For over six decades, Dawkins Office Supplies has demonstrated that long-term success in the IDC isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about people, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to service.
Dawkins was founded in 1960 in Greenville, Mississippi, when Roy Dawkins Jr. purchased McCree Office Supply, a company he had previously managed throughout the late 1950s. From the start, he believed exceptional service would be the company’s greatest differentiator. One of his most ingenious ideas was also one of the simplest: five-minute bicycle delivery. At a time when same-day delivery was virtually unheard of in the delta, Dawkins was already setting a new standard for service—a bold, customer-first move that continues to define the company.
That philosophy carried seamlessly into the second generation. R.E. Dawkins III joined the business full time in 1971 and became an owner in 1984, learning directly from his father not only the mechanics of the company but the values behind it. Today, Dawkins remains family owned and operated, with management including R.E. III, his wife, Belinda Dawkins, four daughters and a son-in-law.
While the bicycles are long gone, growth has never diluted Dawkins’ values. The company now operates two retail locations in Mississippi, an active outside sales team and a robust website. Yet, according to vice-president Jennifer Dawkins Spencer, the most important things have remained the same: “A newspaper article dated April 27, 1965 quoted our grandfather: ‘We have nearly everything every office could possibly need.’ We still follow that motto today, only we’ve added ‘and more!’”
Another motto the company lives by was coined by one of Spencer’s sisters: “Adapt or die.” The company’s strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic exemplified this approach. “Johnnie is great,” says Spencer. “She’s a research geek and during COVID, she found different vendors so we could source and sell disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers, masks, and other things our customers needed.”
This drive to adapt ties into a third Dawkins mantra: “Never tell a customer no.” “If you need it, we have it; if we don’t, we will get it,” explains Spencer. “A lot of customers call us first because they know this about us.”
And Dawkins’ employees also embody this can-do attitude: “What sets Dawkins apart is our people and the services we provide. Those are two significant factors you can’t get from Amazon. Everyone has over 15 years of experience and wears multiple hats, yet each product category has a dedicated specialist, ensuring customers receive both comprehensive service and deep expertise. And our delivery team provides an extra personal touch with every order.”
Dawkins’ enduring success is also locally driven. “We’re actively involved in our community,” says Spencer. “Local commitment runs deep for us. Supporting local organizations helps build relationships that extend far beyond transactions. We are all in this together. We support our community and they support us, because customers know Dawkins isn’t just a supplier—we’re a partner invested in their success.”
Dawkins’ mission reflects that belief: the goal isn’t simply to sell, but to help customers thrive in a constantly evolving work environment.
Like any independent dealer, Dawkins has had to weather its fair share of challenges but always seeks to find the silver lining: “Rather than panic, we focus on what we can control: operational flexibility, strategic partnerships, inventory optimization and transparent communication. We view industry-wide challenges as opportunities to grow.”
So, what other wisdom can Spencer share with dealers keen to thrive? “Our advice for other independent dealers is to highlight the value of local service, trusted relationships and community connection. Independent dealers can’t outprice Amazon and big-box stores, but they can out-serve them. Stay alert, stay flexible and always go the extra mile.”
Headquarters: Greenville, Mississippi
Top management: Belinda Dawkins, president; Jennifer Dawkins Spencer, vice president; Anne Marie Shelley, secretary; Johnnie Allen, treasurer; R.E. Dawkins III, advisor
Number of employees: 15
Annual sales: $10 million
Sales by category: Furniture 30%; office products 31%; technology 27%; janitorial/food service 12%