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Gulf Coast Business Supply Co. Inc.

History

GCBC was established in 1990 by John Rea a life long resident of the Ms. Gulf Coast. He received his B.S. in Business Administration from William Carey College in 1985 and was adamant about utilizing the Degree. During his senior year, while trying to decide what line of business he wanted to pursue, he studied the Office and Janitorial Industry. He read many articles in business magazines on how bright the future was for that industry. It was the only industry that was not dictated by the economy. Almost every item that could be sold was a necessity, disposable, and would have to be reordered over and over again. He had always envisioned owning his own Co., so he began his journey.

His vision was simple. Get started by selling for a local Co. and gather as much knowledge as possible. After gaining 10 years of experience in sales, management, and accounting he decided it was time to make the move. The Co. he worked for, as well as all of the local competitors, were not adjusting to Sams Club and other Superstores that were opening on the Coast. The economy was poor and the local businesses had to watch their budgets. He saw the writing on the wall. If his Co. was not going to try and compete with the mega-stores, they would soon be out of business. He knew that if he could start a local business that could match the Superstores on common items, and be competitive on the other items, he could keep those customers from moving their business.

The Co. was formed with a $50,000 loan and at least 50,000 prayers. With funds limited, GCBS started in a very small office on Cowan Road in Gulfport with a mini-warehouse right behind it for storage. Mr. Rea knew that if they kept a customer is king attitude, excellent customer service, a professional sales staff, competitive pricing, and a great delivery team the business would prosper. The company took off and within no time he had 4 employees and was in need of a bigger office. That is when the move was made to the Companies present location at 14484 Dedeaux Rd. in Gulfport.

The Company is celebrating their 17 year anniversary in 2007 and now has 25 employees and gross sales in excess of $8,000,000/year. Mr. Rea would like to thank his very loyal employees and customers for the Company’s success over the past 17 years. The future is brighter than ever now! Thank you all very much for your trust, patronage, and support.