Get to know: Office Equipment Sales

CICERO — In 1953, Ray and Ann Makowski started a business in Cicero that would allow them to raise a family and have a home.

Today, Office Equipment Sales, 5319 W. 25th St., remains that small, independent business with a personal touch.

The Makowski children, Joann Hovorka of Stickney and her brother, Ken Makowski of Berwyn, now run the business. Their sister, Linda Makowski, was president until she passed away in July 2012.

It's a tough business, Hovorka said — not like the days before big-box office supply and department stores could under-cut costs by sheer volume or when there was no Internet to order online.

Walk-in traffic isn't as heavy as it was years before, but there is a loyal customer base that includes the Town of Cicero, several school districts and independent businesses, Hovorka said.

"We try to lower or match our prices (against the big-box stores)," Hovorka said. "We find our customer service usually wins customers over."

But how far does customer service go these days when the bottom line is lean and mean?

"It's hard to say. I think more so with the older generation," Hovorka said. "I myself would rather talk to someone than order online. We have lots of customers that still do that."

While carbon paper has gone the way of eight-track tapes and Pac Man, some customers still use it and can get it at Office Equipment Sales. Big items now include toner cartridges and of course, paper.

"We push a lot of paper out of here, basic office supplies, folders, labels," Hovorka said.

This is literally a ma-and-pop business. In fact, patriarch Ray Makowski still comes in daily to straighten out the shelves after orders have been filled.

"At 90 years old, I think he's sharper than most of us here," joked Hovorka.

And the staff has logged a lot of years together, Hovorka said. She's been there for 36; Ken for about 32.

Linda Conley, customer service representative, joined the company 25 years ago. Purchasing agent Tony Matrisciano has been there 27 years and drivers Andy Strole and Ralph Mols have been with the business for 31 and 19 years, respectively.

Mike Pawles has been handling shipping and receiving 18 years now.

Sales representative Arturo Dominguez, the most recent member of the staff, is a real asset as a bilingual salesman in a largely Hispanic community, Hovorka said.

"I think everyone enjoys it here," she said. "We enjoy serving the community. Hopefully we can continue to make everyone happy."

About Office Equipment Sales

Where: 5319 W. 25th St., Cicero

Opened: In 1953 next door to its current location by Ray and Ann Makowski of Chicago

Current owners: Daughter, Joann Hovorka of Stickney, and son, Ken Makowski of Berwyn