Paris: A history of 'making it better'
Our history in the paper industry began in April 1964, when Paris was founded by Dominic P. Toscani, Senior. Dom began his career as a lawyer specializing in taxes and estate planning. While doing routine estate and tax work, he developed a reputation for helping entrepreneurs incorporate newly-formed businesses. Many of his early clients couldn’t afford his modest fees, so in return for his work, Dom accepted part ownership in some of the firms he was helping to establish.
1964.
In 1964, Dom was approached by a college classmate who had become a printer and now wanted to start his own company in the newly-emerging market segment of continuous business forms. In April of 1964, Dom agreed to a partnership and the company was formed. Paris began manufacturing forms and selling exclusively through independent dealers.
1970.
While his partner ran Paris Business Forms, Dom continued to practice law while also remaining involved in other businesses. At the same time, Dom and his wife Nancy had a growing family that included ten children. In 1970, Dom decided to devote his energies full-time to the running of Paris. And the business started to grow. Dom was later joined by two of his sons. Soon after, Paris added plants and warehouses to expand its nationwide footprint.
1985.
In the mid-1980’s, the Office Superstores exploded onto the scene, which then catapulted Paris Business Products into large stores throughout the country. Beginning in the early ‘90s, Paris began selling paper and then various office products to every major food, drug, and mass market retailer in the US. During that time, Paris developed Printworks, DocuGard, and DocIt. At the same time, Paris pioneered the practice of exclusive license and distribution agreements with printer OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Kodak, Xerox, IBM, and HP.
2005.
Beginning in 2005, the shift from analog to digital began to impact paper consumption. Recognizing the need to develop specialty products that would offer growth opportunities in the face of technological headwinds, Paris began developing product and brands that leveraged our expertise. While not every effort has been successful, the two brands that have been are Dotz Cord and Cable Management and Weego Jump Starters.
Today.
Many have wondered how a “paper company” could successfully compete in intensely competitive fields like computer peripherals and batteries. A big part of the answer lies in our people and our culture. We develop and cultivate proactive partnerships between our employees, customers, and suppliers to ensure a high level of quality and service. To learn more about our people click here.
Where did our name come from?
In April 1964 when the founding fathers met to sign the papers to incorporate the company they realized they didn’t have a name. As it turns out, the song “April in Paris” was playing and it was in that moment that our company name originated.