I still remember the first time I walked into a Staples store back in the 90s. I was a college student with a tight budget, juggling part-time work and endless assignments. That day, I needed printer paper, a desk lamp, and maybe a new pen or two. Instead of hopping from one store to another, I found everything under one roof. It felt like magic.
Later, when I learned that Tom Stenberg, the co-founder of Staples, was the man behind this retail revolution, I felt almost grateful to him personally. His idea wasn’t just about selling pens and paper—it was about making life simpler for students, businesses, and everyday people.
In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned about Tom Stenberg, why his story resonates with me, and what lessons we can all take from his journey.
Who Was Tom Stenberg?
Tom Stenberg wasn’t just another businessman chasing profits. Born in Sweden in 1939, he carried a natural curiosity about how people live, shop, and work. He studied economics and finance, but unlike many of his peers, he didn’t stop there.
In the 1980s, office supplies were scattered across small specialty shops. If you ran a business, you had to waste time and money piecing together your needs from multiple stores. Stenberg saw this problem and decided to fix it. Together with Leo Kahn, he co-founded Staples in 1986.
That one decision forever changed the way Americans—and eventually people around the world—purchased office supplies.
My Personal Connection to Staples and Stenberg’s Vision
As someone who has worked in both corporate and freelance settings, I can tell you that convenience matters. There have been countless times when Staples was my lifeline:
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When I launched my first small business, I bought my office chair and printer there.
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During tax season, I grabbed files, folders, and highlighters in one quick trip.
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Once, I even saved a client presentation because Staples printed it for me on the spot.
That level of reliability doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the direct result of Stenberg’s vision—creating a one-stop-shop that supports people at every stage of their work.
Lessons We Can Learn from Tom Stenberg
Tom Stenberg’s journey is more than just a business success story. It’s a blueprint for innovation, resilience, and understanding human needs.
1. See the Gap and Fill It
One of Stenberg’s greatest strengths was spotting gaps others ignored. Most people in the 80s saw office supplies as “just paper and pens.” Stenberg saw inefficiency, frustration, and opportunity.
Takeaway: Don’t dismiss the small inconveniences in your life or work. Sometimes the smallest problems hide the biggest business opportunities.
2. Convenience is King
We live in a world obsessed with convenience. Amazon thrives on it, apps thrive on it, and even food delivery exists because of it. Stenberg was ahead of his time—Staples thrived because he understood that people wanted everything in one place.
I’ve learned this lesson personally in my freelance career. The more I simplify processes for my clients—whether it’s easy file-sharing or quick responses—the stronger my relationships become.
3. Never Underestimate the Power of Scale
By building large stores with bulk purchasing power, Stenberg was able to offer lower prices and wider selections. That scale made Staples unbeatable for years.
Tip from my own experience: If you’re starting a business, think about how your idea can scale. Start small, yes, but always keep an eye on how to expand when the time is right.
How Tom Stenberg’s Legacy Lives On
Even though Tom Stenberg passed away in 2013, his legacy is everywhere. Every time you see a big-box retailer, whether it’s Best Buy, Home Depot, or even Costco, you’re looking at variations of the model he helped pioneer.
Staples itself became more than a store—it became part of how we think about work. For students, freelancers, teachers, and small businesses, Staples became almost symbolic: a place where productivity begins.
And that’s something I can relate to personally. To this day, whenever I’m about to start a big project, I make a quick run to an office supply store. It feels like I’m preparing for success.
Fun Facts About Tom Stenberg
Here are a few tidbits I found fascinating:
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He started Staples with just one store in Brighton, Massachusetts.
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The company grew to over 1,500 stores worldwide at its peak.
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Stenberg once said his goal wasn’t just to sell products—it was to “help people work better.”
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He was also known for mentoring young entrepreneurs, sharing his belief in persistence and creativity.
Final Thoughts on Tom Stenberg
When I think of Tom Stenberg, I don’t just think of Staples. I think of the late nights when I dashed to the store for last-minute supplies. I think of my first home office setup. I think of how one man’s vision made work and life a little less stressful for millions of people.
His story is a reminder that big ideas often come from solving small, practical problems. And honestly, that’s inspiring.
