Grounded in Fairfax: The Guernsey Brothers' Legacy of Business, Family, and Giving Back

When Doug and Dave Guernsey reflect on their legacies, one thing is clear: all roads lead back to Fairfax County Public Schools. As alumni of Falls Church High School and Dave the founder of Guernsey Inc., a family business with deep roots in the community, their story is a testament to how meaningful an education, and a hometown, can be in shaping a lifetime of success.

Growing Up in Fairfax: A Military Family Finds Home

The Guernsey brothers grew up in a military family, spending part of their childhood in Germany before their father’s final tour brought them back to Northern Virginia. It was here that Fairfax County became home, and Falls Church High School became the launching pad for what would be decades of family, business, and community impact.

Doug attended FCPS from third to sixth grade, then came back for ninth through 12th grade, graduating from Falls Church High School in 1973. Dave is older and arrived a bit earlier, also attending Falls Church High School in its original building and graduating in 1966. 

“We’ve lived in Fairfax County ever since,” Dave said. “We’re about as Fairfax-centric as you can get.”

Dave said he chose to work during high school and didn’t participate in many extracurricular activities, but said he loved to hang out at a favorite teenage hot spot back in the day in Seven Corners called Hot Shoppes.

“It was a kind of gathering point for teenage kids of that era. It was a restaurant and if you can imagine this, it was like the television show ‘Happy Days,’ where you’d be outside and the car hops would bring you your food,” Dave said. “We spent more time there than we should have.” 

Finding Purpose Early: Work Ethic & Entrepreneurial Spirit

While they weren’t star students, by their own admission, both brothers were shaped by their high school experiences. Doug said they kept a low profile but enjoyed their time and learned a lot.

Dave spent much of his free time working and saving money. Doug, while also working through school, had a creative side: playing drums and teaching himself gymnastics, eventually competing in college.

Dave’s early work ethic laid the foundation for what would become Guernsey Inc. After working as a truck driver, typewriter repair person, and sales rep for Royal Business Machines, Dave started his own independent Royal dealership in 1971, just a few years after graduation and with just a few hundred dollars in savings. He grew the business into Guernsey Office Products, later acquiring several Royal branch offices, including one where some of his former bosses worked. 

“Back in the day, the role that computers have in the workplace environment today was actually the role that typewriters had. They were indispensable, and so I was working for a company called Litton Industries, in the  Royal Typewriter division. And a mentor said I should consider going into business, which led me to have a typewriter dealership,” Dave said. 

Throughout the early part of his career, Dave was not only building his business and raising a young family, but also taking evening business courses to strengthen his understanding of operations, finance, and strategy.

Dave has taken ambitious leaps through his career, and over time, has seen those leaps pay off, especially when they are done with others. 

For example, one of Guernsey’s biggest accomplishments was securing contracts with the Fairfax County Government and Public Schools, an impressive win for an independent dealer.

Together, they managed to unseat a long-standing incumbent provider that had held the contract for more than 15 years.

Building a Business and a Legacy

What began as a typewriter dealership evolved with the times. As technology shifted, Guernsey pivoted into general office supplies and eventually into a full-service workplace solutions provider. Today, Guernsey Inc. serves thousands of clients across the DMV and beyond, offering furniture, janitorial supplies, coffee and breakroom services, industrial tools, and more.

Doug joined the business in 1984, after a stint in the corporate world. Today he is the CEO and is responsible for all things operational, purchasing, warehousing and distribution and IT. 

The company’s success is reflected not only in its $100 million revenue peak and national reputation, but also in its employee culture. For nearly 50 years, the company never furloughed or laid off staff, a testament to Dave’s unwavering commitment to his team.

Industry Impact and National Recognition

Dave Guernsey’s influence extends well beyond Fairfax. A passionate advocate for the independent dealer channel, he has served in nearly every major leadership role in the business products industry, including; Chairman of the National Office Products Association, Chairman of the Independent Stationers, Founder and Chairman of Pinnacle Affiliates, Chairman of the Independent Suppliers Group and Chairman of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).

In 1997, he launched Business Products Group International (BPGI), an international cooperative that brought together independent dealer groups from around the globe to help them compete with big-box retailers.

He has advised the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, and received prestigious awards including the Virginia Small Business Person of the Year and the Anti-Defamation League Torch of Liberty Awards. Dave was also inducted into the FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame in 2022.

Perhaps most memorably, Dave hosted President George W. Bush in 2008 in Guernsey’s Chantilly warehouse, where the President delivered his TARP (Toxic Asset Relief Program) speech. The event was even featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

Dave Guernsey and Former President George W. Bush in 2008 at Guernsey's Chantilly warehouse.

“It’s fun to be roasted by the best,” Doug said with a chuckle.

A True Family Business

Guernsey Inc. isn’t just a business—it’s a family legacy. Nearly every member of the Guernsey family has worked there at some point, and at one time, a third of the company’s 180 employees were directly related to each other. That close-knit culture continues today, with the next generation stepping into leadership roles.

A picture taken during the 1990's featuring Dave (left), sister Alison and Doug Guernsey (right).

“Some of the young people who are coming up now are incredibly smart, incredibly capable. We’re lucky. And we’re confident the legacy will continue,” said Doug.

Giving Back to Fairfax: A Lifelong Commitment

The Guernsey’s connection to FCPS didn’t end at graduation. Their business supports the district with supplies, logistics, and services, and both brothers have been active on the Educate Fairfax Board of Directors. Doug currently serves as a member, following Dave’s multi-year tenure.

They’ve sponsored systemwide initiatives like the FCPS Honors ceremony, the Science Fair, FCPS Alumni Hall of Fame, and are currently helping with the sourcing and logistics of Educate Fairfax’s summer school supply drive with a goal to raise $525,000 for more than 35,000 FCPS students in 50 Title I schools. They are also helping with Educate Fairfax’s Food For All Campaign, which helps supply students with snack packs for after school and weekends. As the CEO over operations, Doug spearheaded their involvement with the supply and food campaigns. 

“Supporting the school system is just the natural thing to do,” Dave said.  “Fairfax County Public Schools shaped us, and we want to help shape its future.”

“We touch almost every school through our work. That’s an honor we don’t take lightly,” said Doug.

Looking Ahead

The brothers are looking ahead to the possibilities and growth in Fairfax County especially as it involves students and the future workforce. 

As they prepare the next generation of leadership within the company—many of whom are also FCPS graduates—the brothers remain committed to giving back to the community that gave so much to them.

“Fairfax County isn’t just where we went to school,” Doug said. “It’s who we are.”

Doug said boosting students is about being present and being involved.

“We’re doing that where we can and encouraging our next generation of leaders to do the same,” he said.

Dave sums it up best: “We hope the legacy we leave is not just about business success, but about commitment to people, to community, and to doing the right thing.”

If you would like to donate to Educate Fairfax’s Supplies for Success drive visit https://educatefairfax.app.neoncrm.com/forms/20242025-school-supply-drive

To learn more about Educate Fairfax and the programs they support, visit www.educatefairfax.org. 

To learn more about Guernsey Inc., visit www.buyguernsey.com