Ian Jeffery, director of Studio Pens, shares with us his journey into the wonderful world of stationery.
How did you get involved in the stationery industry?
I was through a chance meeting with George Kartsotis, the then owner of Retro 51 Inc. at the Magic Menswear Show in Las Vegas in 1999. Six shows later, I’d had a disastrous show and George comforted me and then said “Hey, we don’t have an international distributor, take my pens and sell them in the UK!”
What is the best part of being involved in the stationery industry?
Meeting Michael Gutberlet at Paperworld 2009 in Frankfurt has been my best industry experience. Although several years younger than me, he has so much knowledge about the pen industry and has been the best consultant any business could have on their side. Notwithstanding his business acumen, Michael has been the best business colleague over my 55 years in business. However, the finest part of being involved in the stationery industry has to be working with my eldest daughter. Nikki, since 2015.
What is your favourite industry memory?
That’s easy! Winning the Icon Award at London Stationery Show Stationery Awards this year with the Kaweco Classic Sport fountain pen.
What does 2024 hold for you?
I hope it heralds another successful year in company growth and continued good health for Vicky (my partner) and me. We have some exciting travel plans too!
Three interesting facts about me…
- I was an ink monitor at 8 years old. Making up the ink powder and pouring it into the inkwells on our classrooms desks.
- At a classmates reunion when we were 21, we indicated where we hoped we would be at 31. They laughed at me when, as the last person to speak, I said I would a director of a public company and on a salary of £5K (the average salary at the time was £1K). I made it with room to spare at 29, becoming Sales and Marketing Director at a subsidiary of Thorn Electrical Industries Plc.
- My initial training in the meat industry has held me in good stead for my subsequent five careers. My proving ground was running a factory in Smithfield in 1971.
Favourite stationery products…
- Soduko Retro 51 Mechanical Pencil
- Kaweco Art Sport Amber Fountain Pen
- My Parker 51 broad italic fountain pen given to me on my 21st birthday.
Top: Ian’s travels have taken him all over the world, including Japan.
