Topics: International Speakers Bureau, Inc. |
Fee Range: $30,001 to $50,000 (fee note) |
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 Biography: Paul Orfalea founded Kinko's in 1970 near the University of California at Santa Barbara with a simple idea: provide college students with products and services they need at a competitive price. The space that Orfalea rented for his copy business was so small that the copy machine had to be lugged out onto the sidewalk. From its modest beginnings, Kinko's is now the world's leading business services chain. Today, there are over 1,500 Kinko's worldwide. Much of Kinko's success can be traced directly to Orfalea's unique business philosophy that was based on the founder's freethinking, creative style. Orfalea's theories and instincts on how to operate a successful business were grounded in his passion for retailing, his insistence on taking care of his co-workers and customers, and a sharp eye for opportunity. Through Paul Orfalea's leadership, Kinko's has taken an exemplary leading role in environmental responsibility. Orfalea encouraged active participation from all 23,000 co-workers, and generous incentive programs were implemented to stimulate creativity. In fact, co-workers at every level were encouraged to share ideas freely in organizational decisions. A reflection of this success is that Fortune magazine selected Kinko's as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work with in America" in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Forbes magazine also ranked Kinko's 84th on its year 2000 "Forbes 500 Biggest Private Companies." Working Mother magazine listed Kinko's in its "Best Companies for Working Mothers" 2001 issue. The year 2000 brought about many changes for Orfalea as he retired from his position as Kinko's Chairperson, and assumed the role Chairperson Emeritus for Kinko's. In 2004, Kinko's was acquired by the FedEx Corporation. Orfalea is no longer involved with FedEx Kinko's business management. Orfalea refers to his retirement as being "repurposed" and is now involved in a range of businesses, including West Coast Asset Management Inc., OS Holdings LLC, Stone Canyon Venture Partners LP and other ventures. Orfalea, his family, and Kinko's have a long history of supporting educational initiatives including scholarships and child development programs. In 2000, the family started the Orfalea Family Foundation, which supports various philanthropic areas. Grants have been concentrated in California, especially child development facilities on college campuses, along with other children's centers and programs for underprivileged youth. The foundation specifically focuses on early care and education, caregiver training and intergenerational programs. The Orfaleas also support organizations addressing "learning differences" for those challenged with unique different learning styles. Another of Paul Orfalea's efforts is to increase public awareness of the important need for businesses to support "family-friendly" work/life policies including flex time and quality early care for children of working parents. Orfalea has worked is working with government leaders to encourage businesses and educational institutions to provide these benefits to co-workers and students. Orfalea is in high demand for public speaking, often addressing business organizations such as entrepreneurs and working people, and learning-challenged groups with his inspirational messages. He frequently teaches at University of Southern California (his alma mater), UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, as well as various community and state colleges, and he has taught at NYU, Princeton, Harvard, UCLA and Wharton School of Business among others. Cal Poly has dedicated a business school in the Orfalea name in honor of his ongoing contributions. In 2005, Orfalea wrote Copy This! Lessons From A Hyperactive Dyslexic, who turned a bright idea into one of America's best companies. This unique autobiography is filled with life lessons on overcoming obstacles and turning impediments into opportunities. It reveals how Orfalea succeeded using his learning differences and unorthodox approach to business to mold a compassionate, unconventional, partner-driven culture that allowed Kinko's to thrive. Despite all of these high profile activities, you will find Paul Orfalea very down to earth, friendly, compassionate and continually curious about the world around him - he is a true modern adventurer. |
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Programs: When speaking to associations, organizations, conferences and educational institutions nationally, Paul Orfalea discusses the following key topics and areas of focus: -Business Motivation -Customer Loyalty -Early Care Importance -Entrepreneurship -Family Friendly Benefits -Financial Management -Global & Current Events -Intergenerational Programs -Investing -Learning Differences -Work-Life Balance |
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