Larrimore, now 52, carried with him an odd business bible--Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go!

FORBES: Paper Tiger

It took 50% ownership in United Stationers and in 1997 installed a chief executive, Randall Larrimore, who had headed Fortune Brands' hardware division, including Moen Inc. and Master Lock Co.

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Larrimore figures his warehouse and distribution network can oblige.

FORBES: Paper Tiger

So Larrimore has empowered the mom-and-pops.

FORBES: Paper Tiger