Stationery supplies, furniture, technology available instantly or overnight

By: Noelle Rulseh, Herald Times Reporter

Name of business: Badger Office City
Ownership: Terry Cloutier and Tom Kriedman
When business started: 1918
Location: 4716 Expo Drive, Manitowoc
Phone number: (920) 684-3671
Web site: www.badgerofficecity.com
Hours and days of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday

Services provided-products sold: Badger Office City is a full service office supply company. The business sells office supplies, furniture, office machines, and has overnight service on more than 30,000 office products.

The business is locally owned, with a staff of 22. Badger Office City is an authorized Lanier dealer and service center.

The staff can address office needs from sales and service, to support after the sale. The business offers a large line of fax machines, laser printers, multifunction and color products, digital duplicators, scanners and more.

Their Web site lists all the latest news in products, solutions and specials.

Staff design people can help with furniture design, layout and installation. Whether one needs a few chairs or a complete office, the staff will help customers choose from a large selection of name brand furniture to meet any office need.

The design staff will assist with layout designs including workstations, office suites, meeting and conference room areas, reception areas and building accessories.

How has business changed since opening? In 1918, the business started selling printers and cash registers.

Through the years, Badger Office City has grown in scope and volume to keep up with the latest developments in electronics. The business has grown to accommodate customers with any size business.

Who are the customers and from where? The owners said Badger Office City customers come from a 10-county area including Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Calumet, and Brown counties. The business also services locations throughout the U.S.

Who or what is the competition? The owners said their primary competition comes from "big box" stores and mail order companies.

How is marketing done? The owners said their marketing is done through the Web site, direct mail, advertising in the newspaper and on the radio and by word of mouth.

What are the keys to future success? The keys to future success, owners said, include keeping up with the changes in technology and service that accompany the products customers buy.

Factors under control or not under control of ownership? The owners said factors under their control include hiring knowledgeable employees, and providing the products and services that customers need.

The factors not under their control include the state of the economy and changes in product choices.

What is the role of creativity or imagination in running the business or selling products and services? Cloutier said attending national meetings helps get the feel of what new trends are out there for customers, and also attending seminars to find ways to make business more efficient.

What is challenging? The owners said it can be a challenge keeping current with new trends, assessing customers' needs, and making people aware of all the services and products that Badger Office City offers.

What is frustrating? The owners said it can be frustrating if people assume that the business doesn't have a particular product that Badger does carry. It also is frustrating when people think that because the company is local, its products are over-priced.

What is enjoyable? Cloutier said, "For me, it's the people … meeting the people because everyone has a story."

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