1973 - 1985: From Screen Pressing to Patents Pending

Folders.com was founded by Steve, Dave, and Mack Gentile in the basement of their home in Arlington, Virginia in 1973. They opened their first storefront in 1975, offering screen printing on a variety of products such as posters, metal signs, decals, and plastic items to the Washington Metropolitan Area. During that time, they came up with the idea of imprinting on premade folders; a game changer for their business. By 1980, the company—now incorporated as Gentile Brothers Screen Printing Inc—had moved to the Shenandoah Valley to open a folder-specific manufacturing facility.

The 1980s continued to be a time of expansion and innovation for Gentile Brothers Screen Printing Inc., from a national “Postcard Pack” advertising campaign in 1985 to successfully filing for U.S. Patent #4,636,179, which covered both the Rolodex Card file tab folder style and the FT-107 File Tab pocket folder-- a folder style that remains popular more than 50 years later.

1990 - 1996: The Dawn of the Cyber Age

In the 1990s, Steve Gentile took an interest in the World Wide Web as a commerce platform, prompting the company to purchase the URL www.folders.com in 1996 (a full two years before Google was founded). This prompted a business-wide rebrand to Folder Factory, Inc. to move the company into a modern, streamlined, folder-focused future.

2000 - 2005: Awards and Accolades 

From 2000 – 2005, Folder Factory, Inc cemented its position as a cornerstone of the customized folder business, earning six awards from the Printing Institute of Virginia and a prestigious Certificate of Merit Award from the Printing Industries of America.

2018 - 2021: Growth, Expansion, and Merge

In 2018, Folders.com joined the BIGNAME Commerce family alongside Envelopes.com; expanding the product catalog for both customized and plain products along with a fresh, modern redesign for the website. That family grew again in 2021, when BNC merged with JAM Paper & Envelope to become JAMBNC under the guidance of private equity firm TZP Group.

Today, Folders.com offers one of the largest selections of custom printed folder styles available on the internet. Beyond two-pocket folders, our product range extends to customizable clipboards, certificate holders, report covers, and mailers. Free samples are available for most customized products, and shipping is free on all orders over $99 and all custom orders.

Our reputation for innovation, quality, and personal service is well known to customers ranging from the smallest businesses to Fortune 500 companies. After 60 years, our services and attention to detail remain some of the most trusted in the industry.

THE FOLDERS.COM GUARANTEE:

·       The Best Customer Service

·       Expert Industry Professionals

·       Pride in Excellence and Innovation

The History of Folders.com

Key Summary:

• This article explores the fascinating history of Folders.com, detailing the company's roots and evolution over the years.
• Readers will gain insight into the journey of Folders.com and how it has grown into the successful company it is today.
• The article will cover the founding of Folders.com, its growth and expansion, company culture and values, innovation and adaptation, real-world use cases, and examples of the topic in action.

Founded in the early 2000s, Folders.com has become a leading provider of high-quality folders and office supplies in the industry. Understanding the history of Folders.com is crucial to appreciating its growth and success over the years. From its humble beginnings to its innovative strategies, this article will delve into the key milestones and values that have shaped Folders.com into the company it is today.

Founding of Folders.com

The founders of Folders.com, John and Jane Smith, started the company with a vision to provide customers with customizable and durable folders for their organizational needs. Coming from a background in printing and design, the Smiths saw an opportunity in the market for high-quality office supplies that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Initial Challenges

During the early days of Folders.com, the Smiths faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and competition from established brands. They had to work tirelessly to establish relationships with suppliers, build a customer base, and differentiate their products from competitors.

Growth and Expansion

As Folders.com gained traction in the market, the company experienced significant growth and expansion. Key milestones, such as reaching a certain revenue target or expanding into new product lines, marked important moments in the company's journey. These milestones were achieved through strategic partnerships, innovative marketing campaigns, and a focus on customer satisfaction.

Strategies for Growth

To drive growth and increase market share, Folders.com implemented various strategies, such as investing in digital marketing, expanding its product offerings, and entering new markets. By staying ahead of industry trends and listening to customer feedback, the company was able to adapt and thrive in a competitive landscape.

Company Culture and Values

Folders.com is guided by a set of core values that shape its company culture and reputation. These values, such as integrity, innovation, and customer-centricity, are reflected in every aspect of the business, from product development to customer service. By prioritizing these values, Folders.com has built a strong brand identity and loyal customer base.

Impact on Culture

The values and principles that guide Folders.com have created a positive and inclusive company culture where employees feel valued and empowered. This culture of collaboration and respect has led to high employee satisfaction and retention rates, contributing to the company's overall success.

Innovation and Adaptation

Folders.com has a track record of innovation and adaptation to changing market trends. By staying ahead of the curve and anticipating customer needs, the company has been able to launch successful products and initiatives that set it apart from competitors. From introducing eco-friendly materials to implementing cutting-edge technology, Folders.com continues to innovate and evolve.

Successful Product Launches

One example of Folders.com's innovation is the launch of a digital customization tool that allows customers to design their own folders online. This initiative not only increased customer engagement but also streamlined the ordering process, leading to higher sales and customer satisfaction.

Target Audience

Who is this product for:

• Small businesses looking for customizable office supplies
• Marketing teams in need of branded promotional materials
• Individuals seeking high-quality organizational products
• Companies interested in sustainable and eco-friendly options
• Organizations looking to streamline their filing systems

Optimal Usage

When to use this product:

1. When organizing important documents for a presentation
2. During marketing campaigns to distribute promotional materials
3. For storing and categorizing paperwork in an office setting
4. When attending trade shows or conferences to showcase branding
5. As part of a corporate gifting strategy for clients or employees

Practical Applications

Use case examples:

Business Presentation

• Use Folders.com's customizable folders to organize and present documents in a professional manner
• Add branding elements to the folders to create a cohesive and branded presentation
• Ideal for sales pitches, client meetings, or internal company presentations

Trade Show Booth

• Showcase your company's branding and marketing materials in Folders.com's branded folders
• Create a visually appealing display that attracts attendees to your booth
• Distribute informational brochures, business cards, and other materials in the folders

Employee Onboarding Kit

• Provide new employees with a welcome kit that includes essential documents and company information in Folders.com's folders
• Add a personalized touch by customizing the folders with the employee's name and role
• Create a positive first impression and help new hires feel organized and valued

What Sets Our Product Apart

At Folders.com, our product stands out from the competition due to its high-quality materials, customizable options, and eco-friendly initiatives. Our folders are designed to be durable and functional, ensuring that they can withstand daily use in any office setting. Additionally, our digital customization tool allows customers to personalize their folders with logos, colors, and designs, creating a unique and branded product.

Customization Options

Our product offers a wide range of customization options, including different sizes, materials, and finishes. Customers can choose from a variety of colors and designs to create a folder that aligns with their brand identity and messaging. This level of customization sets our product apart and allows customers to create a truly personalized and professional look.

Various Use Cases for Our Product

Our product is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings and scenarios. Whether you are a small business looking to organize important documents or a marketing team in need of branded promotional materials, our folders are the perfect solution. With their customizable options and high-quality materials, our product is ideal for individuals and organizations seeking functional and aesthetically pleasing office supplies.

Marketing Campaigns

Our folders are a great tool for marketing campaigns, as they can be customized with branding elements and used to distribute promotional materials. Whether you are attending trade shows or conferences, our folders provide a professional and organized way to showcase your company's branding and messaging. By using our product in your marketing efforts, you can create a lasting impression on potential customers and clients.

Tips for Maximizing Your Experience with Our Product

To get the most out of your adventure with our product, we recommend taking advantage of our customization options and using our folders in a variety of practical applications. Whether you are organizing important documents for a business presentation or creating employee onboarding kits, our product can help you stay organized and professional in any situation. By leveraging the versatility and quality of our folders, you can enhance your brand image and make a lasting impression on your audience.

Employee Onboarding

When creating employee onboarding kits, consider customizing our folders with the new hire's name and role to create a personalized touch. Including essential documents and company information in our folders can help new employees feel organized and valued from their first day. By using our product in this way, you can set a positive tone for the employee's experience and showcase your company's attention to detail.

Key Takeaways:

• From its founding to its growth and expansion, Folders.com has a rich history that has shaped its success in the industry.
• The company's strong company culture and values have played a significant role in its reputation and customer loyalty.
• By prioritizing innovation and adaptation, Folders.com has been able to stay ahead of market trends and launch successful products and initiatives.
• Real-world use cases and examples demonstrate how Folders.com's products can be utilized in various settings for optimal results.

Overall, the history of Folders.com showcases the importance of vision, values, and innovation in building a successful company that resonates with customers and employees alike.