David Gibbons, a revered figure in the global imaging supplies industry, is set to retire on December 20, 2024, from his role as International Communications Director at Recycling Times. His departure marks the end of a remarkable 32-year career that has left an indelible mark on the industry. Known for his deep insights and ability to simplify complex topics, Gibbons has been a trusted voice globally, particularly in Japan, where his writings have been widely referenced and respected. His departure has elicited a sense of loss across the industry, with many hoping he will continue to share his wisdom in some capacity even after retiring.
Gibbons’ final article, titled Winter is Coming for the Imaging Industry, is a poignant and candid reflection on the challenges facing the imaging industry. It resonated deeply with Koichi Yoshizuka, founder and CEO of QRIE Ltd., who translated the article into Japanese and shared it within his company as a critical guide for navigating the industry’s uncertain future. Gibbons’ message underscores the urgent need for adaptation and innovation in the face of a shrinking market, a theme that Yoshizuka and his company are actively addressing.
QRIE, a leading player in Japan’s third-party office supplies e-commerce market, is currently in the throes of preparing for the “winter” Gibbons warned about. The company, which has won Rakuten’s prestigious Shop of the Year award three times, is diversifying its offerings and exploring new business ventures in response to the evolving market landscape. Yoshizuka draws inspiration from Mark Dawson’s article on diversification opportunities in the office printing industry, emphasizing the necessity of pivoting into new fields to ensure survival and growth. Yoshizuka also acknowledges the success of a former competitor, G-STREAM (GST), which has shifted its focus and achieved remarkable results, winning the Shop of the Year award four times—a testament to the power of adaptability.
The article by Gibbons serves as a clarion call for the industry to innovate and prepare for the challenges ahead. Yoshizuka and QRIE are heeding this message, leveraging their established position in the e-commerce market while exploring new digital businesses and products. Under Yoshizuka’s leadership, QRIE has grown into a company with annual sales revenue of approximately USD 14 million and a team of 45 dedicated employees. Yoshizuka himself has been a prominent voice in the industry, recently speaking at the RemaxWorld Summit 2024 in Zhuhai, China, where he shared insights on the unique characteristics of the Japanese printing and copying market.
As the imaging industry braces for the coming “winter,” Gibbons’ parting words serve as a reminder of the importance of resilience and adaptability. His legacy as a thought leader and communicator will continue to inspire professionals like Yoshizuka, who are committed to steering their companies through turbulent times and seizing new opportunities for growth. While Gibbons’ retirement marks the end of an era, his influence will undoubtedly endure, shaping the industry’s future for years to come.
.
.
.
#FarewellDavidGibbons #LegacyInPrintIndustry #WinterForImagingIndustry #DavidGibbonsTribute #PrintMediaInspiration #QRIEJapan #OfficePrintingTrends #InnovateToSurvive #DigitalTransformationSkills #AskNecessities #EclecticMultichannel #EntrepreneurInspiration #LeadershipNavigatesChange #VisitJapanBusiness #JapanesePrintMarketExploitationTrends
