In 1984, Don and Donna Beene founded D&D Office Supply. They owned and ran the business, beginning primarily as an office supply store but adding gift items and other services over time, for 26 years until they retired in 2010. At that time, they sold the business to Mike and Gayla Borthick. Gayla confided that the success she and Mike experienced was due, at least in part, to the time and training that Don and Donna provided them in the weeks after they purchased the business. Now, 11 years later as they both also retire from D&D, they plan to offer the same time and training for new owner, Ronnie Perry of Depew, and his manager, Beverly Davis of Bristow.
Ronnie is not new to owning or running a business. He has been in the area for 37 years and owns Perry Construction of Depew and also runs his farm. He enjoys being at the lake, fishing, and camping when he is not working. When asked why he decided to purchase D&D in Bristow, he chuckled before saying, “I’m tired of retirement.” Anyone running a business—or two— and a farm is far from retired. That is Ronnie. He simply enjoys life. His friendly humor evident, chatting with him is like visiting with an old friend. The position of his best friend is taken, though. Beverly fills that role.
One year ago, Patrick Mounce introduced Ronnie and Beverly. They quickly became friends and dated. Actually, May 8th marks their one-year anniversary of havingmet. While some couples may find working together to be burdensome, being so close seems to enhance their ability to work together. In fact, Ronnie also bought D&D with Beverly and his son in mind. Neither partner has any qualms about their new business venture together. Both Ronnie and Beverly are family-oriented, hometown people, seeking to build upon the friendliness of the community through D&D.
Beverly moved around several times as a child but came to call Bristow home. After moving away for several years, she returned four years ago. For fun, she loves to craft and make custom personalized gifts. Not only will she be managing D&D, but she will continue to create personalized custom gifts, which will be for sale in the store. She and Ronnie will offer embroidery services and personalized gifts for a variety of items, including her custom mugs and drinkware.
The partners shared additional plans they have in mind for personalized items as well as expanded and upgraded services through D&D. For instance, Ronnie plans to purchase technologically upgraded laser equipment for enhanced printing and engraving services, which his son will manage. Ronnie also plans to continue providing trophy and plaque sales and engraving. In regard to D&D’s office supplies, they disclosed additional plans to expand the products they offer to include more office furniture. In a new, unique twist, Beverly excitedly revealed plans the best friends have in mind to draw in Route 66 travelers and tourists.
Ronnie and Beverly desire to keep and build jobs in Bristow by drawing in Mother Road tourists through eyecatching photo ops and informational portfolios through D&D. They will construct photography backgrounds unique to Bristow and Route 66 for photo ops when customers visit the store. They also plan to offer a local historical portfolio in addition to the photos, providing tourists with noteworthy insight as mementos to take home with them. They want to showcase Bristow and its rich history to sightseers, helping them learn about the town and encouraging them to purchase from local businesses. They plan to connect with customers and offer customer service befitting to friends and neighbors.
Speaking of neighbors, friends, and unique twists, friends share food together. Ronnie plans to build a coney store in the south side of the existing D&D space. Though he has not yet settled on a distinct name, he plans to ensure that it follows his dedication to Route 66 tourism. When Ronnie purchased D&D last week, he committed to keeping open and expanding a valued Bristow business and even creating another. Ronnie and Beverly hope the community responds by shopping local and building success for new and existing businesses, including D&D. They invested in Bristow, acting on their belief that as community businesses succeed, the community thrives.
As Bristow welcomes Ronnie and Beverly in their new ventures through D&D, Mike and Gayla share a few final thoughts. With heartfelt sincerity, Mike said “I really appreciate people supporting our business. I’ve met a lot of really nice people and reacquainted with them, too.” Gayla echoed his sentiments, “We would like the community to continue to support D&D and the new owners.”