Scottie Schmidt is used to meeting face-to-face with Office Products Inc. (OPI) customers but now those visits are for a different reason.

          Schmidt recently was promoted to outside sales representative and covers a few central Kansas counties. Previously, he delivered and installed office furniture.

          “Now I call on between 100 and 125 businesses a week,” Schmidt said. “If they need office supplies, equipment or furniture, I can order it for them and arrange for quick delivery.

          “Our customers know they aren’t expected to order something every time I pop in for a visit,” he noted. “I just want to get to know them and build relationships.”

          Schmidt said this personal touch is important to small, medium and large companies. “We want them to feel comfortable with my visits and confident that OPI will deliver whatever they need. They don’t have to rely on a voice or a talking robot over the phone.”

          Schmidt’s territory includes Barton, Rice and parts of Ellsworth counties.

          OPI products include anything from pens and paper, to high-tech computers and Canon copiers, to a complete Copy Center. “And everything in between,” Schmidt commented.

          Schmidt had accepted the full-time delivery-installation position after helping out on a part-time basis.

          “One thing led to another and I appreciate my new position and new responsibilities,” Schmidt said. “This gives me many more opportunities to find out what our customers need and making sure they get it.

          “OPI is well-known for its personal customer service and I like working for a family-owned business,” he added. “The people here are quite a blessing.”

          Schmidt has lived in Great Bend for 28 years. He and his wife, Allanah, have four children and five grandchildren.

          Jim Grabbe, OPI sales manager, said Schmidt impressed OPI and its customers during his first months on the job.

          “Because of his outstanding service, we asked Scottie to take care of our customers in a sales capacity,” Grabbe said. “He gladly accepted the challenge and enjoys spending time with our clientele.

          “Scottie is a great addition to our team,” Grabbe added. “He is diligent about getting customers what they need as quickly as possible.”

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