Area Distributor Celebrates 140 Years in Business

ATCHISON, Kan. — Continually respecting
customers’ wishes since the wagon train days has
helped the Blish-Mize Co. survive into the modern
era.
The Atchison, Kan., firm is observing its 140th
year in business as a hardlines distributor for the
immediate region and states in the Midwest,
Rockies and Southwest. Hardlines is a term that
refers to goods commonly found in hardware
stores, lumber yards, and related retail stores.
A stream of steady family ownership — now in its
fourth and fifth generations — has shepherded Blish-Mize since its founding in 1871.
“We are certainly one of the oldest companies in Atchison and Kansas,” said Jonathan
Mize, president and chief operating officer. “We’re buying product based on their
(clients’) needs … Our focus is on the independent retailer.”
Blish-Mize was founded by three brothers-in-law: David P. Blish, Edward A. Mize and
Jack B. Silliman. The company started out by supplying axle grease, horseshoes and
the like to wagon trains headed west out of Atchison. After a few years, Blish Mize &
Silliman was distributing to general stores. Most clients had converted to hardware
stores by the mid-1930s. There have been two name changes — to BM & S in the
1970s and to the current name in the 1980s.
More than 60,000 items — all imported goods — are featured, and range from tool
and plumbing pipe to fasteners and stock tanks. Clients include hardware stores,
retail home centers, building materials dealers, lumberyards and paint stores.
Distribution space totals more than 400,000 square feet. A paint warehouse is
located in Denver.
“We’ll ship anywhere nationwide,” Mr. Mize said. “We service to Guam and Hawaii.”
His father, John H. Mize, remains as chief executive officer and board chairman.
“There are a number of reasons why we are still here,” he said. “The most prominent
one is that we listen to our customers. The customer drives our business, we pay
strict attention to what our valued customer says, and that’s really how we’ve
evolved. As the customer changed, so did we. Customer service is our life …”
Each generation has participated in managing Blish-Mize, the elder Mr. Mize said, and
has paid attention to the details of operating a distribution company. Annual sales
total about $80 million.
“And we have pushed the envelope on technology,” he added. “This technology has
kept strength in the business and also helped our valued customers compete with the
big box stores out there.”
One example: a radio frequency system that employees use to fill out customer
orders. Online ordering is available.
“We’ve found ways to adapt,” said Blish Connor, the company’s communications
director.
During the most recent economic downturn, Blish-Mize purchased two firms in an
effort to grow business.
Ray Scherer can be reached at ray.scherer@newspressnow.com.
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