Ricoh Revs Up Its Dealers

ORLANDO, FL—“Leading the REVolution” served as the theme for Ricoh Americas’ Vision 2008 meeting last month, attended by its dealer network, several technology partners, and select trade publication editors and industry analysts. The event featured a technology expo with more than 40 companies represented, including the Ricoh REV Center that showcased the company’s new Pro C900 (90 ppm) series digital color printer.

Shown at Graph Expo last month, the Pro C900 is primarily aimed at the commercial and quick printing, copy shop and in-plant environments.

Kirk Yoshida, Ricoh Americas chairman and CEO, led the first general session. He was followed by Martin Brodigan, newly named president and CEO, who formerly headed the company’s Canadian operations in addition to serving as the CFO.

Brodigan spelled out “rules of engagement” that will be adhered to in the field by Ricoh direct salespeople, its dealer network and recently acquired IKON Office Solutions personnel to eliminate account conflict and redundancy.

Hede Nonaka, executive vice president, marketing and DSSD, discussed Ricoh’s REV (Real Enhanced Value) approach to selling based on value, not price, in a soft economy. He cited process improvement, information security, total cost of ownership, regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability as the five key issues facing businesses today.

As a symbol of the company’s 30-plus year emphasis on being green, Ricoh is also erecting a first-ever “eco” billboard in Times Square, which is 100 percent powered by solar panels and wind turbines.

In addition to various seminars, attendees were also treated to a private party at Universal Studios; a motivational keynote speech by Pat Reilly, current president and former head coach of the Miami Heat; and the Dealer Performance Awards dinner, hosted by comedian Chris Bliss.