In 1931 with an original investment of $12.50 for used tools and plenty of ambition, F.A. Wittern Sr. started Hawkeye Novelty, named after the state of Iowa. One of his first machines was a penny peanut dispenser that had a special innovation that was new for its time. Every ninth vend a bell would ring and deliver a free portion. Hawkeye was very successful in the following years, manufacturing peanut vendors, matchbox dispensers and other small vending and novelty devices. In 1947, Hawkeye Novelty became FAWN Manufacturing. From cigarette vendors, popcorn vendors, snack machines, hot and cold beverage machines, as well as many different non-food merchandising equipment, FAWN has made a name for itself in providing quality vending products and services for a growing industry. In 1952 Wittern established its own in-house finance company, a wholly-owned subsidiary, in order to help entrepreneurs and retailers buy and profit from their own machines. The competitive, flexible finance plans offered by Wittern changed the industry. It made entry to the market a simple process and helped many customers build and grow their businesses. Today, the company is in its third generation of family leadership and the company is diversifying its customer base by expanding its offering into non-traditional, growing market segments such as medical products and IT / office supplies.