We hope to share in this short history lesson that what was in the beginning still holds true today: sometimes there are friends who become like family. And, isn't it nice to work with people who care about you?

A Legacy of Service and Dedication

The story of FriendsOffice began in the aftermath of World War II when Captain Don Friend returned home and opened Friends Office Supply in downtown Wapakoneta, Ohio. This humble beginning in a small town marked the start of what would become a remarkable journey. By 1970, the office supply, card, and book shop celebrated its 25th anniversary, solidifying its place in the community.

Expansion and Evolution

The next significant chapter unfolded in 1991 when Ken Schroeder and Dale Alt founded Evans Business Machines in Lima, Ohio. [Fun fact: Ken and Dale are high school pals.] Their entrepreneurial spirit and vision led to the purchase of Friends, Inc. in 1994. This strategic acquisition merged the office supply store with their business machines business, creating Friends Office Products, that was originally located on Main Street in Findlay, Ohio.

Between 1997 and 2000, the company experienced tremendous growth. A new corporate headquarters was built on Bright Road, product lines expanded to include office furniture, multiple locations were opened across Northwest Ohio, and the digital age was embraced with the launch of www.friendsoffice.com. 

A New Era: Friends Business Source

In 2003, Evans Business Machines and Friends officially merged, and the company was rebranded as Friends Service Co. Inc., doing business as Friends Business Source. This transformation marked a shift towards a business-to-business model, focusing on supplying everything needed for all types of workplaces. Their best served clients included CFO's of financial institutions or Purchasing Directors of large manufacturers because of FriendsOffice's ability to supply and invoice multiple department locations under one customer. Over the years, we've really refined the purchasing process and we've become an advocate for cost effective, efficient sourcing. 

Growth and Rebranding

By 2015, Friends Business Source rebranded as FriendsOffice and continued to grow by acquiring smaller office suppliers. The company remained committed to its core values while expanding its reach and capabilities. Additionally, more community programs were developed to establish ourselves as a generous partner in our communities. 

A Milestone Celebration

In 2021, FriendsOffice celebrated our 30th anniversary under the current ownership. This milestone was a testament to our company's resilience, adaptability, and dedication to our customers and community. Going forward, there have been more acquisitions but truly the folks who have been here since the beginning have continued to remind us of our roots, all while the folks who have joined our mission have shown us how to grow!

Recent Acquisitions and Expanded Capabilities

The growth trajectory continued in 2023, with FriendsOffice acquiring additional office suppliers, including one with its own print shop and equipment, and expanding office furniture showrooms across several states. Today, the FriendsOffice team supplies healthcare systems, school districts, universities, industrial plants, government buildings, and more with locations covering five states.

It's always challenging bringing new people into the fold, but we want to share that all of the people on the FriendsOffice team right now are truly the best of the best. Each person has made us a better partner for our customers. 

Specialized Services and Commitment to Excellence

FriendsOffice specializes in stocking programs, bulk ordering, personalized delivery requirements, auto-toner replenishment, office furniture, and everything people need at work. The secret ingredient to our success is the dedicated team of people who work at FriendsOffice. With decades of experience working alongside group purchasing organizations, government contracts, and through offering business-to-business supplies, every interaction is a testament to our commitment to serving the communities where our employees live and work.

A Promise Fulfilled

At FriendsOffice, it's not just about dropping off a package; it's about fulfilling a promise. Our dedication to customer service sets us apart. If you're tired of the lack of customer service from other suppliers, we feel confident in saying that FriendsOffice is the answer. And our people are a testament to this. Every interaction, every delivery, and every product we provide reflects our promise to go the extra mile for our customers.