There’s a much-loved scene from the film “Big” where Tom Hanks, playing the role of Josh Baskin—a 12-year-old stuck in the body of a 30-something adult following an ill-advised wish to “be big”—hilariously bounds about in an FAO Schwarz toy store, playing alongside children. Up strides his boss, store owner MacMillan, with an amused look on his face.
“I come here every Saturday,” says MacMillan, played by Robert Loggia. “You can’t see this on a marketing report.”
To which the naïve Baskin blurts, “What’s a marketing report?”
“Exactly,” MacMillan counters.
Dan Misilewich likely has more in common with MacMillan than Baskin. The product manager for business imaging at Epson America loves to visit a business or a school to see the company’s products integrated into their operations, providing a real-life glimpse at how the solutions improve their operations. Seeing product marketing theory translated into actionable value validates the sometimes-arduous tasks including forecasting, pricing analysis, detailed reporting, market research, and navigating technical intricacies.
“The experience of observing customers getting value from our products gives meaning to those efforts,” notes Misilewich, a 2023 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “This is a nice reminder that the meticulous undertakings of product management eventually touch real-world scenarios and yield tangible benefits for both our channel partners and end customers.”
Product managing is certainly a team sport for Misilewich and Co. He sees collaboration as a catalyst for success, believing the right mix of diverse perspectives drives innovative solutions and informed decision-making.
“At the heart of this is leveraging the collective wisdom of colleagues, cross-functional teams and external stakeholders,” Misilewich said. “Collaboration not only ensures comprehensive decision-making but also nurtures shared ownership among stakeholders and breaks down silos.”
Building Blocks
The holder of a BA in public communication and justice from American University, Misilewich started his career in international logistics for a leading consumer electronics manufacturer. His zeal for marketing took hold as he pivoted to account service for an advertising agency, where he helped orchestrate campaigns for a diverse group of clients that included universities, pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic surgery practices and law firms.
Wanting to take a more focused approach to his career, Misilewich landed at Canon in 2012, where he served as a product marketing specialist and, ultimately, senior manager. It was a journey that allowed him to become immersed in multifunction printer technology, solutions, industry dynamics, the needs of IT decision-makers, and the independent dealer channel.
Today, as Epson product manager, he’s responsible for the WorkForce Enterprise AM Series. “Epson’s pioneering PrecionCore technology, its transformative impact on both dealers and end-customers and the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and the environment resonated with me,” Misilewich noted. “Equally captivating was Epson’s strategic growth vision, underpinned by a dedication to fostering channel partnerships.”
Charismatic and engaging, Misilewich is proud of the relationships he’s built in a short time with Epson, and loved seeing all the hard work pay off in the months leading up to last February’s InkBoldly 2023 event. Much of his 2023 focus centers on helping Epson grow its market share with the WorkForce series. In a career where he’s witnessed the transition from laser to inkjet, Misilewich has seen many of his dealers do likewise, and he’s confident the industry as a whole will keep pushing in that direction. The benefits to customers and channel partners, he believes, are endless.
Growth Tools
Misilewich isn’t alone in his quest for self-improvement. His company offers a “phenomenal” program called Epson Management System, a continuous improvement philosophy that helps facilitate processes and customer experience.
“I’d like to leverage these tools to identify ways to optimize our processes and further enhance the experience our channel partners have when they work with us,” he added.
On the home front, Misilewich and his husband, Brian, will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary in December. The couple loves to travel and they are planning their first trip to Japan in 2024. Misilewich has been to the Land of the Rising Sun previously on business but is looking forward to exploring its many ancient treasures. Activities with family and friends rank high on his list, and he also enjoys golfing, taking walks and road trips.
In the lead-up to his Japanese trip, Misilewich has been brushing up on reading and writing the language. Between textbooks and Duolingo—an online platform for language learning—he’s gradually making strides to 言語を学ぶ (learn the language).
“It has only been about two months of studying,” he admitted. “While I have a long way to go, I’ve made some progress in learning the characters and some vocabulary.”
