Elliot Williams,
Epson America Inc.
Director and writer Woody Allen is credited with the phrase “80 percent of life is showing up.” Perhaps it is what we do, after we arrive, that closes the gap on the remaining 20 percent.
Elliot Williams loves that phrase, likely because the product manager at Epson America works most of his magic in that 20 percent range. But that doesn’t mean there’s little value in just coming to work every day; that opens the door to a world of possibilities.
“Most people are too afraid to admit when they don’t know the answer or what to do,” said Williams, a 2018 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “Many times, just showing up and working with others, you can find the right answer.”
Williams has become a master of finding solutions in his 20-plus year career in the printing industry. Boasting a background in engineering, he had worked with Ford Motor Company as a manufacturing engineer before joining Intel Corp. as a senior financial analyst. That created a bridge to an 11-year career with HP and Memjet, and ultimately his current role with Epson America.
Williams has made his mark with Epson in a relatively short timeframe. He guided the launch of the WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590, Epson’s debut high-speed color line head printer. Williams also ushered in Epson’s WorkForce Pro WF-C869R, WF-R8590, WF-R5690, and WF-R5190 products with Replaceable Ink Pack System technology.
Listening and Hearing
The key for Williams is understanding other people’s perspectives, and by listening intently to their challenges and objectives, he can better communicate how Epson’s solutions can meet those needs. “I love solving problems, so I find it rewarding to help customers achieve their business objectives by selling and/or using Epson office printers,” he noted.
One of Williams’ biggest influences was Bill McGlynn, the now-retired CEO of Memjet Home and Office. “He once told me, ‘Remember that most people come to work every day trying to do what they think is right. You can achieve more than they think.’”
Williams considers the 2017 launch of Epson’s WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20590 to be a significant achievement for the manufacturer. He hopes to use 2019 as a platform to expose the company’s compelling value proposition to more customers, saving them time and money while growing Epson’s business.
The philosophy of developing products that speak to customer pain points is ingrained in Epson’s DNA, and he believes it is the driving force behind why channel partners enjoy working with the manufacturer.
“With the launch of Epson’s WorkForce Enterprise solutions, we have the opportunity to deliver best-in-class office printing solutions to those who may not have considered Epson before,” Williams remarked. “And, our portfolio will continue to grow through Epson’s ongoing innovation. As our solutions and business expand, I want to be sure we maintain that personal touch with our partners and customers.”
Williams and his wife, Ellecia, are the parents of two teenagers, and they enjoy supporting their children’s passions. Williams loves to travel, and his favorite hot spot is Kapaa, Hawaii. He also tries to carve out a little time each weekend to take a stroll on the beach.
