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Frank Mallozzi Leads Konica Minolta’s Industrial Print Revolution | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 3

Welcome back to another engaging episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! In this installment, host Eric Vessels sits down with his longtime friend Frank Mallozzi, the President of Konica Minolta’s Industrial Print and Production (IPP) Group. This conversation takes you on a journey through Frank’s unexpected return to the industry and his mission to drive innovation in the world of industrial printing. After a successful 25-year career at EFI, where he last served as the Chief Revenue Officer, Frank contemplated retirement. However, a call from Sam Errigo, CEO of Konica Minolta, changed his plans. Intrigued by the opportunities within Konica Minolta’s IPP Group, Frank felt the familiar spark of passion reignite. He couldn’t resist the challenge to lead a division focused on groundbreaking technologies in the printing industry. Frank shares insights into the three key segments that the IPP Group is concentrating on: 1.B2 Inkjet Technology: Exploring advancements in the shift from analog to digital printing, and how Konica Minolta is at the forefront of this transition. 2.Electrophotographic Label Printing: Discussing their significant market share in this area and the introduction of new products that enhance quality and efficiency. 3.Digital Embellishment: Delving into what Frank refers to as the “crown jewel” of their offerings, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize how businesses add value to print materials. Throughout their discussion, Eric and Frank address the challenges that come with introducing new technologies to the market. They emphasize the importance of educating customers, not just about the products themselves but about how these innovations can create new revenue streams and differentiate them in a competitive landscape. Frank underscores that success in this arena isn’t about competing on price but about offering unique value that customers can’t find elsewhere. The conversation also highlights the potential partnership between Taktiful and Konica Minolta. Both Eric and Frank express excitement about collaborating to provide education, training, and software solutions aimed at simplifying the adoption of digital embellishment technologies. They believe that by combining their strengths, they can make a significant impact on the industry and help customers overcome common hurdles. In a more personal segment, Frank opens up about the lessons he’s learned over his extensive career. He speaks passionately about the power of networking, the importance of execution over mere strategizing, and the value of leading by example. Frank recounts his own experiences, such as becoming the youngest director at Ricoh Corporation and recently completing his MBA after 35 years—a testament to his belief in lifelong learning and five-year planning. Eric and Frank wrap up their conversation by reflecting on the significance of relationships in business. They note how their professional paths have crossed over the years and how maintaining strong connections has been beneficial both personally and professionally. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how networking and mutual support can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Don’t miss this insightful and heartfelt episode that not only explores the future of industrial printing but also offers valuable leadership lessons and career advice. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there’s something in this conversation for everyone.

Democratizing Digital Embellishment: A Chat with Andrew Gunn of Fujifilm | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 4

Ready to see what’s next for digital print? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels, CXO at Taktiful, sits down with Andrew Gunn of Fujifilm to pull back the curtain on the evolving world of digital embellishment. Curious about how to move beyond CMYK, unlock new ROI opportunities, and truly stand out from the competition? Andrew shares insights on the cutting-edge Revoria lineup, Fujifilm’s Aspire program, and the power of industry collaboration—plus why curiosity, passion, and asking the right questions matter more than ever. Want to know what’s coming and how to position your business at the forefront of print’s future? Tune in and discover what’s possible when technology, training, and creativity converge. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays—your go-to source for the latest in digital print innovation.

Print samples by Crown van Gelder · Pat McGrew · Print Sample TV #86

In this Print Sample TV episode, your host, Pat McGrew, talks about how paper manufacturer Crown van Gelder uses variable data and print samples to show their paper qualities.

Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 2: Digital Embellishments, Standards, and Tacos with Richard Romano!

42% Alcohol and 17% Response Rate · Pat McGrew · Print Sample TV #85

In this episode of Print Sample TV, host Pat McGrew gives you an example of a super DM campaign made by Absolute Vodka in Toronto. Absolute is one of the strongest alcohol brands in the world, and what you may not know is from a small city in Sweden, Aarhus, where they use the same water, the same technology, and the same ingredients as ever. They are today the largest "food exporter" in Sweden - so seeing them being innovative in DMs like here - just whau!

Mark Vruno · News Desk Editor & Reporter · INKISH

The new INKISH.NEWS will be launched on Monday, November 25th, and we are excited. In this chat between News Desk Editor Mark Vruno and Editor-in-Chief Morten B. Reitoft, we get some insights into what to expect. Five days count down - stay tuned! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markvruno/

Taktiful Tuesdays Ep 1: Morten Reitoft

In the grand premiere of “Taktiful Tuesdays”—yes, we’re making Tuesdays a thing now—host Eric Vessels rolls out the virtual red carpet for none other than Kevin Abergel, CEO and founder of Taktiful, and Morten Reitoft, the editorial wizard behind @INKISH. Together, they announce a collaboration so epic, even your printer might do a double-take: they’re joining forces to co-produce educational content focused on digital embellishment in the printing industry. Hold onto your ink cartridges! This episode shines a spotlight on their shared dream to jazz up the printing world with a dash of digital dazzle. Their master plan? To educate and empower print service providers (PSPs) and converters worldwide—because who doesn’t want global empowerment on their résumé? They’re all about helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies to stand out from the crowd and, naturally, boost those profit margins. Both teams are buzzing with excitement about the partnership and are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful content that might just make the paper it’s printed on blush.

Spot On Sustainability · Joanne Gore & Morten B. Reitoft · LIVE Xeikon booth PRINTING United 2024

The Digital Embellishment Show · Bryar McDonald · Konica Minolta · TUI Total Solutions · Taktiful

The Digital Embellishment Show · Sean Roberts · Konica Minolta · Taktiful

Join Kevin as he sits down with Sean Roberts, the new National Director for Digital Embellishment at Konica Minolta! 🎉 Learn about Sean's journey, vision, and why he's excited about transforming the printing industry. Get ready to dive into the world of 3D Varnish, Foil, and Inkjet embellishments—perfect for designers, print enthusiasts, and industry innovators! Don't miss this episode! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanroberts000/

Booth Guide & Print Samples · Pat McGrew · Print Sample TV #83

In this Print Sample TV episode—number 83—can you believe it? Pat McGrew shows some excellent ideas done by Canon. It's a Booth Guide, a super takeaway from Graphics Canada—and, of course, Pat McGrew also shows two books made by Canon. Great to see print is SO alive!

David Dilling · Managing Director · Markzware Europe

Dorinda Gibbons · Director · Profile Recruitment

Event Promotion · Pat McGrew · Print Sample TV #82

Duane Pekar · CEO · Mark Andy in Conversations with James Quirk · Editor · INKISH

Golan Landsberg · VP R&D HP Indigo · HP · NON-EVENT24 Speaker

Morten B. Reitoft · Editor-in-Chief · INKISH · Review PRINTING United

Editor Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH reflected on his two-week US trip, focusing on his experiences at Print United. He expressed gratitude for his small company's recognition in the US market and emphasized the importance of feedback from readers and viewers. Reitoft praised the efforts of the Print United team, particularly Mark Subers and Amanda Kliegl, for continually seeking improvements and introducing new initiatives. He highlighted the Media Day event, allowing media representatives to engage with vendors and learn about new technologies through speed dating sessions, workshops, and Q&A opportunities. Reitoft noted that such events help media focus on important updates, making it easier to communicate valuable information to their audiences. He anticipated that detailed content resulting from Media Day would be shared in the coming weeks and months. Reitoft also discussed the Knowledge Center, a conglomerate of small booths at the entrance where media and industry specialists could educate attendees. While he commended the concept and execution, he suggested that allocating more resources and ensuring consistent presence at the booths would enhance their effectiveness. He stressed the importance of recording and broadcasting educational sessions to reach a broader audience, even if live attendance is limited. However, Reitoft raised concerns about the poor internet service at the Las Vegas Convention Center, describing it as a significant hindrance for media outlets that rely on high-speed connectivity to deliver content. He found it unacceptable that attendees were offered limited internet speeds at high costs, emphasizing that reliable internet is essential for modern trade shows. He also mentioned the separation of the South and Central Halls due to reconstruction, which made the event feel like two distinct shows and disrupted the seamless experience envisioned by the "under one roof" slogan. Morten B. Reitoft admitted that he discovered the second hall only on the second day, suggesting that the layout was not intuitive. Addressing his discomfort with certain aspects of Las Vegas, Reitoft recounted an evening event at The Palm where he observed a noticeable presence of prostitutes. He found this contradictory to industry initiatives promoting respect and opportunities for women, such as the Women for Print Alliance. Reitoft expressed concern over the exploitation inherent in such scenarios and the negative reflection it casts on the event environment. He observed that while the South Hall, featuring large format and apparel exhibits, was busy and crowded, the Central Hall experienced lower attendance, especially afternoon on the third day. Reitoft underscored the necessity of industry support for trade shows to ensure their continued existence and the benefits they provide in networking and showcasing new equipment. In conclusion, Morten Reitoft deemed the show valuable despite the issues highlighted. He hopes future events will address these concerns, particularly regarding internet connectivity and venue layout. He reaffirmed the importance of trade shows for learning and industry advancement, encouraging stakeholders to consider these factors for future participation. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reitoft/

Tom Fitzgerald · Director / Post Press products · Koenig & Bauer

Pete Dolfis · Vice President of Sales – Americas · Tecnau · Overview · Printing United Expo 2024

Pete Dolfis · Vice President of Sales – Americas · Tecnau · PRINTING United Expo 2024

At drupa 2024, Tecnau launched its patent-pending Revolution 50 auto-setup line, automatically making all the changeovers. This is smart if you have multiple designs on a roll of paper, as the barcode printed automatically adjusts the settings, so you get all your formats delivered as you like. All the different sizes in the stacker are perfectly stacked for further processing. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-dolfis-1a07a825/