【Bryan】
Welcome to our very first full episode of Hot Minute with Horizon. Today I want to introduce our History with Horizon campaign that is being held from now until May 3, 2024 on LinkedIn. To officially open this campaign I’ve invited Horizon Group Representative and President Eijiro Hori to share his own personal History with Horizon. Thank you for joining me today Hori-san.
【Hori-san】
Thank you.
【Bryan】
To start things off, I want to introduce the “History with Horizon” social media campaign we are holding on LinkedIn. As many of you already know, Drupa is just around the corner, and we are always talking about the future: future projects, market trends, products, technology, and even the future of print.
But with all this talk of the future, it’s easy to forget the past. And while it’s important to not always dwell on the past, we need to appreciate the knowledge, experience, and relationships that can only be built over time. Looking back to the past can help guide us in the future, and maybe even lead us to new innovations. This is why we want to take a moment to reflect on the past, and appreciate the experiences and knowledge of those who have contributed to making Horizon what it is today, whether it be one of our valued end users, a dealer, employee, partner, or cherished industry friend.
Just share your “History With Horizon” story on LinkedIn from now to May 3, 2024 with the hashtag “history with horizon”, follow us on linkedin and you’ll be automatically entered into a giveaway. Bonus entries for those who include a photo or video with their story, or challenge someone else by tagging them. Whether it's a personal or professional tale, about someone you've met or worked with, or the equipment you've loved, we want to hear it all. Feel free to share multiple stories—there's no limit to your entries. Whether you have days, months, years, or decades of history with us, we invite you to share about them in the language that is most comfortable for you! See our website for more information, entry rules, giveaways and story examples.
Now that’s enough from me, let me shine the spotlight on our guest: Eijiro Hori. Welcome to Hot Minute with Horizon, could we start with a brief introduction about yourself.
【Hori-san】
My name is Eijiro Hori. Some people know me but some not. So let me briefly introduce myself. Just after I graduated the university in Japan, I studied abroad in California. This decision was made my father because he wanted me to study English for developing a global business. After graduation from business administration, I joined the company to work with my father. I founded Horizon International to export our products in 1981.
【Bryan】
Thank you, it’s an honor to have you on the podcast. I’m so excited to hear what you have to say and I’m sure our listeners are too! This year is very exciting with Drupa 2024 coming up in May. What is Horizon’s history with Drupa?
【Hori-san】
1982 was our first DRUPA. I did the demo and everything myself. Only three kinds of product were shown at the stand. Perfect binder BQ-220, Friction collator AC-16 and guillotine cutter PC-64. This introduction was very successful to get a contact with many visitors. Some of them became our distributors and still keep good business partners. I am grateful to have found such a good partner. Therefore DRUPA is very special to me.
【Bryan】
DRUPA 1982 must have been a very exciting event for Horizon! And we showed a binder, collator and guillotine cutter… It’s amazing to think how far Horizon has come since then, 42 years later, and how you, everyone at Horizon, and all of our partners have strengthened and expanded our portfolio from those first three products. This year will be my first drupa, so I’m very excited. Next, moving on, could you please share with us your History of Horizon story?
【Hori-san】
Since our global business grew, I have made friends with people from many countries. I ran marathon in Boston, London and Stockholm with a friend I knew as a distributor. Special thanks to Bob Flinn at Standard Finishing. He taught me the joy of running a marathon. Through overseas trade, I have expanded my range of diverse friends around the world. This has become an irreplaceable asset for me.
【Bryan】
Thank you for your own History with Horizon, it’s exciting to hear that your relationships with distributors have expanded beyond just that of business, into long lasting friendships outside of work. By the way, speaking of sports like running, which I also enjoy as a pastime. One interesting thing we have in common is that we both played American Football in college. I was a running back and you played tight end right? It’s interesting we were both offensive players, I wish we could play a game together, or go for a run with Bob-san!
Alright, one last question from me for today’s episode: do you have any words of advice for the next generation?
【Hori-san】
The world situation is chaotic and it is impossible to predict what will happen. No matter what happens, use your strength and never give up. Tough time brings us opportunity. My father always said so. Horizon has been full of difficulties. Let’s create a bright future together.
【Bryan】
Thank you so much for your words of wisdom and time today Hori-san, it was a pleasure having you on today’s episode and hearing your “History with Horizon” story.
【Hori-san】
Thank you Bryan. I look forward to hearing everyone’s History with Horizon story.
