Shopping Cart At Porter’s Office Products, our people are the heart of what we do – and some have been part of the Porter’s family long before their first day on the job. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Colton Porter, the oldest son of owner Mark Porter. Colton has grown up with the company in his life, and now, he’s helping shape its future from inside the business.
From Wii Games to Workdays
Some of Colton’s earliest Porter’s memories don’t involve copy paper or office furniture – they involve racing.
“We had a Wii, and the conference room downstairs used to be kind of a storage space,” Colton recalled with a laugh. “Carson and I would set up the TV and just play Cars on the Wii all day while my mom and dad worked. It was pretty fun.”
Those afternoons may have looked like just another way to pass the time as kids, but they planted early roots of connection. Growing up around the business gave Colton a front-row seat to how his parents poured themselves into Porter’s.
“When you’re a kid, you think, ‘Dad just goes to work all day,’” he said. Now he sees how many moving parts there are in a business, and how much effort it takes to keep everything running smoothly. Even one person being gone for a few days shows how important their role is to the team.
Kristy, who has watched Colton move through various parts of the business, agrees. “Colton has been everything from janitor to A/P Manager and we are grateful to have him.”
Rolling with the Punches
Over the years, Colton has worn many hats at Porter’s. He’s jumped in on delivery routes, taken care of customers as an account manager, and filled in wherever the team needed help. That flexibility is something his coworkers deeply appreciate.
“He is always willing to jump in wherever needed,” said Sidney. “He has an unmatched ability to roll with the punches and tackle any new position he is placed in.”
That adaptability led him to his newest role – accounts payable. After studying accounting at Utah State University, Colton saw the chance to put his education to use when the AP position opened.
“I already knew the system really well, so I thought it would be interesting to see how accounting actually works hands-on, outside of textbooks.”
And while numbers may be his focus now, Colton’s years of customer-facing work gave him a skillset that transfers seamlessly.
“Knowing the ins and outs of our system really helps,” he said. “If something’s off, I know how to dig in and figure out where the money went or where it needs to go.”
Others in the Porter’s office have seen that persistence in action. Jeremy recalled that “Colton has always been willing to assist with any task.”
Cindy echoed that same reliability, adding, “Colton radiates positivity and dependability through his can-do attitude and his willingness to help others, always with a smile.”
What Blue Cow Service Means to Colton
Porter’s is built on the promise of Blue Cow Service: going above and beyond to make life easier for customers and coworkers alike. For Colton, that promise is something he carries into every role he’s taken on.
“Whether that’s delivering paper all the way to the copy room, checking in with clients, or making sure vendors get paid on time, I want to go above and beyond so people don’t have to worry about it,” he said confidently.
That mindset, paired with his adaptability, makes him an embodiment of Blue Cow Service in action.
Beyond the Desk
Outside of work, Colton is an avid skier – both at local resorts and on backcountry adventures with his dad in Canada. He’s also a huge fan of cars, football, and Formula 1 racing (especially Red Bull, fittingly enough for a Monster Energy enthusiast).
At his desk, you’ll usually find a Monster Energy drink, a trusty water bottle, and a collection of pens he swears by. “A good pen makes all the difference,” he says, and we couldn’t agree more.
Looking to the Future
Being part of a family business as established as Porter’s comes with both pride and responsibility. For Colton, it’s a future he’s both mindful of and excited about.
“It’s kind of scary sometimes – it’s a big task to think about,” he said thoughtfully. “But it’s also exciting to know I could help keep it going for another 100 years.”
With his willingness to learn, his dedication to the team, and the positivity his coworkers see every day, there’s no doubt Colton will continue to carry forward the spirit of Blue Cow Service – and the Porter legacy – for years to come.
