Jim Grabbe has been in the business for four decades and now is sharing that experience with customers at Office Products Inc. Grabbe is the new supply sales manager for OPI, which has stores in Great Bend, Larned and Russell.

"I am able to show our customers new products, as well as better ways to use their current products," Grabbe said. "We can collaborate and find ways to increase their productivity and lower their expenses."

The new manager also is working closely with OPI’s five outside sales representatives who cover many counties in central Kansas. Their products include everything from pens and paper to complete office furniture systems – and everything in between.

Grabbe said he wanted to work for OPI because "it is the best established office products operation in western Kansas. Service has always been the priority here. Everyone I talk to tells me how well the OPI staff takes care of them."

The fringe benefit for Grabbe is that he is now closer to home. He is from the Hays area and his wife, Patti, is from the Victoria area. They lived in Great Bend in the 1970s and early ’80s.

"We love the area and the people," said Grabbe, who currently lives in Victoria after moving from Michigan.

His background includes more than 20 years in sales and management with the S.P. Richards Co., the second largest national office products wholesaler in the United States. OPI has worked with S.P. Richards for a number of years.

Kenny Vink, OPI co-owner, noted his company was fortunate to find someone of Grabbe’s expertise for the job.

"We are expanding and growing our business," Vink said. "With all his experience, Jim is a piece of the puzzle to putting it all together. He is working with our sales personnel, and finding ways to expand our online ordering and methods of bulk purchasing. He knows the business inside and out."

OPI is located at 1204 Main in Great Bend, 516 Broadway in Larned, and 724 N. Main in Russell.