Forbes has seen lots of changes over past 50 years

The office supply business has changed a great deal over the past 50 years. Ron Forbes can tell you that. The company he founded is turning 50 this year.

“We started out with three Monroe folding tables,” Forbes said. “Back then I could go out and sell carbon paper and make money.”

And, back then, copiers did pretty much one thing: make copies. Now, Forbes said, they can do so much more, such as FAX, collate, print and scan and with great color.

After he graduated from high school in 1950, Forbes worked for the Newton Office Supply Co. where he learned to repair typewriters. After a stint in the Navy, he came back to Newton and again worked for Ray Ferring and Jack Bredimus at Newton Office Supply.

Then Forbes had the opportunity to buy out Ray Ferring’s Typewriter Supply in 1960, and Forbes Office Supply grew from there.

For years, Forbes supplied Maytag with all its copiers and most of its business supplies. The closure of Maytag has hurt Forbes, certainly, but he said his company has survived by providing good service to its customers.

“We have the finest service department in Iowa,” Forbes said. “They’re all factory-trained.”

The company now covers eight counties in central Iowa. Mark Carlock handles the copiers, specializing in Minolta and Konica, both respected names in the copier business, Forbes says, and son Gary is in charge of the office furniture and scratch and dent.

The Technology Center and Quick Print opened on the west side of the square in 2003. With the economy in a downturn, Forbes is one company that has held its own pretty well.

“We’ve had to lay off a couple of people and reduce some hours, but we can see things coming back,” Forbes said.

Today, Ron Forbes is not as active in the company he founded 50 years ago, content to let the employees run the show, but occasionally he says he helps manage.

“I miss calling on people and when you win a sale,” Forbes said. “But the future is up to them (the employees).” We want to be here another 50 years. He says he has no big plans to celebrate the half-century mark in his business, but may hold a sale later this year.