“The one thing that we can count on is change.” I don’t know who said that but for me and my career in business, nothing could be more valid. I entered this industry when electric typewriters were still being used and just after IBM introduced the Correcting Selectric element based typewriter. Office supplies were ordered from a catalog and a door-to-door sales rep. No one had ever heard of “ergonomic furniture” and most of the copiers in businesses used electrostatic paper. Only the largest businesses had computers and they were leased (not owned) from IBM. The internet was not even a dream yet.

Great customer service was the buzz word, but as big box stores opened, the need for great customer service was certainly challenged. The proof was the packed parking lot of the local big box facility. WJ Office began with an 1,100-square foot building on a back street in West Jefferson. Three employees (including me) worked hard to keep up the pace and keep business coming in the door. Our main competition was mail order and a local company – Carolina Business Machines who was far larger than most folks realized. They were able to buy product directly from the manufacturer at far better prices than we could. We decided to compete in the areas that we could and forego the $1 per dozen ball point pens.