Small Business Awards: Campus Books

For nearly 11 years, Campus Books has served the students of Manatee Community College.

Owner Mary Bennett strives to educate students about the textbook industry and helps them get the right books for the right classes.

Though Campus Books, 6027 26th St. W. in Bradenton, only has three employees, it operates like a well-oiled machine.

And the company also places the customer first.

Taped to each register inside Campus Books is the motto: “Great service begins with the last person in line.”

Students who arrive at Campus Books with only a class schedule are assisted by store staff in finding the books they need.

Last year, Campus Books overcame its greatest obstacle since it was founded in 1998.

On June 7, 2008, the store’s founder and Mary Bennett’s husband, Mac Bennett, died.

Fortunately, the Bennetts had recently promoted a long-time employee to the position of store manager, and she helped keep the business on track.

“However, there were so many things that only Mac knew how to do . . . so many duties only he handled,” Mary Bennett says. “It was an incredible void to fill, and one that had to be filled immediately in order for Campus Books to survive.”

But survive it did.

The company’s sales have increased an average of 10 percent during the last three years, and the company has grown its advertising budget to attract a wider customer base.

Mary Bennett, a certified math instructor, also offers free informal tutoring for those having trouble with their math classes.

“Mac would be so proud of his store but so much more proud of his family,” she says. “It was always important to him that Campus Books was a family business.”