Problems Solved!
Distributor succeeds with a total-resource project management approach to the industry
By Misty Byers
Despite his company's moniker, the growth of Robert Troop's distributorship, Shamrock Graphics, can be attributed more to foresight than to luck.
Upon establishing the Westlake, Ohio-based business in 1989, Troop envisioned a company that would serve as a top-notch source of total-resource project management and problem solving to the forms management industry.
Evidently, it is an approach whose time has come. The company, which rocketed from No. 25 on the Business Forms, Labels & Systems list of Top 200 Distributors in 1997 to No. 12 in 1998, has watched sales grow from $14.7 million in 1997 to more than $24.5 million in 1998. Revenues between $34 million and $35 million are anticipated in 1999.
These accomplishments, fueled by a company mission to consistently strive to understand its clients' business challenges, deliver a superior product and offer unmatched customer service, have earned Troop the distinction of BFL&S' 1999 Distributor of the Year.
"We have a life in this business because we have done some very different things," noted Troop. "Our focus is always to try to bring new and unique ideas to the table."
"We approach the marketplace uniquely--as problem managers, total resource providers and problem solvers," added Mike Dobbins, vice president of marketing at Shamrock. "We cover from A to Z and we never say 'no.' We have a continued willingness to listen to a customer's problem and come up with not one solution, but several alternatives."
Pat Verhoestra, director of merchandising and co-op at Chicago-based A-meritech, has worked with Shamrock Graphics for about a year and a half. "They are truly focused on the customer," she said. "Their approach is more a partnership than solely a service provider. They in-volve themselves in helping to develop practical solutions and applications. They are very responsive and very committed, and they truly take an initiator role."
- Places:
- Westlake, Ohio