Signal Office Supply, Inc.

What do you like about doing business in Ohio?

The people are friendly, work hard, and expect the best from everyone. The commercial/retail environment has changed quite a bit for the better. A state government that seems to be more business-friendly has definitely added to our success.

Description of business:

The business was started on July 25, 1958 by Gil Thiergartner. We had four children at the time and Marilyn, my wife, was expecting our fifth.

I started the business from by basement. All the deliveries, orders, selling and bookkeeping were done by myself until I hired a part-time postal employee to deliver some of the orders in his Ford station wagon.

After six working from my home I was able to rent an 800 sq. ft. building. We later moved to a 16,000 sq. ft. building.

Even while in grade school, my sons and daughters helped in many ways and my sons continue to this day. We continued to grow in this period and entered the computer business which is now a good portion of our total sales.

Now I am 85 years old and I look forward to our 55th anniversary in business.