Printers Paper and (so much) More

Bobbie Blake, manager of Printers Paper and More, has been with the store since it opened — and she’s been providing cheerful and friendly service ever since. It’s just one of the many reasons she earned the Employee of the Year community excellence award from Holyoke Chamber of Commerce for 2021.

Blake said she was shocked, humbled and honored to receive the award, but many who know her are not shocked that she’s earned it.

Blake is quick to point out that the customers are her favorite part about working at Printers Paper and More.

“I love visiting with them and helping them try to find what they need,” she said, adding that customer service is very important to her.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here a thousand times or if this is your first time,” she said, “you’re going to get the same service I always give. I’ll help with whatever you need, even if it’s just to talk.”

Blake said an outstanding employee must have honesty and the ability to work with people in their community, and she herself certainly has both.

Since moving to Holyoke from Sterling in 2006, Blake has been very active with local businesses and promoting their success. She also frequently helps with chamber of commerce activities.

The community is important to her, and it’s important to her that people shop locally.

“I think it’s very important to support local businesses. It’s how we’re going to keep our town going,” she said, pointing out that small businesses are active in the community and participate in fundraisers and other community events.

Blake said the owners of Printers Paper and More, Arlan Scholl and Julie Wiebke, have helped her be successful and always keep open lines of communication.

“They’ve always been very supportive of me, and I’m really thankful to them,” Blake said.

Wiebke applauded Blake’s willingness to do what’s needed to be done. “She’s helpful to all of our customers and takes on special requests,” she added. “She never complains and is always cheerful.”

Scholl said Blake’s strength is her personality, and she’s always cordial when she greets customers and is on the spot for their needs. “She’s very loyal and is there when you need her,” he added. “She runs the store like it’s hers, and that’s what you always want.”

“She’s in your corner and wants to see all of our amazing businesses thrive in our community,” Blake’s nomination letter said. “She shares Facebook posts and elevates your business in every way she can. Bobbie is a team player and sincerely advocates for a shared success in our community.”

This is illustrated by the fact that if she doesn’t have an item a customer is looking for, she first refers them to another local business before trying to order the product from somewhere else.

“I think we have great businesses here in Holyoke,” she said, and she wants to see every local business be successful.

Her customer service goes above and beyond even that. She described instances when she’s had people call her at home after business hours needing ink or paper — and she’s met them at the store to help them.

“I’d rather them call me than have to go to Sterling,” she said, adding that she knows what it feels like to think you have everything you need, only to run out of a crucial supply.  

Her nomination letter closed in saying, “We should all strive to have a heart for building each other up like Bobbie does. It can be a dog-eat-dog world out there, especially when it comes to business and competition. But with hearts and minds like Bobbie’s, there would be room for everyone at the table of success. She’s a true gem in our community, and I hope she realizes how loved she is.”