In the beginning, Office Products Inc. had one store in downtown Great Bend. Today, 65 years later, the family-owned business continues its legacy with three additional locations in central Kansas.
“During the last 15 years or so, we have really emphasized growing our company,” said Kenny Vink, co-owner with his brother, Terry. “When you build something from scratch, as we did, everything is homemade.
“We acknowledge that opening a new store causes a few growing pains. But the communities we serve soon realize we are a solid, family-owned business and we are here to stay. We are pleased to report that each OPI location is successful.”
In addition to their 1204 Main storefront in Great Bend, locations are: 516 Broadway in Larned, 724 N. Main in Russell; and 2001 Vine in Hays. They opened in 1992, 2010 and 2019, respectively.
But the Vink brothers didn’t stop there. They purchased what is now called Golden Belt Printing II (GBP) in 2014 at 1125 281 Bypass.
GBP also continues to grow by offering a wide range of products - from brochures to full-color magazines and everything in between. This is possible because the business is equipped with the most up-to-date equipment and a professional staff, Kenny noted.
“Nevertheless, our customers deserve the credit for our expansions,” Kenny said. “We can offer all the supplies, products and services in the world but if the community doesn’t support us, we couldn’t make it.
“We continue to pride ourselves on customer service at each location. Whether you need pens and paper, or our high-tech Canon copiers, we are here to satisfy all your office-product needs.”
One big attraction at OPI is the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE line. They also carry imageCLASS desktop printers and all-in-one copiers; imagePROGRAF wide-format poster printers; and imagePRESS high-detail production multi-function printers.
Earlier this year, OPI announced it earned the Canon Outstanding Partner Award for the sixth time because of its sales and service of Canon products. “We exceeded expectations thanks to local companies that support us,” Kenny said.
OPI and GBP employees are known for their customer service, and many also share their time and talents for community-service projects, Kenny pointed out. These include support of numerous local non-profit foundations, charity golf tournaments and local sports teams. Some employees also serve on community boards and committees.
“And everyone here supports other local businesses,” Kenny emphasized, noting there are 34 OPI employees and four at GBP. “We have been fortunate to have professional employees who care about their community.”
Past & Future
Melvin Vink, Kenny and Terry’s dad, and Charles Perry opened what became Great Bend Office Products in 1959 a few blocks from its current location. The name was changed to OPI in 1995. Melvin Vink passed away in 2007.
Terry noted that “our dad is the reason for the business opening in the first place and the reason we are still here today. He taught us to work together and support our community, while treating people like we want to be treated.”
The Vink brothers started working at OPI when they were young. Kenny has been there full-time since 1973, after graduating from Barton Community College. Terry came three years later after earning degrees at BCC and Fort Hays State University; Craig, who manages the Larned store, also is a BCC and FHSU graduate.
The Vink family is currently looking for “a local young talent who we will mentor,” Terry noted. “Long-time employees are essential to our continued success but fresh eyes are important too.
“This is mainly because of ever-changing technology in all our departments – computers, Copy Center, Golden Belt Printing, everywhere. OPI and GBP have a history of keeping up with the newest advances and we continue our tradition of providing the best training possible.”
The Vink family celebrated their 65th anniversary May 8 with a Great Bend Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Dry Lake Brewing.
