Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith And Tara Stephen.
Hi Keith and Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2011, after we graduated from Oregon State University, we moved back home to Salem. A good friend had introduced Keith to disc golf in college — he even had the chance to take a class where Nate Sexton was the TA, though the timing never worked out. Once we were back in town, Keith started playing regularly with his dad, Roger, who had recently retired from a long career in middle school education.
As they spent more time on the course, their love for the sport grew. Roger eventually opened a tiny storefront to bring discs to the local community. People often ask where the name “Tiger” comes from, and the origin story is one of our favorite little surprises. After teaching, Roger worked in a saltwater aquarium shop, and when he launched the disc golf store, he leased space from the same owner. At the aquarium shop, they propagated coral using custom‑made cement “frag discs.” Combine that with the fact that Roger had been a coach and his school mascot was — fittingly — a Tiger, and the name “Tiger Discs” was born.
While Keith continued to play for fun, his teaching career was taking off, and he found himself with less time to be on the course. Meanwhile, the business kept growing. It moved from the aquarium shop into its own space in the back of Airport Park, and eventually into a street‑front unit.
In 2016, when Tara was pregnant with our first child, we temporarily moved in with Keith’s parents. Tara had left her job to prepare for the growing family, and during that transition she helped Roger at the shop whenever he was running tournaments or attending events. After we moved into our own home and our careers and kids became the focus, disc golf became something Keith could only do occasionally.
Then the world changed. The work we both did — Keith in education, Tara in social services — relied heavily on federally funded agencies. When major budget cuts hit, we had to rethink our path. At the same time, Roger was ready to fully retire and travel with his wife, Nancy. The timing felt almost meant to be. With the sport growing rapidly, we realized we had a real opportunity not only to take over Tiger Discs, but to expand it into something new.
Just four doors down, a newly remodeled unit opened up — and it allowed us to dream bigger. We installed a Tech Disc virtual disc golf simulator, one of the first of its kind in the area, and we’re building a lounge where people can relax, watch throws, and hang out. We hope to offer beverages and food in the future and create a space that feels like a true community hub.
We also now have room to start dyeing discs — a fast‑growing part of the sport. Disc plastic takes dye beautifully, and we plan to host small workshops so people can create their own custom designs. It’s another way we hope to bring people together and keep the spirit of Tiger Discs evolving.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, our journey has been smooth, and we credit that to the incredible community around us. People in the Salem disc golf scene have supported Tiger Discs from day one — whether we were tucked in the back of the aquarium shop or moving into a larger space. That steady encouragement has made growth feel natural rather than stressful.
The challenges we’ve run into lately are mostly tied to upgrading our technology. Adding things like the Tech Disc virtual simulator and building out a more modern, interactive shop experience takes time, coordination, and patience. The process has moved slower than we hoped, but the excitement from our customers keeps us motivated. They’ve been understanding, enthusiastic, and genuinely rooting for us, which makes even the bumps in the road feel worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tiger Discs Golf Pro Shop?
Tiger Discs is, at its heart, a community‑built disc golf shop. We specialize in high‑quality discs, gear, and education for players of all levels — from people picking up their very first putter to long‑time competitors who know exactly what they’re looking for. What we’re known for is the combination of expertise, approachability, and genuine connection. People don’t just come in to buy a disc; they come in because they feel welcome, remembered, and part of something.
What sets us apart is the way we blend family history with forward‑thinking growth. Tiger Discs started as Roger’s small retirement project, tucked inside a saltwater aquarium shop, and it has grown into a full disc golf hub for Salem. We’ve kept that original spirit — personal, friendly, rooted in relationships — while expanding into new technology and new experiences. Our Tech Disc virtual simulator is a great example: it lets players analyze their throws, compete with friends, or just have fun in a way that’s totally unique in our area.
And of course, no story about Tiger Discs is complete without mentioning the shop dogs. Ruby the pug was the original greeter when Roger ran the shop. Now Honey, our black lab mix, has taken over the role — and she was absolutely born for it. She welcomes everyone who walks through the door and loves when customers toss a putter into the basket so she can “retrieve” it. She’s very well‑trained and knows not to put her teeth on the plastic, but she takes her job as morale officer very seriously.
We’re also expanding into creative offerings like disc dyeing workshops. Disc dyeing has exploded in popularity, and we now have the space to teach people how to make their own custom designs. It’s hands‑on, artistic, and a great way for players to express themselves through their gear.
Brand‑wise, what we’re most proud of is the trust our community has placed in us. Our customers have supported us through every move, every upgrade, every growing pain. They’re the reason we’ve been able to dream bigger — adding a lounge area, planning for food and beverages, and creating a space where people can hang out, watch the simulator, and feel at home.
What we want readers to know is this: Tiger Discs isn’t just a retail shop. It’s a place built by disc golfers, for disc golfers. Whether you’re brand new or deeply invested in the sport, we’re here to help you learn, play, experiment, and connect. Our goal is to keep growing alongside the community that made us possible.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For us, the best “networking” has never come from chasing connections — it’s come from showing up consistently, being genuine, and contributing to the community we’re part of. Disc golf is a small world, and people remember how you treat them. That’s been the foundation of every meaningful relationship we’ve built through Tiger Discs.
When it comes to finding mentors, we’ve learned that the most valuable guidance often comes from people who are already around you. Local players, shop owners, tournament directors, and long‑time community members have all shared insights that shaped how we run the business. None of those relationships started with asking for mentorship; they started with conversations, curiosity, and mutual respect.
What has worked well for us is staying open, approachable, and willing to learn. We ask questions, we listen, and we try to support others in the same way people supported Roger when he first opened the shop. That mindset has led to connections that feel natural rather than transactional.
If there’s one piece of advice we’d offer, it’s this: invest in your community first. When you build trust, show integrity, and contribute to something bigger than yourself, the right people tend to show up — and they’re usually the ones worth learning from.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tigerdiscgolf.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigerdiscs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tigerdiscs
