APPLETON, WIS., JUNE 4, 2019 – Thanks to organic growth, high customer satisfaction and recent acquisitions, Marco has become a staple in Wisconsin. The technology provider offers comprehensive services, including copier/printer, Managed Print Services, Managed IT, voice, carrier services, audio/video and data solutions.
Marco entered the Wisconsin region in 2011 - with a single office in Eau Claire - and Marco built its Wisconsin footprint from that first office and only three employees. Today, the company has seven offices across the state and 139 employees.
“Starting and growing Wisconsin was an exciting risk. I’m so grateful for our clients who put their trust in us early on and believed in us when we were still the new kids in town,” said Kevin Schmidt, Marco Sales Director.
In 2011, Schmidt moved his family from the Twin Cities to Eau Claire, leaving an established sales role to take a chance with his future. “Moving our family was risky; I left behind a great job, but I believed we could grow in our new region,” said Schmidt.
And grow the company they did. Since venturing into Wisconsin, Marco has integrated six businesses, including Enterprise Systems Group, Northeast Photocopy, Hadley Office Products and the most recent Accent Business Solutions. “I still remember walking in the room when we first acquired Northeast Photocopy. I was excited but also a little nervous,” Schmidt said. He explained his team had a strong game plan, but wondered about the culture fit, comradery, role shifts and how everyone would work most efficiently together.
Marco teammates enjoy their first lunch as a team in the newly acquired Northeast Photocopy office.
Schmidt and the other Marco members didn’t need to worry; the teams immediately connected. “We had a lot of fun integrating. In fact, we grew sales and delivered their highest producing year! Being our first major acquisition in the state, this team really set the example to our employees who came in later acquisitions that they can be a part of something special.” Schmidt added that many of the staff have secured prominent roles and developed their Marco careers.
After Marco acquired Hadley Offices Products’ copier group in Wausau, they also experienced exceptional organic growth. In 2018, Marco placed an additional 632 copiers in the field to new customers in the Wausau area alone.
Wausau Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting and Grand opening.
With the ESG acquisition this past year, Marco invested greatly in its IT services. “ESG had a culture of performance and satisfying their clients too. They brought a tremendous amount of talent, enthusiasm, ideas and energy to our offerings,” Schmidt said. “It was a natural fit.” He added that ESG was always high on the competition list, and the acquisition has helped Marco raise its game in Wisconsin.
Although Marco has completed many acquisitions, organic growth and customer satisfaction are key triumphs. “I think we are most proud of the organic growth we have been able to attain, as we’re not satisfied with only growing through acquisitions. We fully believe in helping the businesses we acquire perform at a higher level than ever before,” said Schmidt.
Notably, Marco’s Wisconsin revenue has climbed 40% above all the acquired companies’ sales. Overall Wisconsin revenue totals approximately $40 million annually.
Part of Marco’s success can be attributed to satisfied customers. Marco implements monthly customer satisfaction surveys to validate methods and search for improvements. Surveys are sent to customers 60 days after purchase and again one year later. Since 1994, the company has measured the results, and 91% of customers surveyed said they would recommend Marco to others.
“We take to heart our performance culture and satisfying our clients,” said Schmidt.
Jim House, long-time customer from Eau Claire Printing, values Marco’s partnership. “As a commercial printer in an extremely competitive market, Marco helps us succeed. Our goal is to produce high quality books at affordable prices. The equipment we use fits our high standards for image quality, and the outstanding service Marco provides helps ensure we meet our customers’ needs.”
House explained that he utilizes the latest printing technology and experiences little to no down time. He also stated that Marco’s honest and knowledgeable sales team have created plans that work “perfectly” for his print company’s objectives. “Marco has been fantastic to work with over the past seven years. I would highly recommend Marco for copier/print production equipment and service. We can always depend on them,” House said.
Likewise, Kendall Rosemeyer, Administrator at Dove Healthcare, has a strong partnership with Marco. “Marco has done a very nice job ensuring our needs are met from all avenues. This includes cost control, equipment upgrades, ensuring appropriate utilization, excellent customer service and timely technician service response.”
Rosemeyer said that her healthcare firm uses multiple copiers from Marco. “We analyzed the copiers we used prior together to ensure efficiencies, quality and cost savings. We appreciate Marco’s willingness to partner with us and work toward our business’s success by providing cost effective options, high quality prints and prompt service response.”
Besides House and Rosemeyer, Marco serves over 5,700 customers in Wisconsin. “We have a tremendous team and are always looking to grow it with talented people in sales and technology. We have a diverse group of skillsets and are fortunate to have both hired and acquired excellent people,” Schmidt said.
Many of the staff members have chosen Marco as the place to build their long-term careers. In fact, Marco offers companywide benefits of volunteering during working hours and a positive culture with a Gold Standard initiative to enhance employee, customer, vendor and community partnerships. The company prides itself on its employee retention rate of 85%, a service uptime of 96% and customer retention rate of 95%.
Marco’s Wisconsin team takes part in a local parade.
“Looking back, I was confident our company had the best story to tell and we could be an asset to the community, but I also knew how much work it would take for people to put their trust in us with their technology in a new market. I’m so thankful to our customers, employees and vendors who have made our story a success,” Schmidt said.
