Centriworks
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Business technology solutions, IT support, document management, printer fleet management |
| Founded | April 1, 1964 in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States |
| Founder | Randall Sumner and two partners |
| Headquarters | Knoxville , United States |
Area served | East Tennessee, Tri-Cities area (Northeast Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia) |
Key people | Steve Sumner (owner since 1995) |
| Products | Multi-functional copiers, printers, fax machines (Ricoh, Kyocera) |
| Website | www |
CENTRIWORKS (previously known as Thermocopy) holds the distinction of being the longest-established and largest provider of business technology solutions in East Tennessee. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the company was founded in the early 1960s initially as a dealer specializing in office equipment. Over time, it has broadened its portfolio to include IT support, document management, and printer fleet management services.
As the sole technology company based locally in East Tennessee to earn the CompTIA Security Trustmark+ Certification, Centriworks also stands out as the only regional provider employing a [[Certified information systems security professional|Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)]. It is recognized as a leading supplier of Managed IT Services and cybersecurity solutions across various industries within East Tennessee.
The firm’s primary offerings consist of multi-functional copiers, printers, and fax machines manufactured by Ricoh and Kyocera. Centriworks actively promotes eco-friendly business initiatives, participating in programs such as GoGreenET.com and sponsoring the annual Business In The Green competition.
In 2006, ImageSource Magazine honored Centriworks with the Dealer of the Year award, recognizing it with the national Perfect Image Award.
Centriworks achieved certification as a Kyocera Managed Print Services Dealer in March 2010. Operating as a vendor-neutral managed service provider, its technicians are qualified to maintain equipment from a variety of manufacturers.
Since 2016, ENXMagazine has consistently acknowledged Centriworks as an Elite Dealer. This accolade highlights office imaging dealers who demonstrate excellence in growth, marketing innovation, customer service, community engagement, workplace culture, and adaptability to market changes.
History
The company was established on April 1, 1964, by Randall Sumner along with two partners, starting with an initial investment of US$150 and an operating capital note of $3,000. Initially focused on distributing NCR "ThermoCopy" paper products, the business soon expanded to include NCR adding machines.
With increasing demand for copiers, the company transitioned its focus from paper sales to office equipment. By the late 1970s, it had become the dominant local dealer for color copiers, fax machines, and overhead projectors. After several moves throughout Knoxville’s Bearden neighborhood during the 1960s, the company established its headquarters at 3505 Sutherland Avenue in 1971.
Over the following decades, Centriworks (then operating as Thermocopy) experienced steady expansion. In 1995, Steve Sumner purchased the business from founder Randall Sumner. The mid-1990s brought increased market penetration and growth marked by opening a new office in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1998. This Mountain Empire Branch services the Tri-Cities area spanning Northeast Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia.
Centriworks marked its 50th anniversary in 2014. In 2019, reflecting its broadened service offerings—particularly in Managed IT Services and Cybersecurity—the company rebranded from Thermocopy to Centriworks.
Community involvement
Throughout its history, Centriworks has supported over 100 civic and nonprofit organizations such as Friends of the Smokies, Ronald McDonald House, The Historic Tennessee Theatre, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, CASA of Northeast Tennessee, Wreaths Across America, Dollywood Foundation, McNabb Center, and Covenant Health's Buddy's Race for the Cure. Additionally, it contributes to initiatives like the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley.
The company dedicates a share of its profits to local community programs and fosters employee participation in volunteer activities to maximize charitable contributions. This dedication underscores Centriworks’ commitment to philanthropy and its positive impact on future generations.
Environment
In 2008, Centriworks was recognized as one of ten local enterprises certified through the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership's Green Recognition Program. The company actively monitors and shares its sustainability efforts via its Greenworks website. As a founding collaborator of GoGreenET.com, Centriworks also co-hosts the annual Business In The Green competition organized by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal. Furthermore, it contributes to preservation initiatives in partnership with the Fort Loudon Lake Association.
Centriworks earned the "2008 Environmental Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement By A Large Business" from Keep Knoxville Beautiful, acknowledging its environmental contributions both internally and within the community. The following year, the company was honored with a "Keep Tennessee Beautiful" Award of Excellence for Business from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Moreover, Knox County, Tennessee has designated Centriworks as a Platinum Level Recycle Champion.
Training center
Centriworks maintains an onsite trainer certified by manufacturers. Ricoh Corporation has repeatedly recognized Centriworks’ technicians with its “Prestige” certification and granted the Ricoh Service Excellence Award to its service division, ranking the company among the leading service providers nationwide in this sector.