Melissa Bors, Warren Roberts, President and Founder, Sue Roberts and Jen Roberts
Join us at our spring Family Business Spotlight: Business After Hours featuring IFOB member Warren's Office Supplies (new date to come soon).
Warren’s Office Supplies, now celebrates 40 years as a family-owned business, was founded by Warren Roberts with one employee who answered the phone, handled administrative duties and staffed a small retail operation while Warren managed outside sales. Today, the company has 15 full-time and two part-time workers with locations in Sanford and Skowhegan. They service businesses, local governments and schools from Bangor to Nashua.
While big box stores have squelched many small businesses, Warren’s has thrived by being nimble, responsive and adaptable. Customers, prospects and vendors know they can pick up the phone and speak to one of four family members who can instantly resolve a problem, respond to a question and provide solutions in a way no large retailer can match.
Warren’s engages and entertains customers through its monthly e-newsletter featuring the company’s mascots, Pencil Man and Pencil Point. Content includes new products, coupons and offers, and family anecdotes to build a personal connection between customers and the family behind the company. Readership exceeds industry standards, and monthly trivia questions generate hundreds of responses.
Four family members are currently involved in the business, with Warren as president. Daughter Melissa Bors manages day to day operations, customer service and bookkeeping. Daughter Jen Roberts is the creative influence in marketing and customer communications. Wife and mother, Susan Roberts, oversees HR and benefits administration.
Warren's shifted its focus from retail to business to business sales in 1996. As the sale of traditional office supplies and paper declines, they will continue to evolve their product offerings in response to clients’ needs.
This event will be catered by Blue Elephant Events Innovative Events & Catering.
Please RSVP by registering for the event online or by contacting Brooke Stewart via email or phone at: brooke@fambusiness.org or 207-281-2414
