10/30/2024
From the days of blackboards and bulletin boards to today’s more technological and interactive displays, Aarco Products has sought to deliver high-quality visual display solutions.
The company was founded in 1975 by George and Joseph DeMartino, who both had previous experience supplying chalkboards and bulletin boards to the office supply industry. They sought to create reliable, performance-driven boards and displays that help people present ideas clearly and effectively.
Today, Aarco Products has a catalog of hundreds of varieties of writing surfaces, bulletin boards, and display cases. Its most popular offerings are writing surfaces – especially porcelain marker boards – which offer a smooth writing experience and are durable, making them ideal for a wide variety of environments.
Based in New York, Aarco Products’ reach expands across the continental U.S. and Hawaii to Guam, Puerto Rico, Canada and more. Distributors and retailers can submit orders through the company’s trusted partners, e-commerce platforms or directly.
“Aarco Products isn’t just a company focused on selling boards and displays,” stated Vincenzo DeMartino, vice president at Aarco Products. “We’re passionate about how our products help people communicate better, spark ideas and bring visions to life. Our dedication to quality and our customers has always been our driving force.”
Vincenzo went on to detail how Aarco Products continues to support communication, benefit visual learners and look ahead to the future.
How does Aarco Products stand apart from other visual aid manufacturers?
We stand apart because we focus on the user experience. Our products are designed to be durable, easy to use and versatile, no matter the environment. Whether it’s in the classroom, boardroom or a creative space, our boards help ideas take shape. Plus, we’re known for delivering reliable, high-performance products, which is why many of our customers keep coming back.
How can Aarco Products’ offerings help visual learners?
Visual learners thrive when they can see information clearly, and our products provide the perfect canvas for that. Our boards and displays offer smooth, high-contrast surfaces that enhance the clarity of writing and visuals, making it easier for learners to engage and retain information. Additionally, our products often work seamlessly with other technologies, giving instructors greater versatility in their teaching methods.
Aarco Products will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 – congratulations are in order! What do you attribute to the company’s success and longevity?
Thank you! Reaching 50 years is a testament to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. We take great pride in the strong relationships we’ve built and our ability to consistently adapt to the market’s evolving needs. In the early years, we primarily served the office supply industry, which underwent significant changes as small businesses were overtaken by larger companies. Diversifying our product line was crucial for survival. Listening to our customers and staying proactive about innovation have been key drivers of our success and longevity.
How’s business today?
Business is strong, and we’re seeing continued demand for our products. Aarco has been dedicated to enhancing our reputation in the industry by listening closely to customer feedback and recognizing areas where we could improve. By focusing on providing better service and products, we’ve built a solid foundation and are excited about the future. We’re committed to helping businesses, schools, and organizations communicate more effectively, and that dedication is resonating with our clients.
How have you seen visual aids evolve over the years?
The evolution of materials in visual aids has been remarkable; what fascinates me most is how designers seamlessly integrate these elements into environments, making them more versatile than ever. In the past, we saw a similar shift when blackboards transitioned to green porcelain surfaces, which were easier on the eyes and improved information retention. Today, modern visual aids incorporate interactive technology, blending traditional functionality with cutting-edge innovation. We’ve learned that the environment not only influences behavior but also enhances the experience, and I’m proud that Aarco’s products play a role in shaping that experience.
What are the most creative ways you’ve seen customers use your products?
We’ve seen our products used in some incredibly innovative ways! It’s truly rewarding to witness the creativity and empowerment our products inspire. When shipped, our boards are quite literally blank canvases, and we’ve seen entire buildings transformed into open-floor-plan collaborative environments and art centers displaying creative works. Whether it’s turning a space into a collaborative learning wall or showcasing artistic expressions, it reminds me that these products are not just functional but contribute to the advancement and creativity of future generations.
Apart from education, what other markets do you cater to?
Our humble beginnings were in the office supply industry. While education remains a major market for us, we also serve corporate offices, hospitality, healthcare and retail sectors. Essentially, any environment where communication and organization are key can benefit from our products. The versatility of our offerings has been a driving factor in our 50-year success, allowing us to meet the diverse needs of a wide range of industries.
How can retailers effectively sell Aarco Products’ items?
Retailers can emphasize the exceptional quality, durability and versatility of Aarco Products, demonstrating how our boards enhance productivity and collaboration across various environments. Highlighting that we cater to multiple industries broadens the appeal to a wider market. Additionally, emphasizing that our products are made in the USA and supported by personalized customer service strengthens the trust and relationships we build with retailers and their customers.
What is your newest product? How often do you launch new products?
Our latest product is the Silhouette, a cutting-edge floor-to-ceiling writing surface that is virtually seamless. It features a proprietary in-house designed frame that creates a sleek, unobtrusive look, making the frame appear recessed behind the surface. Silhouette not only meets functional needs but also satisfies designers looking for something truly unique and out of the ordinary. We aim to launch new products regularly, typically every year or two, as we respond to industry trends and customer feedback.
What are you most proud of about working at Aarco Products?
I’m incredibly proud of the meaningful impact our products have on people’s everyday lives. Whether we’re helping a teacher inspire the next generation, facilitating a business’s strategic vision, or enabling collaboration in a creative space, knowing that Aarco Products plays a vital role in these important processes is truly rewarding. It’s not just about making quality boards and displays – it’s about being part of a larger narrative that drives communication, creativity and innovation. That’s something I take immense pride in.
