WestCoast Entertainment president to retire after 40 years

After a career in live entertainment spanning more than 40 years, Jack Lucas, president of Spokane-based WestCoast Entertainment, announced he’s retiring in January.

“One has to know when to say when, and I believe now is the time to do just that,” Lucas said, referencing his retirement in an email. “I will be stepping into a much more reduced role for a little bit, where I will provide strategic direction, help the development of continued vision, assist in the transition, manage and look for new creative projects.”

Lucas assumed leadership as president for TicketsWest in 1987. Eight years later he took the helm of WestCoast Entertainment, growing it into an independent presenter of national touring Broadway productions, concerts and events such as the STCU Best of Broadway and National Geographic Live series in Spokane.

Lucas received numerous awards during his career, including the Patricia G. Spira Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Ticketing Association and the Joseph J. Anzivino Award from the International Association of Venue Managers.

Lucas said meeting a variety of people – whether it be a celebrity, “old school” performer or venue manager – made his career special.

Paciolan, which describes itself as the second-largest primary ticketing provider in the U.S., acquired TicketsWest and WestCoast Entertainment in 2017. The business has continued to grow with new clients and a 30 percent increase in Broadway series subscribers.

“We have been so honored to work with Jack, both as early partners and now as part of the Paciolan family,” said Paciolan CEO Kim Damron in a statement. “In addition to being a fantastic leader, Jack has always had the best interest of the company at heart. He has ensured that WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest are set up for long-term success, and we look forward to continuing that success with Justin.”

Justin Kobluk will assume the role of president at WestCoast Entertainment in January. Kobluk has more than 30 years of entertainment industry experience, most recently serving as entertainment director for Northern Quest Resort & Casino.

Lucas said his career became a lifestyle – rather than an 8-to-5 job – with entertainment events occurring on weekends, holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.

“You make a lot of personal sacrifices to be in this business, and your family has to support what you do for a living,” he said. “With that said, I’m sure I will find small projects that allow me to stay connected to the entertainment business, but I do see more golf in my future, more flying my plane, more time with my wife and family, more time at the lake, and enjoying the adventure into the ‘unknown.’ ”