2495 S DELAWARE ST DENVER, CO 80223 Get Directions
2495 S DELAWARE ST DENVER, CO 80223 Get Directions
Our company's story begins with the Denver arrival of two Illinois-born brothers. Although Bob and Clarence Katzke originally went into business fixing cars, it was their supplemental income made from selling shipping supplies that really kept the 14th Avenue Auto Hospital afloat. Eventually realizing that they made far better salesmen than mechanics, the brothers shut down the garage, borrowed a bit of money, and officially launched Katzke Bros. Paper Company in February of 1948. As "Katzke" was a difficult name to pronounce, Clarence created the logo of two cats playing with a key - "cats key". Once the name and logo were in place, the brothers were ready to take the shipping supply business by storm.
At first, the going was rather slow. Eventually, through years of hard work and conservative business practices, the sibling CEOs saw their side business grow into an unqualified success. The company became so prosperous that by 1955 Clarence and Bob were able to purchase a tract of land on South Delaware Street, and relocate Katzke Bros to its permanent home. The office and warehouse remain there to this day.
Over the next few years, the company experienced both a name change and the departure of one of the Katzkes. In 1957 Clarence bought out his brother, and assumed sole responsibility for day-to-day operations. By 1961, the Katzke Bros Paper Company had incorporated, and officially changed its name to Katzke Paper Co.
The company did well under Clarence's guidance. Having come of age during the Great Depression, it was his lifelong belief to always pay cash for things, or do without them. As a result, his company was never the biggest, but was always financially sound.
In November 1978, Clarence's son, Greg, joined the company full time, after working at Katzke Paper throughout high school and college. Greg's goal was to modernize what Clarence jokingly referred to as "our antiquated ways of doing business," while still retaining his father's values--such as accountability and customer service.
The fledgling manager was subjected to a severe trial by fire--literally--when in April1984 a two-alarm fire destroyed the office and part of the warehouse. However, the hard working employees and loyal suppliers were determined not to let Clarence Katzke's life's work go up in smoke. Through their extraordinary efforts, the company shut its doors for a one-day cleanup, and then reopened. Greg's father then decided it was time to retire, allowing Greg to step in as company president, and devote himself to rebuilding the family business. Katzke Paper Co recovered from the fire, and, under Greg's leadership (and Clarence's blessing) grew to where it is today: the largest independent industrial packaging distributor in Denver.
Katzke Paper Co., with millions of dollars in sales, serving customers in Colorado, Wyoming and western Nebraska, is still a family-owned and oriented business, Katzke Paper Co. is blessed with over 30 dedicated employees, loyal customers, quality products, and an enviable reputation. At Katzke we are proud to say we've been in the business of providing packaging solutions for 65 years!
While conscious of an ever-changing industry filled with consolidations, technological advances, and the threat of corporate takeover, the Katzke Paper Co. is committed to remaining a strong, independent company with clear vision of a bright future. We pledge to continue providing unequaled service to our valued customers through the superb efforts of our hard working employees.
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