Pioneering excellence and redefining customer service.

In today’s business world, a company’s longevity often speaks volumes about its ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver consistently. Wist Business Supplies & Equipment is one of those companies.

The company, a family-owned business led by Ian Wist, owner and general manager, is a distribution leader in the Southwest and is a stellar example of taking care of its customers with their needs in mind. For nearly 70 years, Wist Business Supplies & Equipment has provided top-tier products and exceptional customer service, while steadily expanding its market presence and navigating the challenges of an ever-changing industry. Wist’s leadership, grounded in family tradition, has been key to the company’s enduring success.

A family legacy

Wist Business Supplies & Equipment is deeply rooted in family history, with a legacy that spans four generations. The company was founded by Ian Wist’s grandfather, Martin, in 1955.

The business has remained in the family, passing from generation to generation.

“I’ve been here for almost 38 years, and next year marks the 70th anniversary of the organization,” Ian Wist shared. “It began with my grandfather, then my dad and mom ran it, my brother joined, and now my son is involved. We’re proud to be a fourth-generation family business.”

It’s about the work, not the title

Though Wist holds the title of owner, he prefers a hands-on approach, placing more emphasis on work than titles. “I’m not a title guy,” he explained. “I could use titles like president or vice president, but at the end of the day, it’s the work you do that counts.”

This attitude defines Wist’s leadership style, and it permeates the company culture. He remains deeply involved in day-to-day operations, ensuring that the company stays true to its mission of customer-first service.

Though Wist Business Supplies & Equipment is a family business, Ian Wist’s strong entrepreneurial spirit drives the company to compete and innovate in a crowded market. “I’m competitive, and I like to win,” Wist said with a smile. “But it’s not just about winning—it’s about learning and evolving. You’re not going to win every time, but when you do, you need to understand why and how to repeat that success.”

Serving Arizona and beyond

Headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, with an additional office in Tucson, Wist serves businesses across the state and beyond. The company runs weekly delivery trucks to Yuma, northern Arizona, and even oversees national orders through partnerships with wholesalers and other distributors.

Their online presence also continues to grow, with over 70,000 items available on the company website. Wist Business Supplies & Equipment carries everything from business equipment to janitorial supplies, always seeking new products and solutions for their clients. “We’ve built our own janitorial and sanitation content,” Wist said, “and we’re always looking to expand our offerings.”

Longevity, customer focus, and adaptability

When asked what makes Wist Business Supplies & Equipment unique in such a competitive market, Wist pointed to their customer-first focus and adaptability. “We put customers first in almost every regard, but we also know we have to compensate high-level talent and take care of the office. This balance is what has sustained us for so long,” he explained.

Wist also emphasized the company’s commitment to embracing change. Over the years, Wist Business Supplies & Equipment has successfully navigated shifts in the market, from recessions to the recent boom in remote work. “The market is always moving, and we’re here to fill the gaps when they arise,” Wist said. “We’re very excited about the janitorial and sanitation space, especially as it has seen so much disruption lately.”

Embracing change

The pandemic posed a challenge to many businesses, including Wist Business Supplies & Equipment, which saw a shift in demand as office workers transitioned to home offices. However, the company pivoted quickly, moving into adjacent markets like janitorial supplies. “People were still using office products, but in different ways. We dug deep into new categories, like janitorial, and it’s been a successful direction for us,” Wist explained.

Today, janitorial and sanitation supplies represent a significant part of the business, and the company has embraced strategic planning to ensure its future success. “We have an advisory board that guides us, and we do strategic planning to look ahead,” Wist said. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Wist will continue to evolve and meet the needs of their customers for years to come.

A people-centric approach

At the heart of Wist Business Supplies & Equipment’s success is the people—both the employees and the customers. Ian Wist is proud of the company’s low turnover rate and the long-term relationships they’ve built with employees and clients alike. “We don’t have a lot of turnover,” he said. “When we find the right people, they tend to stay. I’ve been working with some of the same people for over 40 years.”

Wist’s approach to hiring emphasizes finding individuals who align with the company’s values.

He shared a story about a recent hire to illustrate this point: “We interviewed someone for a sales position 15 years ago. She didn’t join us then, but we stayed in touch. Fast forward to now, and she’s part of the team, and it’s been a fantastic fit.”

A decade of ISSA membership

For over 10 years, Wist Business Supplies & Equipment has been a valued member of ISSA. The company has demonstrated resilience, overcome challenges, and proved successful.

Many years ago, before becoming a member, Wist decided to attend an ISSA Show and was “blown away.” It was then that he decided they needed to become a part of the ISSA organization. He saw the benefits and even started bringing other jansan professionals to ISSA Show to share the same experience.

When asked in a recent interview how being a member of ISSA has benefited him and his company, Wist kept mentioning that ISSA was “welcoming.” He loves the sense of community and networking it offers. He is also impressed by the educational side and plans to take much more advantage of that soon.

Looking to the future

As Wist Business Supplies & Equipment looks to the future, Wist is optimistic and enthusiastic about what lies ahead. The company is committed to growing its presence in the jansan space, leveraging technology to compete with larger companies, and offering personalized, high-touch customer service. “We’re embracing AI and automation to level the playing field with larger companies,” Wist noted.

Despite its growth and evolution, the company remains committed to its roots: providing exceptional customer service and creating meaningful relationships.

The value of planning and persistence

For Ian Wist, success in business boils down to a few fundamental principles: strategic planning, embracing change, and a commitment to people. “You have to plan the work and work the plan,” he said. “It’s about putting in the time and effort, knowing that there will be mistakes along the way, but learning from them and always moving forward.”

With a rich history, a dedicated team, and a clear vision for the future, Wist Business Supplies & Equipment is poised for continued success under Ian Wist’s leadership.

Resilience, adaptability, and dedication to customer service make this successful business a standout in the industry and an ISSA member company to watch in the years to come.

Sidebars

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/wist

Martin Wist