Workflow/SFI Acts to Secure Its Future
Distributor of the Year shows that independents can thrive in a dynamic marketplace
By Carol Katarsky
If you had to pick the one thing that has most enabled Workflow/SFI to remain successful, it would have to be the company's continuing ability to forseeand act uponchanges in the industry.
As market changes squeezed small- and mid-size distributors, Workflow/SFI expanded by leveraging its iGetSmart technology and through an aggressive acquisition plan.
New product lines in lucrative areas such as promotional products, commercial printing and direct mail have been added as well as less traditional offerings such as office products.
Because of its continued growth and ability to stay on top of trends, New York-based Workflow/SFI has been named BFL&S' 2000 Distributor of the Year.
Secret to Their Success
It's certainly no secret that Workflow/SFI is a major player in the industrywhat is less well known is how the company managed to get to the top and stay there.
Roger Kimps, president of Workflow/SFI since December 1999, pointed out that the company has concentrated on foreseeing and planning for trends, instead of reacting to them. "We are more focused on being a strategist than a facilitator. We ask, Where do we want to go', and How do we get there?' "
He added that the company has worked hard to maximize the iGetSmart system and become a one-stop shop for print, promotional products and business consumables.
"Our relationships with our suppliers have gotten stronger and better," said Kimps. "We're really committed to partnering with them, and we're much more enthused about our preferred supplier programit's become more of a dynamic force."
Workflow/SFI has also made changes to augment its service to clients. "Clients still want value. They demand that we have the resources to help thembut over time the tools we use have changed," noted Kimps.
Former president Tom D'Agostino Jr., who recently left to take the helm of Workflow's iGet-Smart.com subsidiary, noted that Workflow/SFI has added many new products to meet customer demand, such as commercial printing and promotional and office products.