Board Member Profile

Vince E. Puente
President - Sales & Marketing
Southwest Office Systems, Inc.

Vince Puente is a proud native and resident of Fort Worth, Texas. In partnership with his brother, Buddy Puente, Southwest Office Systems, Inc. (SOS) has revenues of $16,000,000 with approximately 70 team members. It is located in the heart of North Texas – just outside the DFW International Airport.

Educated within the local school district and the University of Texas at Arlington, his real business knowledge and experience came from observing his dad, founder of Southwest Office Systems, as he built the foundation of the Puente Family companies. As early as 7 years old, Vince would clean typewriter keyboards at 10¢ each in his father’s shop in their family garage. His dad instilled a work ethic that would see Vince through many obstacles he would later encounter.

In the early years of his career, Vince actively immersed himself in the further education of his skill set and in his industry field. He took on additional responsibilities at SOS and his personal commitment to his education grew to include each department within SOS. It soon became apparent that this quest for knowledge would be one of his ongoing, lifetime passions. One prime example is his aptitude for marketing and advertising. With no formal education in these areas, it is safe to say Mr. Puente has built, through his marketing creativity, the SOS “brand”. As a result, SOS is one of the most recognizable companies in North Texas. In addition, SOS has received national recognition in its industry and the business community.

Mr. Puente is one who believes in active participation within his community. Currently he serves on seven (7) boards and advisory councils; the Dallas Regional, North Dallas and Fort Worth Chambers of Commerce, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas, Casa Mañana Theater and Camp Thurman. He also serves as a member of the Hispanic Advisory Council for US Congresswoman Kay Granger and has been called upon by US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison on issues such as immigration. Vince was the 2005 Business Man of the Year for the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and most recently was named a 2007 Aflac Civic Leader and 2007 Honoree for The Father of the Year Awards.

When asked what accomplishments he feels represent his vision for excellence, one he will sight is SOS Plaza. He and his brother/partner, Buddy, completed this facility in 1997. This is the home of their companies, Southwest Office Systems, Inc., 9 to 5 Office Products, Inc. and Puente Brothers Investments. It is a 39,000 sq. ft., Class A facility that the industry considers to be one of the best in the nation. The project totaled 2.4 million dollars; but what is truly exciting is that their Companies and SOS Plaza are entirely debt-free.

However, Vince is not all business. He will tell you, it is his wife, Mona, and his children, Vincent, Jr. and Lindsay, of which he is most proud. His family is far more important to him than any business accomplishment he could ever desire.

Mr. Puente is a long-time active member of Pantego Bible Church. He and his wife are also active in the Country Western Dance community and dance on the Texas BootScooters Dance Team.