A well-known print engineer and sales developer points out how enthusiasm and resilience are common traits of printers, people who know how to stand up after every fall

Vlad Sljapic, Chief Commercial Officer at Graphimecc and member of the Marketing Committee at FINAT, expresses admiration for Ukrainian printers and encourages them to hang in there to soon rebuild what was lost.

Close to 20 years ago, I came into print by accident, and over the years, I fell in love with the industry because of two primary characteristics.

The first is its unwavering enthusiasm. I have traveled around the globe with print, and everywhere I went, no matter how culturally diverse or unusual the place may be, invariably printers would be the ones to take the time to share professional pride and challenges with such passion for learning that one could not help but be drawn in and engaged in professional relationships that span decades. 

The second is its resilience. Building a print business, any business, is an emotional roller coaster that requires enormous amount of personal grit and determination to succeed, as well as the ability to stand up after every fall and keep doing what we, people in print, do best: build for the future.

In the last few months, I have been moved by tragic heartbreaking developments in Ukraine, and my heart goes to all people who lost their homes and their loved ones in the country.

To the fellow printers there, I send wishes to stay safe and the hope that the current madness stops soon. I’m sure that the resilience, determination and resourcefulness that I know you have will go a long way to help you get through this difficult time. I personally admire your courage, and, as a member of the international printing community, please keep talking to us about how we can help and what support you need.

I hope that the senseless conflict ends soon, allowing you to start rebuilding what was lost, and that we help you and get to see each other soon along the way. All the best from the UK.

Page translated by Translator Name.