor to have him as a leader for the Hyosung team for so many years. We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague and the industry has lost a true innovator and champion."

Tammie and Jason Kuhn

Throughout his 25 years of service to the retail ATM marketplace, Jason contributed and served on several councils and committees including the ATM Integrated Payments Standards Forum, the National ATM Council and the ATM Industry Association. 

"Jason's passion was ATMs and he loved the industry," said his wife Tammie Kuhn. "He was always thinking of ways to thwart thieves and help operators make money. Earlier this year, shortly after he had brain surgery, he told me he had to get out of the hospital quickly because he didn't want to miss ATMIA."

Jason shares a laugh at an ATMIA show with Washington Redskins Quarterback Joe Theisman.

It was not surprising, given his dedication to the industry, that even as he battled cancer, he still wanted to help those in the ATM industry, especially his friends and colleagues in ATMIA.

Tom Harper, ATMIA founding director and publisher of ATM Marketplace, knew Jason as an industry colleague for 23 years.

"Jason was such a pro whose positive attitude made you believe in him and want to work with him. And more than that, to become his friend," said Harper.

"One of my fondest memories of Jason was when he showed me The Force ATM at an industry trade show," said Alicia Blanda with Blanda Marketing. "He was extremely proud of that ATM and had added a number of simple tools that would make operating it easier, such as a shelf inside the ATM to hold the wireless box. He really was always thinking about the ATM operator."

Mike Lee, current chief executive officer for ATMIA and his staff were also saddened by the loss of Jason. 

"Jason was a gentleman and a popular stalwart of the ATM industry. We send our thoughts, prayers and love to his family, circle of friends and all his colleagues,"said Lee. "For such a superb man and such a professional, there are only good things to say and good memories to cherish.”

John Clatworthy, senior vice president and chief customer service and strategy officer for Cash Connect, knew first-hand how knowledgable Jason was to the ATM industry.

"He was one of the true innovators and gentlemen in the industry," said Clatworthy. "He was a valued subject matter expert on all aspects of ATM technology for the entire industry. Anytime that you called on him he made himself available to help and was generous with his time and his knowledge. He was not only a master on ‘what was', but always had an eye toward ‘what could be'. He was friendly, caring, fun to be around and will be truly missed."

In his free time, said Penza, Jason loved spending time his wife Tammie and their children, Tyler, 24, Jacob, 23, Jonathan 23, Jordan, 20 and Ian,12. He also enjoyed many adventures with friends through the years. 

"We have lost a dear friend and valued colleague and the industry has lost a true innovator and champion."

"He was a gifted musician, mainly playing guitar, but he could also bang on the drum kit and played in numerous bands including 'Hillbillies in Denial,' said Penza. "He loved the outdoors, scuba diving and riding around in his four-wheeler on his property in Texas. He came a long way from being a county hillbilly to one of the most respected people in the industry. Jason, thanks for all the memories over the years— you were not only a great employee, you were a great friend."

A celebration of Jason Kuhn's life will be held on June 13, 2002, at his ranch in Springtown, Texas.

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225 E. John Carpenter Freeway, STE 1000 // Irving, TX 75062 // United States // 1-877-HYOSUNG


Hyosung Innovue - North America is a global human experience maker that bridges the physical and virtual worlds. We do this by harnessing our unique combination of a manufacturer’s soul with an innovator’s mindset to build a platform of integrated products, services, and ideas that improve life’s day-to-day interactions for everyone.

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Pat Shea

Pat Shea is the editor of ATM Marketplace. Pat has been an editor and writer in mass market and trade publishing for more than 25 years. She has won press awards for her newspaper reporting and feature writing in corporate communication publications.

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