01732 759725 INTERVIEW 20 PrintIT Reseller is celebrating its centennial issues, and in a series of exclusive interviews over the next year, we’re inviting industry veterans to share their experiences over the past decade, what they’ve learned, and the highs and the lows of our unique and challenging industry. Here, Richard Wells, Head of Office Print Sales at Epson UK shares his thoughts A decade in print manufacturing and to engage with peers so close to the product development cycle, alongside our key customers, was truly invigorating. People are the heart and soul of a good company and Epson has done a good job at reaffirming this throughout my tenure here. PITR: And the low point? RW: Being forced apart from my team and facing sudden product shortages as part of the COVID-19 pandemic are hands down the biggest low point. I think myself, my team and our partners have certainly grown stronger through the pandemic, but to have my passions for working with people and providing technology solutions directly challenged by a force out of my control was a highly sobering experience. Life throws curveballs at us every now and again and no doubt there are many more to come, but I’d like to think we’re better equipped for whatever the future might hold, and if not, I’ll be happy to face the music together with my team, partners and employer. PITR: What (or who) has had the greatest impact in the sector in the last 10 years? RW: Whatever awakening many think the pandemic has given us, it’s still nowhere akin to the challenges presented by the climate crisis. I think many are happy to quietly ignore problems until they’re directly affecting us, and in this country, we’ve been fortunate to avoid the level of physical climate catastrophes people have experienced elsewhere in the world. Climate change has impacted every stage of the product lifecycle, from manufacturing and shipping through to marketing, sales and life beyond usage. Those not attune to the significance of environmental sustainability are not living in the current age and will find themselves being left behind as our industry vies to address this crisis. PITR: If you could change one thing about the last decade, what would it be? RW: Life’s too short for regret and I’m content with the decisions and actions I’ve made in my life. But if I had to choose, maybe betting on Japan beating South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, or Leicester winning the Premier League in 2016! PITR: What has been your proudest moment of the past 10 years? RW: Professionally, taking the mantle as Head of Sales for Epson’s office printing division. In the four years I’ve now had at vendor level, our team have done fantastic things in cultivating the role of inkjet technology in the copier market and gradually phasing out laser from the market. The promotion to where I am now has given me the ability to really flex my muscles in problem solving and I’m excited in the experiences and direction this role continues to give. Personally, seeing my daughter get married and embarking on a new stage of her life has given me a sense of pride that I am so lucky to have enjoyed. Family must always come first, and I am truly blessed with mine. PITR: Sum up the decade in three words. RW: Fantastic. What’s next!? www.epson.co.uk PrintIT Reseller (PITR): You’ve been working in the print and IT industry for more than ten years. What led you to enter the sector? Richard Wells (RW): As with many people, my joining the copier industry was largely circumstantial and derived from a passion for working with people in the quickly evolving world of technology. 29 years at Danwood not only gave me broad experience managing tailored solutions projects across different sizes, verticals and locations, but it gave me a particular aptitude for problem solving. It’s this skillset that I’ve cultivated first at reseller level, then distributor and now at vendor level. Print solutions have been commonplace throughout my sales roles and the current climate, where sustainability is taking more of a front seat in the buying cycle, is an area I’m delighted to be working in. PITR: What was your first job? RW: My first job was as a stationery and typewriter salesperson at Danwood. It was here that I truly honed my skills as a sales specialist and understanding how to deliver on the changing needs of the customer. Technology at this point was certainly different to what it is now. On demand inkjet was still in its infancy and I remember Sharp plain paper dry toner photocopiers (as opposed to liquid wet toner ones), Nefax facsimile devices and Olivetti typewriters were the height of sophistication within business technology. PITR: What has been the high point of the decade? RW: Visiting our head office in Japan for the first time in October 2019. After so long in the industry, to explore firsthand the core of sustainable technology Richard Wells
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