In higher education, procurement is one of the most crucial yet challenging roles within administration. From managing budgets to sourcing essential supplies, procurement specialists are tasked with ensuring that every dollar—whether public or private—is maximized to its fullest potential. At FriendsOffice, we understand the weight of this responsibility, especially in today’s economic climate, where budget cuts and resource constraints are more prevalent than ever.

Our commitment to higher education extends beyond merely supplying products; it’s about forming partnerships that drive value, efficiency, and innovation. We recognize the importance of working with a supplier who not only understands higher education thresholds but also has the expertise to source products at prices that help meet stringent budget requirements.

The Role of Account Executives in Enhancing Procurement

One of the key ways we support higher education institutions is through the dedication and expertise of our account executives. Garrett Fleming, who serves the Northwest Ohio area, is a prime example of how our team works hand-in-hand with university administrators to achieve significant savings and streamline procurement processes.

Garrett's approach typically begins with a thorough analysis of the university’s usage data. By running detailed reports, he can identify inefficiencies and potential areas for cost savings. But the process doesn’t stop there. "We have been able to analyze usages and create a custom plan for [them] to maximize savings," Garrett explains. These insights lead to inferences and conversations that evolve into actionable plans, ensuring that every department on campus benefits from a streamlined buying process.

Once the data is plugged into our specialized software, it becomes easier to report on inefficiencies and highlight value-added opportunities. This analytical approach has allowed us to not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients in higher education.

Beyond Office Products: Comprehensive Solutions for Universities

While our expertise in office products is well-known, our services and value-adds extend far beyond that. We’ve outfitted universities with custom furnishings for classrooms, lounges, administration offices, and more. In fact, one of our designers only supports one University’s churn management and campus furnishing needs. Our team takes pride in being able to provide comprehensive solutions that address the unique needs of each institution and oftentimes becomes an integral part of each university’s procurement department.

As a further example, we’ve delivered value-added services such as training custodial staff on new state-mandated processes or proprietary cleaning regimens. Our chemical partner has led such training on-site and provided MSDS binders or key materials for on-going awareness and training for university custodial teams. 

We’ve also offered online training sessions for administrative procurement teams, ensuring that they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern procurement. 

“I enjoy having the opportunity to train and work with the end users on how they can effectively use our website to streamline their purchasing needs,” comments Vicky McMillan, one of our Northeast Ohio Account Executives. Vicky has worked with public and private universities across Northern Ohio. “Being a part of [each university’s] planning and seeing how we can collaborate or support them on their projects makes us a valued partner on their campuses.” 

FriendsOffice has the capability to set up approval chains that seamlessly integrate with a university’s existing procurement platform. This allows team members to purchase items directly from our product catalogs via an e-procurement system, making the entire process more efficient, user-friendly, and secure.

Partnering for Success in Higher Education

At FriendsOffice, we take pride in our role as a trusted partner for higher education institutions. By understanding the unique challenges faced by procurement specialists and offering tailored solutions, we aim to make a positive impact on every campus we serve. Whether through maximizing savings, streamlining processes, or providing comprehensive support, our goal is to ensure that our clients can continue to thrive—even in the face of economic challenges.