Although it engages in business-to-business direct markets of office supplies in the United States, it also sells products in other sectors such as technology, cleaning & breakroom supplies, furniture, safety products, and professional medical equipment through its Quill Healthcare unit.

[4] In 1956, with a loan of $2,000 from Jack's father-in-law Quill's first office was established in the back room of Miller's father's poultry shop on the north side of Chicago.

[5] Initially lacking retail experience, the young entrepreneur relied heavily on his face-to-face selling techniques to drive revenue.

[11] In February 2015, Quill again partnered with the Orlando Magic, this time to work together and give back directly to the youth of Central Florida.

[12] In 2011, Quill launched a Dunder Mifflin brand of copy paper from the popular NBC sitcom, The Office.

Because of the popularity, Quill added the Dunder Mifflin brand on a variety of products from sticky notes, to notepads, to storage boxes.

[7][5] In July 2002, Medical Arts Press became a subsidiary of Quill when Staples, Inc. purchased the Minneapolis-based company for $385 million.

Since 1950, Medical Arts Press has helped healthcare practices meet their unique front-office supply needs.

[15] Medical Arts Press carries the industry's largest selection of specialty filing and general office supplies, 100% government-compliant forms, code books, office furnishings, imprinted patient communication and giveaways, ink and toner, breakroom supplies and more.

[16][17][18] In addition to the acquisition of Medical Arts Press, Quill also obtained SmileMakers and Hayes Marketing Inc. (HMI).