5 minutes with...Kasie Morley

Describe what you do in fewer than 20 words.

My husband and I own three office products companies all headquartered in Bowie, Maryland.

The worst job you’ve ever had?

Working at an advertising agency representing a well-known casino. Witnessing the greed and behind-the-scenes chaos took the fun out of gambling and casinos for me.

If you weren’t doing your present job, what would you like to be doing?

I would work in television as a sports announcer. That way I could be sure my husband is always listening to me!

What sports teams do you support?

My alma mater is the Michigan State University Spartans.

The industry figure you most admire and why?

Firstly, Tom Gallagher of Genuine Parts for his intelligence, honesty and commitment to the industry. I also believe that my husband and business partner, Gary Luiza, and our company founder Dan Grossman are visionaries. They developed an electronic communications system to take customers’ orders ten years before the internet.

The first record you bought?

This Year’s Model by Elvis Costello.

The most scary travel experience you’ve had while in the OP industry?

I broke my rib in a limo accident on the way to a conference. Then on the way back to the airport with colleagues a tyre blew out on the airport shuttle van. Needless to say, no one wanted to be on my flight home!

Your favourite event on the OP circuit and why?

SP Richards’ ABC. I’ve attended every single one. They are always fun and inspiring and I get to see all my favourite manufacturers in one place.

Your favourite holidaydestination?

In the summer my parents’ beach house on Lake Michigan. And in the winter Casa de Campo Golf Resort in the Dominican Republic.

What will be the biggest single factor affecting the OP industry over the next five years?

The FSSI. The way the government chooses its office supplies vendors will have a major impact on dealers across the country. 

What one thing would you change about yourself?

I’d love to be fluent in different languages

The most memorable experience you’ve had while in OP?

While attending a meeting in New York I bumped into Jon Bon Jovi at the Plaza Hotel. Despite what you may have read in the tabloids, we are just good friends! 

What do you like best about the OP industry?

The spirit and commitment of independent dealers.

What do you like least?

The way the industry has devalued its products. The aggressive reduction of prices has decreased their value  in consumers’ eyes. 

Any unusual hobbies or collections?

I have a large collection of shoes. It’s a serious addiction!

Keywords: Kasie Morley, interview, office products international, Jon Bon Jovi