Our History
From Humble Beginnings in Thurston County, WA
The foundation of Capital Business Machines was laid in 1952. Our company history begins in Thurston County, where William “Bill” Hartman Sr. opened the doors in Olympia, WA with a simple goal: to provide reliable office equipment to local professionals. During those early days, the company focused on selling manual typewriters and adding machines. These physical, mechanical tools were the lifeblood of business operations at the time.
Bill built the business by showing up for his customers. If a machine broke down, he made sure it was fixed quickly. This straightforward, honest approach helped CBM grow from a small local shop into a trusted regional partner for office technology.
Three Generations of Hartman Leadership
For more than six decades, the Hartman family guided the company through massive technological shifts. Bill’s grandsons—Dean, Don, and Stacey—eventually took the reins, continuing the family legacy. They navigated the transition from analog machines to the digital era, ensuring the business remained at the forefront of cutting-edge solutions.
A defining element of our corporate history during the Hartman era was the guiding mantra, “Customer first, machine second.” The family understood that broken equipment meant lost time and revenue for their clients. To solve this, they established a renowned four-hour average service response time. By keeping parts stocked locally and retaining highly trained technicians, CBM set a new benchmark for service excellence in Western Washington.
Our Leadership Philosophy of Today
In 2020, a new chapter of our story began for Capital Business Machines. Ownership transitioned to Derek and Casey Lowe, two longtime team members who had already dedicated a significant portion of their careers to the company. Together, the brothers brought nearly 48 years of combined experience at CBM to their new leadership roles.
The Hartman family trusted Derek and Casey to protect and grow the company’s legacy. Derek, who joined the team in 2000, operates under the firm belief that we should always take care of the customer. Casey, a Tumwater High School graduate, built a reputation for his dependable and positive approach to service. Together, they guide the company with a deep respect for its past and a clear vision for its future.
What Has Never Changed
While the equipment we sell looks nothing like the adding machines of 1952, the heart of our brand history remains completely unchanged. The Lowe brothers maintain the same commitment to fast, reliable service that the Hartman family established.
We continue to prioritize local relationships. Our technicians still respond quickly to service calls, and we still keep the parts you need right here in Thruston County. By focusing on long-term loyalty rather than short-term sales, we continue to earn the trust of the businesses that rely on us every day.
Technology With Human Touch
SHARP Multifunction Systems