|
Paul Orfalea
Inducted 1997
Paul
Orfalea founded Kinko’s in 1970 with the simple idea of providing
college students with products and services they need at competitive
prices. The first space that Orfalea rented, near the University of
California at Santa Barbara, for his copy business was so small the
copy machine had to be wheeled out onto the sidewalk. Although
Kinko’s began small, it is now the world’s leading business service
chain with over 1,100 Kinko’s worldwide.
Much of Kinko’s success can be traced directly to Orfalea’s unique
business philosophy that was based on the founder’s freethinking and
creative style. Orfalea’s theories and instincts on how to operate a
successful business were grounded in his passion for retailing, his
insistence on taking care of his co-workers and customers, and a
sharp eye for opportunity. Through Paul Orfalea’s leadership,
Kinko’s has taken an exemplary leading role in environmental
responsibility.
Orfalea implemented generous incentive programs to encourage active
participation from all of his co-workers. Fortune Magazine selected
Kinko’s as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America”
for three years in a row. Forbes Magazine also ranked Kinko’s 84th
on its year 2000 “Forbes 500 Biggest Private Companies”.
In 2000, Orfalea stepped down from Kinko’s Chairperson to assume the
role of Chairperson Emeritus for Kinko’s Inc. Although Orfalea is no
longer involved in Kinko’s day-to-day operations, he now devotes
much of his time to new business venture with his associates.
One of his most recent ventures is the formation of the Orfalea
Family Foundation, which supports various philanthropic efforts, but
specifically concentrates on early care child and infant centers.
Paul Orfalea’s new focus is to increase public awareness of the
importance for quality early care for children of working parents.
Orfalea is working with government leaders to encourage businesses
and educational institutions to provide this benefit to co-workers
and students.
In 2000, People Magazine profiled Orfalea as one of several
prominent leaders who has overcome dyslexia and gone on to have
illustrious careers. Other recent prestigious awards include the
1998 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the University of Southern
California’s Marshall School of Business; the 2000 Philanthropist of
the Year by the Network of California Community Colleges; and in
2001 the Conrad Hilton Entrepreneur award, along with a nomination
for the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
Both University of Southern California and Cal Poly, where he
frequently lectures, have plans to dedicate business schools in the
Orfalea name in honor of his many ongoing contributions.
|
back to honoree
list |
