The History of Vendors Supply
Vendor's Supply was founded in 1964 by James H. Sikes. Jim Sikes served in the Marine
Corps in Korea. When he returned, he found employment in the bakery business and
realized there was a need for a vending supplies distribution company that would
better serve vending machine operators by stocking and delivering vending machine
products on a reliable regularly scheduled basis. Initially using his carport in
Columbia, South Carolina as a warehouse and an old pickup as his delivery truck,
Sikes’ entrepreneurial skills allowed him to rapidly become a successful vending
machine products distributor.
Over the years, Sikes grew his business, moving several times into larger facilities,
and eventually into the present office and warehouse complex located on Saluda River
Road in Columbia. As his business grew, Sikes found opportunities to expand his
business and establish distribution centers in five other States which today serve
satisfied customers in most of the eastern United States. More information about
the history of each location can be found by clicking on the Locations link.
Vendors Supply, Inc. routinely places in South Carolina's top 100 privately owned
companies, and James Sikes received the prestigious Ernst & Young "Entrepreneur of
the Year" award.
In 2010, James Sikes retired at the age of 79, and his son, Randy Sikes, assumed
the duties of President and Chief Executive Officer. Ronnie Stokes, Jim Sikes’ Son-in-Law,
now serves as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. James Sikes passed away
in September of 2013.
Vendors Supply, Inc. Is family owned and family run, as are most of its customers.
This is a proud history of business success, and the Sikes family is dedicated
to continuing to provide quality service to all of our customers through Vendors
Supply. Thus our primary motto,
“Service is our #1 Product”.
