Throughout the last 90 years, Storey Kenworthy has grown from a small office supply shop in downtown Des Moines into Iowa’s largest independent provider of business products and workplace solutions. At its core, the company’s evolution mirrors that of the community banks it proudly serves: built on people-first relationships, driven by innovation, and grounded in a deep commitment to Iowa communities.

A Shared Foundation

Like Iowa’s community banks, Storey Kenworthy is built on local leadership, long-standing relationships, and personal service. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the company’s longevity is no accident.

“We believe that every company has a culture by design or by default,” John Kenworthy, CEO explained. “Because we’ve remained family-owned, each generation builds on the last. That consistency gives our team the confidence to stay focused on serving others and contributing to something bigger than themselves.”

For community bankers, this sounds familiar. The power of generational trust, a long view of success, and investing in people (not just products) are all hallmarks of the industry.

Evolving to Meet New Needs

Like community banks, Storey Kenworthy has faced significant change over the decades. The rise of hybrid work environments, shifting procurement needs, and evolving customer expectations could have been seen as threats. Instead, the company leaned into transformation.

Today, Storey Kenworthy offers far more than office supplies. They provide workspace furniture and planning, branded apparel, promotional products, secure printing services, and customized inventory management especially helpful for multi-branch banks that need efficiency without sacrificing service.

“We’ve evolved because our customers have evolved,” Kenworthy said. “Much of what we’ve added has come from listening to banks and businesses and asking: how can we help you operate more smoothly and stay focused on what you do best?”

Supporting the Institutions That Support Iowa

Storey Kenworthy is more than a vendor to the banking industry. They’re a longtime endorsed member of the Community Bankers of Iowa, and proud of it.

“Our relationship with CBI goes back decades,” Kenworthy shared. “It’s allowed us to build real, personal connections with bankers across the state. Being an endorsed member means we understand the pressures they face and can offer thoughtful solutions and not just products.”

From delivering and storing essential forms and supplies to managing branded items that keep each branch aligned and visible in its community, Storey Kenworthy tailors its services to the realities of community banking. They know staff time is limited, storage space is tight, and every branch has unique needs. That’s why flexibility, white-glove delivery, and custom solutions are baked into their approach.

As one banker told them: “I didn’t know you could do all that.” And that’s part of what keeps Storey Kenworthy showing up and ready to serve in new ways.

Investing in Community, Just Like You

If there’s one value that links Storey Kenworthy to Iowa’s community banks, it’s the belief that business should serve people, not the other way around. Whether it’s through their Community Equity Collective, ongoing charitable partnerships, or employee volunteerism, the company walks the talk of giving back.

“Community isn’t just where we work. It’s who we are,” they said. “When we give back, we’re honoring our customers and staying true to our values.”

It’s a vision community banks and Storey Kenworthy proudly share.

Looking Ahead

In 2021, Storey Kenworthy underwent a thoughtful rebrand, modernizing its look while holding tight to its mission: to empower and inspire people to work and live better.

Today, their vision is to be the trusted, statewide leader in innovative business solutions. More importantly, they aim to be a partner who understands the pace and pressure of running a community bank and brings solutions that remove friction rather than add to it.

Iowa’s banks continue navigating change, competition, and complexity. Storey Kenworthy offers a quiet reminder: support those who support the industry.

They’re not just a vendor. They’re part of the same ecosystem that’s keeping Iowa’s communities strong.

“Nobody, absolutely nobody, will work harder to meet and exceed a community bank’s expectations than we will.”

Learn more about how Storey Kenworthy supports community banks at storeykenworthy.com