Finalist
Technology
Despite changing technology, Richard B. Maxwell, president and CEO of OfficeWare, has been a top contributor to the office document solutions industry for more than three decades.
In 1976, Maxwell entered the office equipment industry to work for his father-in-law. Maxwell, through his 20-year career at the company, climbed up the ranks from sales representative to president and CEO.
However, Maxwell’s entrepreneurial spirit did not start as he embarked on his career in the family business: It started at the age of 10 when he began mowing lawns. Maxwell continued his entrepreneurial zest as he took a major risk by acquiring the family business with his wife and ventured off to accomplish his goals.
Since 1996, OfficeWare has been revolutionizing the office equipment industry by initiating a unique program. OfficeWare, at Maxwell’s helm, owns the equipment and leases it to customers. This allows for flexibility of updating their product and ensuring great customer service through easier billing solutions. Maxwell’s company also has another distinctive program called “Total Care.” The Louisville, Ky.-based company evaluates its customers’ needs and seeks to find cost-effective ways for them to work with OfficeWare.
With flexible, low-cost products, OfficeWare has been able to grow from a company with no administrative employees to a leader in the office equipment industry. In 2009, OfficeWare acquired Full Service Networking to help expand the company. Maxwell evaluates his company’s success through the use of “Perfect 10.” If the sales and income grow by 10 percent and both employee and customer satisfaction is a 10 in ranking, then OfficeWare was successful for the year. While endeavoring to reach perfect scores, OfficeWare has proven to be a profitable, reliable and gratifying company to not only do business with but also to work for.
How to reach: OfficeWare, (502) 491-2722 or www.officeware.com
