About Us
The leading supplier of storage solutions in any industry providing shelving, high-density storage, lockers, automated systems, and everything in between.
Welcome to Bradford Systems - Your Smart Storage Partner
A Legacy of Innovation: Industry-Leading Storage Solutions with Five Decades of Excellence
Welcome to Bradford Systems Corporation (BSC), where our legacy of innovation, high quality service, and excellence in the storage space has been thriving for over five decades. As you explore our story, you’ll discover a rich history, a steadfast mission, and core values that define who we are and what we strive to achieve.
Our Beginnings
Founded in 1968 by Read Bradford, Bradford Systems emerged from a humble beginning in Evanston, Illinois. Read was inspired by his experiences working for shelving company, Richard Wilcox, and by shadowing his father on countless sales calls growing up. He identified a significant opportunity in the Midwest for high-end storage and shelving products that lacked proper distribution. Seizing this opportunity, Read embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between manufacturers and markets, thus laying the foundation of Bradford Systems Corporation.
Pioneering Innovation
Read worked tirelessly to build Bradford Systems from the ground up. Throughout the years, BSC has been at the forefront of the storage and shelving industry, ever-evolving to meet the changing needs of our clients. In 1972, we introduced Spacesaver’s mobile shelving, forever revolutionizing the way businesses manage their storage. Our enthusiasm for innovation continued in the 1990s with the launch of digital scanning services through our IMS division.
Founder Read Bradford’s First Spacesaver Sale for Bradford Systems Corporation, 1971
Continuous Growth
In 1996, Read transitioned BSC to the next generation of leadership with his son, Link Bradford (Principal), and his nephew, Dave Bradford (Principal), stepping into ownership. Later on, Tim Leyden (President) joined the company in 2011. These three leaders have propelled the organization forward tremendously. Their thoughtful stewardship has grown Bradford Systems exponentially, expanding our product lines and service territories across the United States. We’re proud to consistently diversify our offerings, maintaining a competitive edge without sacrificing quality.
Before Read Bradford passed away in 2020, he wrote & published his autobiographical book: Lessons Learned Selling. The purpose of his book was to preserve decades of valuable business expertise and pass insightful experiences on to future generations. While Read is no longer with us physically, his business acumen, passion for sales, and core life values are ever-present in everything we do.
Our Mission and Values
At Bradford Systems, our mission is to provide innovative solutions through environmentally sound and superior quality products designed to enhance workflow and productivity. We are guided by core values that reflect our commitment to excellence.
Our Mission for success
A shared vision and commitment to excellence:
- Sense of Urgency: We deliver results with a swift and efficient approach.
- Teamwork: Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.
- Value to Clients: Our clients' needs are our top priority.
- Communication: Open and transparent communication within & outside the company.
- Embrace New Ideas: Innovation is key to our growth and success.
Values in Action
Our team’s guiding principles include:
- Be Impeccable with Your Word: Integrity in communication.
- Don't Take Anything Personally: Focus on the bigger picture.
- Don't Make Assumptions: Rely on facts and clarity.
- Always Do Your Best: Commitment to exceeding expectations.
- Be Skeptical, But Learn to Listen: Critical thinking paired with open-mindedness.
Why Choose Bradford Systems?
“We don’t have a bad installation out there. If we do, I don’t know about it. Because if I did, I’d fix it!”
- Read Bradford, Founder of Bradford Systems
Meaningful relationships and integrity are at the center of everything we do. Choosing Bradford Systems means choosing a partner dedicated to your success. We pride ourselves on being a service-oriented company committed to high quality, transparency, and exceptional results.
Our professional installation team are all factory-trained and certified technicians, ensuring that every project is top notch. With a family-oriented culture, our employees often spend decades with us, making Bradford Systems a career destination rather than a stepping stone. We’ve worked intentionally to create a welcoming, positive environment where our employees truly enjoy coming to work.
Our devotion to our clients is unwavering. When you choose BSC, you’re not just selecting a storage solution provider; you are gaining a partner who truly cares about your unique needs and will go above and beyond – every time.
Partner with Bradford Systems for Success
Thank you for considering Bradford Systems. There’s a reason our company has withstood the test of time for over 50 years and continues to thrive in today’s marketplace. We’re proud to offer a full suite of commercial storage, automated industrial systems, and digital imaging offerings.
Recent Public Safety project for the Mishawaka police department
Awards & Recognitions
We are proud to have been named Distributor of the Year by leading industry players such as Spacesaver and Modula, earning this accolade for multiple consecutive years. BSC’s substantial year-over-year growth is a testament to our relentless pursuit of unmatched quality.
President Tim Leyden accepting Modula’s 2024 ‘Dealer of the Year’ Award
Reach out to begin your project
We look forward to embarking on a successful journey together, dedicated to delivering personal service and providing only the best solutions available.
Our Purchasing Contracts
Our Experts Will Solve Your Storage Problems
Schedule a free consultation with our team and let’s make space happen!