Kinko's copy shops, started by Paul Orfalea, grew into a global chain until it was acquired by FedEx. The podcast discusses Orfalea's entrepreneurial mindset, challenges in expanding the business, and the impact of laser printers and copyright lawsuits. It also reflects on feelings of insecurity and self-doubt despite business success.
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Quick takeaways
Kinko’s success was driven by operating 24 hours a day, providing a reliable option for customers with urgent printing needs.
Paul Orfalea's detached approach to business helped him maintain objectivity and focus on practicality and profitability.
Despite personal tragedy, Paul Orfalea navigated the challenges of managing both personal and professional life, finding support in family and perseverance to drive the success of Kinko’s.
Deep dives
Kinkos: Expanding and Innovating
Kinkos is a photocopy and printing chain that experienced significant growth and success in the 1970s and 1980s. The company started with a 100-square-foot shop in Santa Barbara and expanded to multiple locations near college campuses. One key factor in the company's success was the decision to operate 24 hours a day, making it a reliable option for students and others with urgent printing needs. However, Kinkos faced challenges due to increasing competition and the rise of laser printers. Despite this, the company continued to innovate and adapt its offerings to stay relevant in the market.
The Insecurities and Detached Approach of Kinkos' Founder
Paul Orfala, the founder of Kinkos, always maintained a detached approach to his business, focusing on the practicality and profitability rather than developing an emotional attachment. He believed that loving one's business too much can lead to a loss of objectivity. Orfala had a persistent insecurity and self-doubt, constantly questioning the future of the business and anticipating threats from competitors. Despite these challenges, his drive for success and desire for financial gain fueled his determination to expand the company and provide reliable services to customers.
Personal Tragedy and Business Management
Amidst the growth of Kinkos, Paul Orfala faced a personal tragedy when his first child passed away at the age of seven months due to a congenital heart defect. This difficult time in Orfala's life required him to compartmentalize his grief while continuing to run the business. He navigated the challenges of managing both personal and professional life, finding solace in the support of his family and the understanding that everyone experiences loss differently. Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Orfala persevered and continued to drive the success of Kinkos.
Revolutionizing the Textbook Market and Expanding Kinkos
Paul Orfalea revolutionized the textbook market by offering photocopies of textbook chapters to students at a lower cost. This program gained popularity among professors who appreciated the ability to teach with original material. Partnerships with professors in different locations allowed for the expansion of Kinkos stores. Orfalea's partnership model, where co-owners had equity in the individual locations, ensured their commitment to success. Profit sharing in every location further motivated employees and partners to excel.
Adapting to Changes and Prioritizing Customer Service
Facing challenges such as the advent of laser printers and a copyright infringement lawsuit, Kinkos shifted its focus away from students and towards a broader customer base. The company transformed into a branch office where customers could use computers, graphic design tools, and other services. The philosophy of customer care and valuing employees remained central even amidst changes. Orfalea believed in removing obstacles and empowering partners to provide excellent customer service. While he eventually left Kinkos, he found new purpose in teaching and philanthropy.
Kinko’s copy shops were once so ubiquitous that the name became a kind of shorthand for photocopying. Paul Orfalea started the first shop in 1970 in a tiny converted hamburger stand near UC Santa Barbara, called it Kinko’s after his childhood nickname, and eventually grew it into a sprawling global chain.
Rather than relying on a franchise model, Paul partnered with co-owners, which often made it hard to keep the business on track. Far-flung owners couldn’t agree about the basics of logo design or the complexities of keeping stores open 24 hours. In 2004, Kinko’s was acquired for $2.4 billion by FedEx, which eventually shed the name and transformed the shops into today’s FedEx Office locations.
This episode was produced by Chis Maccini and edited by Neva Grant, with music by Ramtin Arablouei. Our audio engineer was James Willetts.