Kelly Spicers

What Kelly Spicers does

Kelly Spicers is a West Coast-focused distribution platform formed in 2021 from the combination of Kelly Paper (founded 1936 in Los Angeles) and Spicers Paper (with roots dating to 1935), now operating as a division of Central National Gottesman Inc., a fifth-generation family-owned company. The business distributes paper, packaging, wide format media, digital media, and facilities solutions products through 25 retail store locations and 11 regional distribution centers serving California, the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountain region, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Hawaii. Named customer verticals include commercial printers, packaging buyers in medical device, semiconductor, audio technology, specialty food, and agriculture (over 120,000 farmers, growers, and packers served).

The product offering spans core categories — coated and uncoated paper, custom and stock packaging, wide format substrates and HP Latex equipment, digital print media, and janitorial and food service supplies — augmented by value-add services including custom converting (slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting) and packaging design through dedicated Demo and Design Centers in Santa Fe Springs. The proprietary Kelly Spicers Online trade account platform exposes live inventory, account-specific pricing, purchase history, and online ordering, while the TruTrak delivery tracking system provides real-time order notifications via SMS or email using the company's own fleet.

The revenue model is primarily transactional product distribution under one-time sales, with secondary revenue from custom converting fees and exclusive distribution arrangements (e.g., Ecofoil Digital). Go-to-market blends field/enterprise sales with inside sales via the trade account portal, supported by same-day pickup and next-day delivery across the Western US. Growth has been executed almost entirely through serial acquisitions of regional paper and packaging distributors since 2015 and is anchored by long-standing supplier relationships with major mills and brands including HP, Neenah, Mohawk, Fedrigoni, Verso, and Nekoosa.

Name

Kelly Spicers

Legal name

Central National Gottesman Inc.

Website

https://kellyspicers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Kelly Spicers is a West Coast distributor of paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions, serving commercial printers, packaging buyers, sign shops, and facilities managers across the Western US through 25 store locations and 11 regional distribution centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Paper and Packaging Distribution

NAICS

Packaging and Labeling Services (561910)

SIC

Wholesale-Paper & Paper Products (5110)

akta.pro primary industry

Paper & Printing Grades Distribution (Printing/Writing, Newsprint, Specialty) (IMAMAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paper, Tissue, Wipers & Dispensers Distribution (CRAOAGAC), Greeting Cards, Gift Wrap & Party Paper Goods Distribution (CRAOALAJ)

Keywords

• Paper distribution
• Packaging distribution
• Wide format media
• Facilities solutions
• Custom converting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Fe Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Product Distribution - Paper: Kelly Spicers distributes a broad range of paper products including coated, uncoated, board, writing, text & cover, envelopes, and specialty sheets from major brands. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales.
2. Product Distribution - Packaging: Custom and stock packaging products and solutions distributed across the Rocky Mountain region and Western US following multiple acquisitions (Creative Packaging Group, Amazing Packaging, American Packaging, Premiere Packaging, KWW, BJF).
3. Product Distribution - Wide Format: Wide format products including printing media, laminates, rigid boards, HP Latex printers, and accessories. Revenue generated through direct sales of equipment and consumables.
4. Product Distribution - Facilities Solutions: Janitorial, food service, paper products, and cleaning equipment sourced and distributed to large facilities.
5. Custom Converting Services: Custom paper and board converting services including slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting for label printers, envelope converters, and paper distributors. Revenue from converting加工 fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Kelly Spicers distributes paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions products to commercial customers across the Western United States through 25 retail store locations and 11 regional distribution centers. The company also operates custom paper and board converting services (slitting, rewinding, specialty cutting) at its Santa Fe Springs facility, alongside a packaging Demo Center and Design Center. An online trade account platform (Kelly Spicers Online) and the TruTrak delivery tracking system support same-day pickup and next-day delivery.

Product overview

Kelly Spicers is a leading West Coast distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of paper, packaging, wide format, digital media, and facilities solutions products through 25 store locations and 11 regional distribution centers. The company operates as a unified distribution platform combining custom converting services, packaging design services with Demo and Design Centers, and the Kelly Spicers Online e-commerce platform with TruTrak delivery tracking. Product portfolio spans core distribution categories (Paper, Packaging, Wide Format, Digital Media, Facilities Solutions, Graphics Supplies) alongside exclusive distributed brands including Ecofoil Digital, SYNAPS XM antimicrobial paper, Sterling Premium Digital, and Mohawk Superfine, complemented by HP Latex printer equipment sales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• TruTrak: Delivery tracking system that keeps customers updated on their Kelly Spicers orders - every step of the way
• Kelly Spicers Online
• Kelly Spicers Packaging
• Kelly Spicers Facilities Solutions

Products and services

• Paper Comprehensive paper distribution including coated, uncoated, board, writing, text & cover, envelopes, and specialty sheets from major brands for commercial printers, graphic designers, and publishing companies.
• Packaging Custom and stock packaging products and solutions distributed across the Rocky Mountain region and Western US, serving medical device, semiconductor, audio technology, specialty food, and agricultural packaging buyers.
• Wide Format Wide format printing media, laminates, rigid boards, HP Latex printers, and accessories for sign shops, print service providers, and businesses needing wide format printing substrates and finishing products.
• Digital Media Digital paper, films, vinyl and synthetic specialty substrates engineered for digital printers using toner, liquid or inkjet technology.
• Facilities Solutions Janitorial, food service and paper products along with cleaning equipment for carpets, hardwood floors, windows and other surfaces, distributed to large facility operators.
• Graphics Supplies Print and finishing equipment, prepress, pressroom and bindery/finishing products for comprehensive printing operations.
• Custom Converting Services Custom paper and board converting services including slitting, rewinding, and specialty cutting for label printers, envelope converters, and paper distributors, performed at the Santa Fe Springs converting hub using two state-of-the-art converting machines and a slitter/rewinder.
• Packaging Services Packaging Demo Center for customers to test packaging equipment and Design Center where packaging designers create custom packaging solutions for clients.
• Kelly Spicers Online Trade Account Platform Online trade account program offering live inventory viewing from local stores, manager specials, purchase history for quick reorders, account-specific pricing, and invoice lookup.
• HP Latex Wide Format Printers Official HP dealer offering HP 300 Series, HP 500 Series, HP 700 and 800 Series Latex Printers, cutters, inks, media, and replacement printer heads.
• Ecofoil Digital Exclusive U.S. distribution of metallized foil board materials for HP Indigo, Dry Toner, and Inkjet digital print markets, certified plastic free and 100% recyclable.
• SYNAPS XM Antimicrobial Synthetic Paper High-grade polyester film synthetic paper with antimicrobial coating; waterproof, tear-resistant alternative to lamination for menus and manuals.
• Sterling Premium Digital Paper Sustainable digital paper lineup guaranteed on Offset, Dry Toner & HP Indigo equipment, manufactured with 10% post-consumer waste recycled fiber.
• Finesse by UPM Double-coated sheet with bright white shade and smooth surface for capturing intricate details and amplifying graphics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Same day pickup and next day delivery for paper and packaging products
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FedrigonicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 23 September 2024Kelly Spicers partnered with Italian papermaker Fedrigoni to bring a sumptuous new line of specialty papers and packaging designed especially for North American brand owners, designers, converters, and printers. The partnership expands Kelly Spicers' premium paper and packaging offerings in the luxury segment.
• EcofoilcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 June 2022Kelly Spicers is the exclusive U.S. Distributor of Ecofoil Digital, a range of metallized foil board materials specifically developed for HP Indigo, Dry Toner, and Inkjet digital print markets. Ecofoil is certified plastic-free and 100% recyclable, and Kelly Spicers holds exclusive distribution rights in the United States.
• NekoosaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with Nekoosa to offer new substrates including Trifecta matte white textured adhesive media rated for 5 years outdoor use, serving wayfinding signage, floor advertisements, counter mats, and wall graphics applications.
• Gilman Brothers CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with Gilman Brothers Company to offer rigid media including Infinity buildable foam for 3D POP displays and Insite high-performance paper-faced foamboard for exhibits and store signage.
• PlasticademinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with Plasticade to offer durable, affordable, and versatile sign frames including Signicade NXT heavy duty frames with wheels and Plasticade Rubber Base Portable Posts for curbside signs.
• FrontlineminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Spicers Paper (now Kelly Spicers) partnered with Frontline to offer versatile sign and display solutions including the Bradford and Toronto display systems for indoor signage and exhibits.
• SEF AmericaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with SEF America to offer Graffiti Printable Heat Transfer Film, a PVC-free opaque polyurethane film suitable for eco-solvent, solvent, latex and UV printing with high washing fastness.
• GMI and RTapeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with GMI for cut vinyl in over 12 colors and RTape for application tapes enabling hassle-free cut letter installation, serving the finishing tools segment for wide format printing.
• AlumanateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Kelly Spicers partnered with Alumanate to offer ultra-smooth, maintenance-free, long-lasting aluminum composite material substrate suitable for ink, vinyl, and paint applications for creative work, interior design, and shop displays.
• Neenah PapercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Kelly Spicers distributes Neenah's Super Stock program products including ENVIRONMENT PC 100 White, NEENAH Folding Board 100 PC White, CLASSIC, and ROYAL SUNDANCE products with same day pickup and next day delivery. The Super Stock program provides enhanced inventory levels for fast fulfillment.
• Mohawk PapercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Kelly Spicers provides full access to Mohawk's legendary fine paper products including Superfine and Superfine Digital in California, Pacific Northwest, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. The relationship dates back to both companies' origins in the 1930s and supports designers and printers with premium uncoated and digital papers.
• VersominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Kelly Paper became a full-line merchant of Verso digital coated papers including Sterling Premium Digital, Blazer Digital, and Futura Digital. Sterling Premium Digital is manufactured with 10% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled fiber and carries FSC, SFI, and PEFC sustainability certifications.
• International PaperminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Kelly Paper participates in industry sustainability discussions alongside International Paper and supports responsibly managed forests through FSC-certified product offerings. International Paper's Chief Sustainability Officer spoke at the Bloomberg Green Festival about forest-positive futures.
• HP (Hewlett-Packard)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Kelly Paper (now Kelly Spicers) became an official dealer of HP Latex Wide Format printers, inks, and media, expanding its wide format portfolio to include HP 300 Series Latex Printers, HP 500 Series Latex Printers, HP cutters, HP inks, HP media, and replacement printer heads. The company also hosts an HP 365 Latex printer as a demo unit at its Santa Fe Springs wide-format center.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Veritiv Corporation: Veritiv is a North American broadline distributor of print, packaging, facility, and logistics solutions formed from the merger of xpedx and Unisource. It is the most direct national competitor to Kelly Spicers across paper, packaging, and facilities products, with overlapping product categories but a national rather than regional footprint.
• Lindenmeyr Munroe: Lindenmeyr Munroe is one of the largest privately held paper distributors in the United States, serving commercial printers and corporate clients with a similar mix of coated, uncoated, digital, and specialty papers. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' paper distribution core, though it operates primarily in the Eastern US rather than the West.
• Imperial Dade: Imperial Dade is a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging, janitorial, and facilities products, overlapping directly with Kelly Spicers' Facilities Solutions and packaging distribution businesses. Comparable as a broadline distributor with an M&A-driven growth model, though national in scope and stronger in foodservice packaging.
• Uline: Uline is a major North American distributor of shipping, packaging, and industrial supplies with a deep catalog of boxes, mailers, tape, and warehouse packaging. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' packaging and facilities solutions distribution, with stronger e-commerce orientation and broader packaging assortment though focused on shipping/industrial rather than branded paper.

Broad incumbents

• Bunzl plc: Bunzl is a global distribution and outsourcing group serving foodservice, cleaning & hygiene, safety, and retail customers worldwide. Comparable to Kelly Spicers' facilities solutions and packaging distribution model at much greater scale and geographic breadth, including janitorial/sanitation categories that overlap with Kelly Spicers' Clean Smart Solutions business.
• Packaging Corporation of America: Packaging Corporation of America is a major US manufacturer of containerboard and corrugated packaging products, supplying both converters and end customers. Comparable as a major supplier-partner to Kelly Spicers' packaging distribution business, though operating as an upstream manufacturer rather than distributor.
• International Paper: International Paper is one of the world's largest pulp, paper, and packaging producers with significant North American distribution of uncoated freesheet and containerboard. Comparable as a key supplier (and sustainability partner) to Kelly Spicers' paper distribution business, with overlapping presence in the Western US through manufacturing and converting operations.

Regional players

• Bradner Smith & Company: Bradner Smith & Company is a Midwest-focused paper and packaging distributor serving commercial printers with a similar product mix of coated, uncoated, digital, and specialty papers. Comparable business model to Kelly Spicers' heritage paper distribution, but operating primarily in the Midwest rather than the Western US.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kellyspicers
• Facebookfacebook.com/kellyspicers
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kelly-spicers

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kelly Spicers