Farewell to a Legend: David Gibbons and His Enduring Legacy

December 20, 2024, marks the official retirement of David Gibbons, a towering figure in the global imaging supplies industry, from his position as International Communications Director at Recycling Times. The news of his departure has brought a wave of melancholy to those of us who have followed his illustrious 32-year career. In Japan, David has been widely regarded as the face of the industry, with his insights regularly referenced and respected through the countless articles he has authored.

Personally, I have always relied on David’s writings to stay informed and to gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s current landscape and future trajectory. His ability to distill complex topics into actionable knowledge made him an indispensable resource for professionals worldwide, including myself. Although he is stepping down, I sincerely hope he will occasionally share his profound insights with us in some capacity. The industry still has much to learn from him.

David’s final article for Recycling Times, titled Winter is Coming for the Imaging Industry, resonated deeply with me. It was a masterful culmination of his career, delivering a stark and candid message. David did not shy away from addressing difficult truths, and his writing carried the weight of his experience and vision. I was so moved by his words that I translated the article into Japanese and circulated it internally within my company, QRIE. It is an article that we will revisit often, a reminder of the critical lessons it holds for the road ahead.

When asked if QRIE is prepared for the coming winter, my answer is that we are in the midst of an intense preparation phase. To ensure we are ready, we are actively diversifying our offerings and exploring new business ventures. As Mark Dawson highlighted in his recent article, Navigating the Digital Shift: Diversification Opportunities for the Office Printing Industry, pivoting into new fields is not only possible but essential for survival. At QRIE, we are determined to adapt and innovate to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving market.

QRIE’s position in Japan’s third-party office supplies e-commerce market is firmly established. Our three-time win of Rakuten’s prestigious Shop of the Year award is a testament to our dominance in this space. However, the journey to the “Iron Throne” of this market has not been without competition. One such rival was G-STREAM (GST), a company based in Fukuoka that I hold in the highest regard. GST, a formidable competitor in our field, has since shifted its focus to other domains and achieved remarkable success. They have surpassed us by winning the Shop of the Year award an impressive four times, a testament to their ability to adapt and thrive. This is the essence of preparing for winter.

David’s article serves as a beacon, reminding us all of the need to adapt and innovate. At QRIE, we are embracing his message, ensuring that we are not only prepared for the challenges ahead but also poised to seize new opportunities. The coming winter will test us all, but with the right mindset and strategy, it will also open doors to a brighter future.

About the Author

Koichi Yoshizuka is the founder and CEO of QRIE Ltd., established in 2005. QRIE specializes in importing and wholesaling compatible inks and toners for printers. The company has successfully expanded into online sales through its e-commerce site and major platforms like Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping, serving a diverse clientele ranging from corporate clients to individual consumers. Renowned for quality and affordability, QRIE has won Rakuten’s Shop of the Year award in the Electronics category three times.

In addition, QRIE is actively developing new digital businesses and products driven by employee innovation. Today, QRIE boasts annual sales revenue of approximately USD 14 million and employs 45 dedicated staff members. Under Koichi Yoshizuka’s leadership, QRIE continues to thrive and innovate in the competitive printer supplies market.

Koichi Yoshizuka was also a featured speaker at the RemaxWorld Summit 2024 , held in October during the RemaxWorld Expo in Zhuhai, China. In his address, he highlighted the unique characteristics of the Japanese printing and copying market.

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