Porter’s Office Products has been serving Idaho and the surrounding region for more than a century — a locally owned, family-run company built on quality, integrity, and exceptional service.

Humble Beginnings (1915)

Our story began in 1915, when Arthur Porter opened a small variety store on College Avenue in Rexburg, Idaho. Alongside his store, Arthur purchased part of the local newspaper and built a small printing business — laying the foundation for what would become one of Idaho’s most enduring family enterprises.

As the Porter children grew, Arthur sold parts of his expanding ventures to them: one took over the printing business (eventually becoming Artco), another the newspaper (now the Standard Journal), and his son Warren Porter continued the variety store business.

Adapting Through Generations

Under Warren Porter, the company grew and evolved with the times. Warren obtained the franchise rights for the Ben Franklin variety stores, keeping Porter’s a household name throughout the region. But as retail began to shift in the 1970s, Warren noticed a new opportunity: the growing demand for office supplies and business services.

By blending old-fashioned customer care with modern business solutions, Warren transformed the company into a trusted local supplier for offices, schools, and government institutions across Eastern Idaho.

A New Era of Leadership

In 1998, Warren’s grandson Mark Porter joined the business, bringing new energy and vision to the family legacy. Mark recognized that the office supply division had outgrown its small corner in the back of the craft store, and by 2001, Porter’s Office Products moved into a dedicated building north of Rexburg.

Mark focused on professionalizing and expanding the company — introducing new product lines, modern logistics, and a strong commitment to community partnerships. His leadership brought growth beyond Rexburg, expanding service to Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Blackfoot, Logan (UT), and Jackson (WY).

In 2009, Mark guided the company through a successful merger with Bangs Office Products of Pocatello. This milestone expanded Porter’s reach and added high-end office furniture lines, including Steelcase, to its offerings.

Today: The Blue Cow Standard

Now more than a century after Arthur first opened his doors, Porter’s Office Products continues to thrive under family leadership. Our motto, “Blue Cow Service,” stands for something rare — the kind of personal, dependable service you won’t find anywhere else.

From office supplies and furniture to janitorial, technology, and school products, Porter’s serves businesses and communities throughout the Intermountain West with the same integrity and dedication that began in 1915.

Our Promise

At Porter’s, we believe that great service never goes out of style. Each generation has carried that belief forward — from Arthur’s printing press to Mark’s modern distribution network — keeping our customers at the heart of everything we do.

Over 100 years later, we’re still your local partner for workspaces that work.