Media

Journalists from around the nation and as far away as Russia, France, and Japan have shined the media spotlight on our pioneering business model, outstanding customer service, and innovative green practices and products.

If you work in the news media and want to learn more about Give Something Back, email media@givesomethingback.com. If you have an immediate request, call 800.261.2619 or 510.499.3179.

Click here to download our Media Kit.

"...the Sierra Club, which has 550 employees based mostly in San Francisco and Washington, buys its office supplies from Give Something Back... 'We were sold on the environmental quality of their products, which have a high recycled content, and how they distribute their profits,' Mr. Barnes said."

"By almost any standard Give Something Back is a thriving business. Launched in 1991 with $40,000 from two founders, the office products company generated $25 million in sales in 2006."

"Give Something Back is...an unsung hero. In February the company donated $408,000 — 92% of its after tax profit — to dozens of Bay Area nonprofit organizations...All that and Give Something Back still offers as much as 80 percent discount on paper clips, rubber bands, and whatnot."

"Don't let the idealist name fool you — this is no nonprofit...Give Something Back has managed to survive the onslaught of [superstores that have put more than half of office suppliers out of business]. Give Something Back's approach has also helped it amass a sales staff of 42 in a rough labor market. There is a cult-like devotion by employees, who spend their lunch breaks sitting on committees that oversee the philanthropic process."

“. . .there’s more to life than climbing the corporate ladder,” said [Sean] Marx, now the company’s CEO. “If you can make a reasonable living, do something challenging and also do some good in the world at the same time, why not?” It has turned out to be a recipe for success, too. Today, Marx’s company is the largest independent supplier of office supplies on the West Coast.”

“When it comes to being a conscious business, GSB knows that offering environmentally products at unparalleled prices, protecting the environment, educating customers on green issues, and giving vital support to the greater community are the ways in which to be successful and help change a standard business into a thriving, sustainable, conscious business.”

“What makes Give Something Back's commitment to charity all the more unique is that customers and employees vote for the charities that are to receive financial support. At the end of the year, the profits are divided among the top vote-getters.
"It's purely democratic," says [GSB president Hannigan].

"'We got involved with [Give Something Back] not intending to get a grant, but because they provided a competitive price,' said Jose Montes de Oca, executive director of Alum Rock Counseling Center. His agency received a $3,150 grant from the company last year. 'It was quite amazing to us,' he said..."

"Give Something Back competes with national superstores like Staples and Office Depot by not operating retail stores, reducing the need to warehouse stock...Give Something Back actually charges less than stores like Office Depot. 'Donating our profits is great,' says [GSB co-founder Sean Marx], 'but this is a business. If we aren't focused on our customers, there is no profit.' "

"Give Something Back is being recognized nationally as philanthropists extraordinaire... The Oakland office products company...is a finalist for the $250,000 Newman's Own/George Award for corporate philanthropy. 'We're fortunate to be able to reinforce on a regular basis how wonderful this company's philosophy is,' [GSB co-founder Sean Marx] said. 'This is another example. It validates why we do what we do.' "

"Hannigan's office supplies, Newman's Own spaghetti sauces and Taste of the Himalayas' meals cost no more than the going rate...Hannigan longs to ramp up revenues so he can donate more. 'Our goal is to create as large an economic powerhouse business as we can. The bigger we get, the more profitable we are, the more money that's funneled to community organizations.' "

"So how can a business continue to grow and pay respectable wages when it goes away the majority of its profits? The answer, Hannigan insists, is that business is good with double-digit sales growth each year and the company donates as much as it can afford to give... 'We use them because they give back to the community, but they also provide outstanding service,' said Pat Whitlock, of Firm Solutions. 'They do installation, they do next-day service for free. The prices are reasonable, and they don't have a high turn-over rate. So you're always working with the same people.' "

"Lethal Weapon star Danny Glover introduced honoree Bruce Dixon at the Give Something Back/Newman's Own Community Activist Awards."

"Unlike most other office supply businesses, GSB actively encourages customers to buy recycled paper and sells paper that's 75 percent recycled as opposed to the 25 percent recycled throughout the rest of the industry."

“Give Something Back. . .installed a 50-kilowatt solar power system at its 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Oakland. ‘Economically, it's very, very viable, says the company's president, Mike Hannigan. ‘What was originally a decision based on environmental reasons turns out not be inconsistent with the corporate mission.’"

Media

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