Kurt Schaller has a college degree in Landscape Architecture. He went into printing in the mid 80's during the recession. A friend of Kurt’s and his father had a printing business specializing in pocket folders and media kits. They gave him a break and taught Kurt everything he knows about sales and telemarketing. He became successful and opened an office for the company in Tampa, Florida in the early 90's.

The company unfortunately went out of business due to other ventures that were not as successful, but Kurt stuck with printing and worked for several firms in Tampa to gain experience, knowledge and build a good customer base. Kurt started his first company, MarComm Industries, Inc. brokering pocket folders, media kits, and inserts. The company grew to a full time creative staff, designing all types of marketing materials. Kurt sold the company in 1994 and started Corporate fx, Inc. in 1995.

Kurt, tell us about Corporate fx and some of your services.

Corporate fx is a full turn key operation, offering graphic design, pre-press both conventional and Computer To Plate - printing services from one color to six color, both sheet fed and web - again both conventional and Computer to Plate. We offer finishing services, warehousing, inventory management, drop shipping and direct mail. Corporate fx, Inc. has also developed a new on-line B2B software program called VPRO (TM).

How exactly does VPRO work?

The software allows customers to generate estimates on line, track the status of any job in production, and reorder jobs we have produced in the past. All previous jobs have PDFs for visual recognition and details surrounding the last project. The customer can submit the job as an exact reorder, or in the details and comments area explain any changes occurring on the reprint and submit it for new pricing. Once the job is sent back as an accepted job, the system automatically generates a job number and emails it to the client for reference.

So the system manages a job from the beginning to the end in a secure environment, right?

If we warehouse and manage any inventory for a customer - related data is real time. Queries and reports of any kind can be generated by the customer on-line from their home or office. The client can request orders and track any shipment on-line with direct links to their tracking numbers. VPRO is password coded for protection and can have various security levels within an organization. Orders from field offices can be routed to a manager or officer that must approve an order prior to being placed with us.

Has VPRO expanded your geographic reach?

It has allowed us to branch outside of the Tampa area to do business. Even though we are handling the job here, a customer in Orlando or another state can be in touch with their product and information as if it were in their own warehouse next door. This is a very exciting program that is being well received with our existing customers as well as new ones.

Some print buyers we speak to think web based systems come at the expense of customer service.

This system is not taking the place of our sales reps by any means. It is simply in place to enhance our customer service and make our customers' business experience with Corporate fx as efficient and productive as possible.

I assume, by the trademark, this product will be available for other printers.

We have developed this program with other printers in mind! We are going to offer the software program and all of its functions to printers that are interested. There will be several different levels of service to choose from. From buying the program outright, to tiered levels based on what is needed. We are going so far as to offer the system on a computer, bring it to your warehouse, and train you how to use it. It can be hosted on your current server as long as it will accept the program language this system was written on, and if not we will host the site for you as well. We will keep all users informed of upgrades and incentives. We can even create a web site based on your needs. Links to use the system on an existing web site are just as easy.

Besides the software system, what other services can you offer the printer in terms of support?

For any shop that has considered the impact of being able to offer warehousing and inventory management to their customers and don't have the space - we will warehouse the material and set you up with the VPRO system under your company name. All requests will be routed through your company to us (the warehouse) to fulfill and manage each request. We are in the background powering and maintaining the system, and ensuring all your information and data is protected to the best of today's technology.

How do you meet the demands of today’s print buyer?

We run two shifts 6 days a week and more if necessary. We will do whatever it takes to get a job done when needed. It is our goal to change the way our customers buy printing and related services, and set the standard in quality and service within our industry. It isn't just about price. It is about bringing service and dependability to your customers time and time again. Competitively priced of course, but superior service and consistency is what wins the game.

Kurt, great interview and we wish you the best!