Local Spotlight: Marco Office Supply
At HeyNeighbor, we love showcasing the businesses that make Southwest Florida stronger. This month, we’re featuring Marco Office Supply, a family-owned company with deep roots, a generous community spirit, and a true one-stop-shop selection for local organizations.
About the Business
Marco Office Supply is one of the three remaining independent office suppliers in Florida (excluding small mom-and-pop stores). Headquartered in Naples, the team serves Collier, Lee, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota counties every day.
They’re more than just office supplies. With over 45,000 items in their warehouse, the catalog spans basic supplies, cartridges, furniture, safety & PPE, janitorial, cleaning machines, school supplies, printing, promotional products, and technology products—truly a one-stop shop.
Their history stretches back generations. Founder Phil Penzo is a first-generation American in the office supply industry, following in the footsteps of his grandfather (a typewriter repairman) and his father Joseph, who expanded into supplies and opened an office supply business in Washington, DC, once with a small shop inside the Watergate building. Phil moved to Marco Island in 1982 after college and grew Marco Office Supply into today’s respected Naples-based warehouse operation while maintaining a convenient retail storefront on Marco Island.
The Local
After 43 years, Marco Office Supply has become a household name around Southwest Florida. Their integrity and community focus shine brightest in challenging moments. During COVID-19, they charged only for a spray bottle and offered free disinfectant refills until supplies ran out, easing the stress of “out-of-stock” issues. During the toilet paper shortage, none of their customers went without.
Community involvement runs deep: Rotary membership, multiple chambers and associations (including Above Board and COMA), and recognition such as the Business of the Month award from the Collier County Board of Commissioners for fulfilling a holiday wish list—from office equipment to school supplies.
They also collaborate with other local businesses, such as Genco Office Supplies, to keep costs down and service levels high—sharing warehousing efficiencies while referring customers where it best serves the community.
Challenges and Wins
It’s no secret—the biggest competitive pressure is Amazon. Yet side-by-side quotes often show local purchases can be more cost-effective once membership fees and hidden costs are considered. Most importantly, Marco Office Supply offers what the online giants can’t: relationships—with sales reps, drivers, and a team that stands behind each delivery. When packages go missing, returns get messy, or weekend drop-offs create confusion, having a local partner matters. They’ve lost some battles but won many more by simply showing up and doing right by their customers.
Marketing & Growth
As a small company, marketing dollars are focused on being visible where it counts—within the local business community. Chamber events, networking, and word-of-mouth are core. Their advice for fellow entrepreneurs: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always have a business lawyer review contracts, no matter how straightforward they seem.
Just for Fun
Favorite local treat: Ori’s Bakery on Marco Island. From scones and turnovers to mini crumb cakes and an unforgettable apple crumble cheesecake, it’s a must-visit. Watching kids light up at the pastry case? Priceless.
Business theme song: “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba — “I get knocked down, but I get up again. You’re never gonna keep me down.”
Favorite story: a frugal buyer once complained—at length—about bargain toilet paper. The resolution? A polite but firm, “We’re not the right supplier for you.” Sometimes, firing a bad customer protects your team and your brand.
Looking Ahead
Plans center on education—especially introducing newer generations to the value of buying local. Marco Office Supply may not have a billion-dollar website, but they offer the same products without the pop-ups, ads, and headaches. The message is simple: support local and the community can continue supporting you.
How to Support
Need office supplies, furniture, or business essentials? Consider partnering with Marco Office Supply. Prefer to meet first? They’re happy to hop on a 15–30 minute Zoom—or grab coffee at your favorite local spot.
