Page 93 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2019

this size and kind left on the Coast. “There is really a big difference between a local business and a locally-owned business,” he says. “There are some satellite sales offices for companies on the Coast, but their administration and inventory are out of state or town. We are owned and operated by people right here in the area.”
Busch said there are many benefits to doing business with a locally- owned business, but the quality of customer service is what sets South Mississippi Business Machines apart from its competitors.
“The way technology has changed, it’s really put the emphasis on service,” Busch said. “You need someone who is going to have
parts and supplies right at their fingertips, because if your machine is down, your business is down. We have a warehouse in Gulfport full of the supplies, parts and machines that local businesses need to carry out their daily activities. If you call
The South Mississippi Business Machines family.
me today and need a machine, I can get it to you the same day. It works the same for parts and supplies.”
The average tenure of employees at South Mississippi Business Machines is 15 years, which has allowed the staff to develop the many long-term relationships they share with their clients. For them, it’s all about getting to know the customers and understanding the needs of each individual business.
While supporting a locally- owned business has benefits for the customer, Busch said it also
has a strong impact on the local economy. “Feed the roots,” he said. “Always think local first. A large percentage of the money spent with local businesses goes right back into our community. These businesses are owned by people who live here, work here, and have a vested interest in this place. They are the roots that feed the tree of a prosperous community.”
South Mississippi Business Machines
1915 25th Ave., Gulfport 228. 864.4845 | www.smbm.net
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