Having been in the industry for the past five years, Fountain Spring Interlinks Limited CEO – Dr. (Mrs.) INIAKPANIKO is without doubt an inspiration for the womenfolk. As a graduate of Biology, PHD (Genetics), Dr. (Mrs.) INIAKPANIKO stands out as a professional and ethical businesswoman who knows her onions. There is more to the enigmatic entrepreneur that WHERE To Print sought her out of her busy schedule in this issue of SMART PRINT CELEB. Excerpts:
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
I have been in the industry for the past five years. Printing just come naturally to me; may be due to fact that I am creative. Again, my husband who has been in the industry for twenty five years is also my mentor, coupled with my love for designs and printing.
WHAT SEGMENT OF PRINT BUSINESS DO YOU SPECIALISE ON?
We are into large format digital printing, corporate branding and exhibition display services. There are other areas of printing, but we have carved a niche for now in large format printing. However we are in partnership with sister companies to provide other forms of printing.
WHY LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTING?
The reason is not far fetched – large format printing makes it possible for you to see the output of your print immediately, unlike paper printing with many steps which may lead to a lot of wastages. Large format digital printing is more economical, less complex and reduces wastage during production. Although one can manage wastage in paper print, it cannot be compared to large format digital print.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR EXPERIENCES YOU HAVE GATHERED SO FAR ON THE JOB?
I have come to realise that it is highly pertinent to always ensure that any art-work collected from clients must be correct and signed-off by the client to avoid disagreements. We also create enough time for job delivery; we have made it a point of duty not to disappoint our clients as regard prompt delivery. We also ensure that the ink dries after printing as a quality control measure.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED SO FAR ON THE JOB?
Power is the major challenge that we have so far on this job; unavailability of good and quality print consumables is another challenge. We have come to realise that – over the years, the usage of substandard media or consumables always reduce or hinder repeat patronage from customers. Hence, Fountain Spring Interlinks Limited is well known for using quality consumables for jobs and does not compromise standard in this area. Another thing is price fluctuation of the quality consumables.
HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?
It is just a matter of being proactive, such as buying our consumables in excess from companies that sell quality print consumables. We also rely on diesel generators for power supply.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE INNOVATIONS?
We intend going into paper print. Though we started off at the aspect more convenient to us but we intend to move to other aspects of printing. In fact, we are actually preparing big time for it because it is not an area you can just dabble into blindly.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR THE UPCOMING PRINTERS?
Firstly they must acquire knowledge, because they can’t jump into printing without adequate knowledge of what it entails and must ensure they are very good at it. Also, they must not see printing as a fast way to make money but should be ready to sacrifice and face challenges that may arise. You must be ready to take corrections and give whatever it takes to excel and above all, be well schooled with experience of the industry.
WITH THE PRESSURE AND HIGH DEMAND OF ONES TIME IN PRINT BUSINESS, WHAT TIME DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Yes I do have time to devote to my family. Everything in life is all about planning. For instance, my weekends are totally for my family and besides our kids are all grown-ups so the pressure is not high.
WHAT ARE YOUR LIKES?
I like satisfying my clients. I also love seeing my job in the market being highlighted and recommended.
DISLIKE?
I don’t like wastage. Though it cannot be completely avoided, it can be managed. I hate laziness and passive people. I appreciate alertness because it will always help to put what is ahead of us behind us. I do not like pilling up jobs.
HOBBIES
I love reading, cooking, baking and sewing; in fact I sew my wears at times and my husband’s as well.
