About Us

John Givens - 2015 NAOPA Professional of theYear!

Transcript of the Introduction by Michael Morris

With an impressive career that spans over 30 years, the 2015 recipient of the professional of the year award is one of the most energetic ambassadors of our industry you’d ever meet. His infectious energy is off the charts, enough to make drum playing pink bunnies jealous, but it’s really just a small illustration of the passion and enthusiasm that he brings to his business and life. 

So where to start…well, let’s start at the beginning. The year was 1990 – and he walked into his home after a long day at the office working at Lanier Business Products, he told his lovely wife Maria – "I gave my two week notice – I’m opening my own business". Wow. Just like that. The business he was going to open – HP, cover your ears – was selling remanufactured toner cartridges. And he did it… he opened that business.

By the end of that year, he had grown the business to 6 employees, including his two brothers who came in as partners, and before long, he expanded his offering into computer consumables, through the help of HorizonUSA. His next expansion was into the world of office products with SP Richards and then TriMega at his side….fast forward to 2015 – 25 years after he told his wife he quit his job… and today the business has offices in three states, revenues north of $45 million, more than 120 employees and is a full dealership that offers, Office products, MPS, printing services, coffee, breakroom, and Jan San. And just this past year, he skillfully orchestrated the acquisition of a contract furniture dealer in his market positioning his dealership as a full line commercial and contract source for all of their customer’s needs. 

His business is located in the mile high city of Denver Colorado, which is appropriate really, because this trailblazer is not afraid to go the extra mile for his business, for his people and for the industry. In his business, he is a forward-thinker, quick to embrace new ideas. With his people, he is a remarkable leader – building a talented team of passionate individuals who are empowered to take action to get the job done! And he is an active contributor to the industry, giving back in a variety of capacities, including as a member of HP’s Partner Advisory Council, serving on committees and as regional coordinator at TriMega. And not surprisingly, his contributions extend to his community as well – serving on local boards, supporting charitable causes and being involved in area high school sports.

And with all of these extraordinary accomplishments – I haven’t even mentioned arguably most impressive aspect of our recipient. His character – character that puts family first. In the more than 12 years I have known him, I have had the chance to spend time with him, along with his wife and son Coleman – and it was always crystal clear - his regard for his family is unparalleled.  It is truly admirable that he has artfully guided the exponential growth of his business to what it is today, without sacrificing his family in the process – he leaves the office to be home for family dinner every night, he’s been there to coaching his son in baseball and football, and he makes family vacations a priority. He is a family man that never loses perspective on what’s important – and he embraces an attitude of gratitude in business and in life. 

He has a plaque in his office that reads. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” He believes it. His people do, and so do I.

Ladies and gentleman, please join me in congratulating a thoughtful and committed citizen -- the 2015 NAOPA Professional of the Year, - the CEO and Founder of Source Office & Technology in Denver Colorado – John Givens!