Lincoln Empey understands the value of small business.
The owner of the House of Stationery, located in the 1200-block of Fourth Street in downtown Estevan, has been around the business for his entire adult life. His parents purchased the company when he was in his late teens, and he has become a familiar face in the store.
He purchased the company from his mother, Karen, in 2015.
Given his appreciation for small business, and the products lines at the House of Stationery, it shouldn’t be a surprise that a lot of small businesses in the community do business with the company.
“We can completely furnish your office,” said Empey. “We can pretty much provide any office products for any small business, or large business for that matter.”
Printing, copying, laminating, computer repairs and network setups are among the services small businesses access at the business. And there’s the variety of office supplies that they sell.
One of their newest additions which has been popular with businesses is Keurig coffee. It might not seem like something that would be a big seller with the business community, but companies see value in purchasing the units.
“I find a lot of businesses do have Keurig machines in their locations now,” said Empey. “We do have one for our staff as well.”
Small businesses account for the bulk of the clients at the House of Stationery. Many of their customers have been with them for years.
“We’re more business to business as opposed to a retail front,” said Empey.
But they still have a healthy contingent of retail customers.
Empey believes small businesses play a vital role in the community. Not only do they sell much-needed products and services, and provide employment, but they support a variety of organizations.
In the case of the House of Stationery, they support local minor hockey teams, as well as the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins, among others.
Empey said he enjoys the challenge of owning his own business, such as managing people and meeting the needs of the customers.
“There’s never two days that are the same,” he said.
