Hot Minute Ep. 113 - Sayonara 2024, Konnichiwa 2025

Welcome to our final episode of 2024!

In this special year-end episode, Guandi is joined by Bryan, Naresh, and Adrienne to reflect on the key milestones of 2024 and discuss the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.

This episode runs a little longer than usual as we take the time to thoughtfully review our accomplishments, share valuable insights about our team and Horizon, and outline our aspirations for the coming year.

To our valued distributors, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts and steadfast support throughout the year. Your dedication has been a cornerstone of our success, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.

On behalf of everyone at Horizon, we wish you a happy, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.


Make sure to check the "Chapters" tab above this description to easily navigate through podcast content and the "Transcript" tab for the transcript. In the case we don't have a transcript an AI-generated summary will be provided.


＊＊＊＊ What is Hot Minute? ＊＊＊＊
#1 Hot Minute Introduction
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1245734/10456703

Hot Minute is for any official Horizon distributor so please feel free to share it within your respective company circles (please refrain from sharing it on social media or to those who aren't a Horizon dealer).


＊＊＊＊ Past Episodes ＊＊＊＊
#112 - AP Region Update ft. Ban-san
#111 - Dealer Data Reports
#110 - Creation Planning and Product Videos with Nakai-san
#109 - BQ-300 Webinar
#108 - Mark V Trends & Collaborations
#107 - AGV Logistics & Warehouse Control System
#106 - HSF 2024 Recap & Next on the Horizon
#105 - Technical Support Update with Oe-san
#104 - New Member: Haruto Kadomae
Public #7 - Horizon Smart Factory 2024
#103 -  All About Horizon Smart Factory 2024
#102 -  Member Spotlight: Asuka Natsuume & Takashi Mori
#101 -  Care Pack
#100 - Hot Minute Hits 100
#99 - Service Training Update ft. Yamada-san
#98 - Horizon Smart Factory 2024
Public #6 - Horizon Folder Automation ft. JD Mackie
#97 - Behind the Scenes: Drupa Booth Reception Team
#96 - Behind the Scenes: Drupa Presenters
#95 - Drupa Recap & Next on the Horizon!
Public #5 - Horizon at Drupa 2024

Transcript

Outline

Memorable Moments of 2024

• -Guandi introduces the episode and the guests, Adrienne, Naresh, and Bryan, and sets the context for discussing the year's milestones and challenges.
• -Adrienne shares her memorable moment of showcasing the HSF Horizon Smart Factory Lights Out Zone, highlighting the excitement and effort put into it.
• -Naresh recounts the birth of his child during Drupa 2024, which added a personal touch to an already significant professional event.
• -Bryan reflects on the satisfaction of seeing his content creation efforts successfully utilized and appreciated by others.

Significant Milestones of Horizon in 2024

• -Adrienne mentions the first-ever social media campaign by Horizon, which built excitement leading up to Drupa 2024.
• -Bryan and Adrienne discuss the excellent timing of the campaign and Drupa 2024, which coincided with the release of three new systems: the single clamp perfect binder, the ice binder BQ-300, and the booklet making system, the ice Stitcher SPF-2000.
• -Adrienne highlights the significance of these new systems, especially their compatibility with the ice link, and the excitement around their installation and connection.
• -Bryan adds that there were around 20 systems in their booth and partner booths at Drupa 2024, showcasing their collaborative efforts and the extensive work involved.

Collaborations and Smart Factory Events

• -Adrienne and Bryan discuss the Smart Factory 2024 event, which marked the first time Horizon hosted a smart factory event at their factory in Japan.
• -Naresh emphasizes the importance of integrating different systems with robotic arms and partner systems, presenting zero-touch point solutions to customers.
• -Naresh predicts that these integrations will be a game-changer in the industry and will grow more in the coming year.

2025 Plans and Upcoming Events

• -Naresh outlines the Hunkeler Innovation Days in February, where Horizon will display various systems, including the ice stitch liner Mark 5.
• -Naresh mentions the use of smart technology, such as robotic arms, to showcase the trend of inline solutions and smart technology.
• -Guandi adds that Horizon will also exhibit at China Print in Beijing, marking their first exhibition in China under their own name.
• -Naresh and Guandi discuss the importance of collaboration with printer vendors and other partners to develop and showcase these systems.

Trends and Innovations for 2025

• -Guandi and Naresh discuss the significance of the smart factory era and the shift towards automated solutions that reduce touch points.
• -Bryan emphasizes the need for collaboration with other printer vendors and technology partners to ensure seamless communication between systems.
• -Guandi highlights the importance of strengthening relationships with distributors and customers through effective market promotions and localized materials.
• -Adrienne introduces the idea of a focus group on Facebook dedicated to marketing and promotional activities to gather feedback and improve efforts.

New Marketing Strategies for 2025

• -Guandi outlines the plan to create a series of webinars to explain the new product motions, starting with the BQ-300 and followed by the SPF-2000.
• -Adrienne mentions the focus on creating icelink promotional materials to make the product more accessible and easy to understand for the audience.
• -Bryan emphasizes the importance of customer testimonials to showcase the real-life benefits of icelink and other smart factory technologies.

Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

• -Bryan, Naresh, and Adrienne express their gratitude to the distributors and audience for their support throughout the year.
• -Guandi and Naresh wish everyone a happy and successful New Year, emphasizing the importance of staying happy and healthy.
• -Bryan invites the audience to share interesting customer stories for potential customer testimonial videos.
• -The episode concludes with a thank you to the audience and a reminder to stay connected with Horizon in the new year.