Pictured are Grant Olson, general manager, and Mark Olson, founder and president of Axiom. Submitted photo

Axiom — a local copier, printer and document solutions company — is celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year.

Mark Olson, owner of the company, began Axiom on Aug. 1, 1980. The word Axiom means well established or universally accepted, worthy, and widely accepted on its own merits. Olson said he picked the name out of the dictionary, and these days the name “fits better than ever”.

Over the years, the copier company has had to change with the ever changing market. This includes the introduction of plain paper copiers and the invention of the fax machine. Olson said there was concern in the 1990s when people began talking about a “paperless office”, but paper usage did not start to level off until more recently with the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the solution to some of these challenges was when the company became document solution providers — working with offices to offer solutions that included copying, faxing and network printing and scanning. The company is a second-generation, family-owned business and the only locally owned and operated company in the area. Axiom serves Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Warren counties. The company has also always been active in the local community through donations, sponsorships and volunteering.

Olson said part of the reason the company has been able to continue for so long has been their ability to be flexible.

“As the industry and technology changes we have survived and prospered because of our ability to change and be flexible,” Olson said.

Axiom has been focused on one manufacturer for over 25 years. The equipment has all been made by Ricoh, although Axiom first carried the Gestetner and later, Lanier labeled version of this popular line. Recently they united all brands and now Axiom is officially an authorized dealer for Ricoh.

Reaching the 43rd year in business is something that Olson said he is very proud of.

“It’s a long time for any business, but especially rare in this business,” Olson said. “I’m very proud of making it to 43 years and very thankful to our loyal customers.”

Olson credited the success of the business not only to the customers — some of whom have been with them since the start — but also the ability to offer productive features at a low price. He added that for the first 35 years in business all he had to do was sell copiers, while now his job is to search out with several sources and hand-pick high-quality, late-model equipment that can serve customers and save them money.

In the future, Olson hopes to be able to continue to provide for the customers and adapt to the ever changing market.

“I hope we continue to build our local customer base and provide solutions that meet the customers’ needs,” Olson said. “Customers’ needs post-COVID have changed as the industry changes, so we want to be able to continue to meet the needs.”

Axiom is located at 713 N. Main St., and has spent the last 25 years at this location. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 716-664-3700.