“Make your customers comfortable and they will give you their lives.”

–Paul Orfalea

Paul Orfalea founded Kinko’s in California 40 years ago. Borrowing from the efficiency of fast food restaurants like McDonalds, he emphasized friendly service, space utilization and recognizable uniforms. His company is now one of the largest business services chains in the world, with over 1,800 locations.

What makes Mr. Orfalea’s accomplishments so impressive is that they have come despite his well-documented struggle with dyslexia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Rather than viewing them as disabilities, he considers them blessings which have granted him a different perspective of the world than his peers. This positive thinking has allowed Mr. Orfalea to overcome the obstacles associated with both conditions. In his own words:

“Because I couldn’t read, I learned from direct experience. Experience is a harsh teacher, because the test comes first, followed by the lesson. But lacking the ability to learn by reading, I embraced every chance to participate in life. I started businesses, like my vegetable stand. I skipped school to watch my father’s stockbroker at work. I learned early that I would only get through school with a lot of help from a lot of people. This dependence taught me how to ask for help, and how to provide what help I could. I learned to appreciate people’s strengths and forgive their weaknesses, as I hoped they would forgive mine.”

Mr. Orfalea has authored multiple books, with the most well-known being his autobiography, Copy This! Lessons From a Hyperactive Dyslexic Who Turned a Bright Idea Into one of America’s Best Companies. His contagious optimism and unique business strategies have made him a true leader in the industry. He and family have devoted great energy into philanthropy. Many of their charitable projects are dedicated to children, such as providing educational resources for inner city youths and those with learning disorders.