In the days before computerized technology, our industry ran solely on the knowledge and integrity of those who owned and operated bookstores. Known as ‘bookmen,’ they had to understand exactly how each action would affect their bottom line, learning thousands of titles and prices out of the buying guide without any resource to rely on besides their own memory.
To all that know him, Bob Beck, founder of Beck’s Book Store, defines that term.
In 1945, after spending time in the Armed Forces, Beck returned home to the North Side of Chicago and began to search for work. He found a position as a stock boy at Chicagoland bookstore, Faulkner’s Educational Books, where he eventually worked his way up to a managerial position. It was there he developed a solid reputation in the college bookstore industry.
After 10 years of work at Faulkner’s, Bob and his wife Nadine realized there was an opportunity to open a competitive store servicing Loyola University of Chicago and encouraged their boss to open an additional location. Mr. Faulkner didn't want anything to do with expansion so Bob and Nadine took a courageous step and opened their own operation, Beck’s Book Store.
The endeavor was undoubtedly a success, growing with each passing year. In fact, over 50 years later, the store now boasts 10 locations, although its most intrinsic values remain the same.
“The key to our success was personal service,” Beck said. “We treated both professors and students professionally, had a very liberal return policy, and paid more than anyone else for used books. It all went back to being nice to people and it paid off!”
His family, who now maintains the legacy of Beck’s Book Store, would most certainly agree.
“His attention to customer service is what built the business and it’s what we still pride ourselves on today,” described Linda Olson, Beck’s daughter and C.E.O. of the stores.
Grandson Patrick Olson, who heads marketing & development, also believes it’s this quality that truly differentiates the store from others in the area.
“He’s cultivated a personality in a company that you just can’t find other places,” he said.
Fueling that dedicated service, Beck also understands the value of an unwavering work ethic.
“I was definitely a workaholic,” he admitted. “Most days, I’d work 6 am to 12 am but I didn’t care; I loved everything about it! This isn’t a get-rich-quick kind of business but I was devoted to it and kept my nose to the grindstone.”
Growing up with that example, Linda has had the opportunity to learn from this philosophy.
“I’m very lucky to have both lived and worked with someone so dedicated to their career,” she said. “He was willing to work hard for the money he made, but, above all, he did it with honesty and integrity; he’s truly a diamond in the rough.”
Beck’s influence extends far beyond just family, however. His employees and business associates uphold the same high opinion of him, too.
“He’s one of the most driven people I know. He was always there and knew exactly what needed to be done, because he understands the industry inside and out,” added John Mazar, longtime friend and general manager at Beck’s Book Store. “But, most importantly, he’s good-hearted and generous, and those are two qualities that don’t always accompany success.”
Pete Clark, longstanding MBS territory manager for the store and friend of the Beck family, would say the same.
“He’s one of the greatest guys in the world,” Clark stressed. “He’s always been committed to doing his job to the best of his ability and with honesty; that’s something you just don’t see very often.”
According to Linda, that respect is one of the many qualities her father embodies that has made a lasting impression.
“He’s taught me so much, but one thing I’ve always admired is how he’s treated his employees,” she said. “He’s always said that the store is only as good as the people that work there and he treated them like family because of that belief. He’s my inspiration!”
Now retired, Beck has high hopes for the younger generations as they move forward with the business.
“They have a big challenge ahead of them with the way the industry is changing, and they’ll have to be on their toes, but they’re already very good at that!” he said.
His family holds similar aspirations for the future of the store.
“Our goal is to stay up to date with the needs of students and continue to meet them as the industry progresses,” Linda added.
Their main mission, however, is to maintain the same qualities that Beck himself ingrained in the company.
“Our biggest hope is to continue to service higher education with the personal touch that my grandfather taught us,” Patrick said. “We hope to evolve with the times, but we’ll always keep our roots.”
