Quality service is goal at Don's; Office supply store offers quality furniture, service

By Ric Swats

River Cities Business Journal

KINGMAN - The second you walk in the door at Don's Office Products in Kingman you know it is no Staples or Office Max.

You aren't greeted by flashy sale signs and you won't see a single computer of high-tech gadget anywhere in sight.

What you will see is a large room filled with high-quality wooden office furniture.

Farther back you'll find all the standard office supplies from staplers and paper to pens and paper clips.

It is a homey atmosphere and that is the way Brian Harris, owner of Don's Office Products, wants it.

“What separates us from the big box stores is the level of service and the way you're treated when you shop here. It's a whole different atmosphere. We're not brightly lit, it's homey,” Harris said. “I grew up in the days when if you went to the gas station you didn't get out of the car. Your gas and oil was checked and the windshield was washed. That's the kind of level of business we try to have. We respect our customers and appreciate them and we act like that.”

Don's was established about 25 years ago and Harris bought the store in 1999.

“I worked for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States,, lobbying,” Harris said.

A change in the corporate structure was going to require everyone who worked there to move to Washington, D.C. Harris did not want to live in D.C.

“My father-in-law is Martin Swanty and he said he knew of an office supply store that was for sale in Kingman,” Harris said.

Six months later Harris was in business for himself.

And although he hasn't even been in business a decade he's seen a lot happen in Kingman, Mohave County and the market for office supplies.

“Things have changed a whole lot. We didn't have any superstores (in Kingman) until two years ago. Now we have two. But, I think there is room for both of us,” Harris said. “You won't find what we have at the superstores. We like to think we're the Ethan Allen type of the office furniture business. When you buy something from us it is going to last. It's not going to fall apart on you in two years. Our furniture is warranted for 10 years.”

The atmosphere in his store, Kingman and the business really suit Harris.

“I really enjoy this place. I look forward to coming to work and seeing people,” Harris said.

Don's Office Products is at 216 N. Fifth St., in Kingman. It can be reached at 753-3509 by e-mail at brain@donsofficeproducts and is on the Internet at www.donsofficeproducts.com.