Diamond Comic Distributors Celebrates 30 Years of Service
Today, Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. marks the 30th anniversary of its incorporation, a major step in the evolution of the company former retailer Steve Geppi successfully started to distribute comic books and pop-culture related merchandise to his fellow retailers. Under Geppi’s leadership as Diamond’s President & CEO, the company has grown since that time into the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels and related pop-culture merchandise
“From day one, Diamond has proudly delivered the best possible service to our customers,” said Geppi. “Our ability to fulfill that commitment to great service reflects the dedication of everyone who is, and ever has been, part of the Diamond team. Their accomplishments seem, appropriately enough, superhuman when you realize that they’ve been doing this for three decades. I am deeply grateful to all of them for their hard work, and I am honored to work alongside them.”
Recognizing the extraordinary growth of Diamond, Executive Vice President and COO Chuck Parker spoke about the company’s anniversary and the exceptional commitment Geppi has made to the Comic Book Specialty Market over the past 30 years. 2012 marks Parker’s 27th year at Diamond.
"Steve Geppi has long been synonymous with comic book distribution," said Parker. "Our recognition of this special milestone reminds us of his accomplishments, and those of thousands of Diamond employees over the past 30 years who have worked to make this company an innovative industry leader. Long ago, Steve had a vision of growth and professionalism for the comic industry and has worked his entire adult life to make his vision a reality. His enthusiasm and passion for comic books and pop culture in general, coupled with a retailer’s background, gave Steve a unique and insightful appreciation of what a successful distributor must do in order to achieve."
From its establishment in a Baltimore warehouse, Diamond has always operated on the principle that its success is a direct result of its customers’ success, which goes beyond the vast product selection, competitive discounts, or pioneering services Diamond offers.
“Diamond is a service business, first and foremost,” Parker said. “Service to our customers and service to our vendors. We understand the needs of the retailers we serve and how to fulfill them, and we greatly appreciate their business. Successful retailing is the result of passion, hard work, creativity and stick-to-itiveness. It is not easy.
“Likewise, being a successful vendor is no easy task,” Parker continued. “We also understand their needs, their products and how to move them to market. Without quality product for our retailers to sell, there would be no business and no consumer interest. Bringing all of this together are Diamond’s employees, who make ideas and goals for new and improved services become reality. The depth of our experience with comic books, graphic novels and many other product lines cannot be matched by any other entity.
“We are proud of the role we play in getting quality product from our vendors to our quality retail customers. Together, along with comic shop customers and fans, we comprise the four pillars that support our wonderful industry. “
In addition to the company’s hard-earned reputation in distribution, Parker said that Diamond also takes great pride in the company’s involvement with numerous causes and activities that serve the entire comics industry. “We’ve used our PREVIEWS catalog and our Retailer Summits to generate awareness and funds for such worthy causes as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, the Hero Initiative, the Xeric Foundation, ProLiteracy, the American Red Cross and many others. We’ve also utilized our resources to assist retail customers in areas stricken by natural disasters to ensure that they get their shipments in a timely fashion and to provide counsel and strategies to customers facing financial challenges.
“Plus, Diamond serves as the central support for Free Comic Book Day and vigorously sponsors such industry-wide events as the Eisner, Harvey, and Joe Shuster Awards. Everyone at Diamond is honored to be associated with all of these organizations, and we hope that our involvement will continue to benefit them in the future.”
That future, according to Parker, should be an exciting place for Diamond and the industry. “Every year at this time, it’s tempting to sit back and review the events and innovations that brought us to another anniversary. But, as we enter our fourth decade, our view remains forward and we are thrilled by the prospect of what lies ahead. Diamond is committed to continue to help our retailers and vendors make their successful marks on a historically ever-changing landscape.”
In its effort toward continued growth, Diamond’s plans include investing in new technology and services for its retailers, and the continued push to help its retail customers grow and expand their businesses.
Diamond’s celebration plans call for special sales to its retail customers throughout the month of February – Deluxe Diamond Daily Deals – and a week-long celebration for employees at its Home Office.
“Thanks to the trust of our retailers and vendors, Diamond has accomplished much throughout our history,” Parker said, “and we look forward to accomplishing much more with them in the years ahead.”
