Company History
Arbee Associates is a third-generation, woman owned business beginning with our founding in 1938 as Jersey City Stationers in Jersey City, New Jersey as a provider of office supplies and stationary to businesses in New Jersey and New York City.In 1963, Howard Berkowitz retired from a career in the United States Navy to join the family business. Howard decided to focus on developing the contract office furniture side of the business and the business became the National Business Furniture Company.
In 1973 the decision was made to split the furniture and stationary portions of the business. Arbee Associates was formed with Howard Berkowitz as its President providing Steelcase furniture and furniture related services to the New Jersey market.
After exemplary service in the New Jersey Market, in 1986 Arbee Associates expanded into the Greater Washington DC market at the request of Steelcase, opening offices in Gaithersburg, Maryland and downtown Washington, D.C.
In 2001, Howard’s daughter, Nancy Berkowitz, was named President and CEO after serving many roles within the organization including COO.
Arbee Associates became a certified woman owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council in 2003 and has maintained this certification since then under the ownership and management of Howard’s daughters, Nancy Berkowitz and Ellen Berkowitz.
