SGIA Workshop Recognition

SGIA Workshop Instructors

	Chris Bernat, Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates http://www.vaporapparel.com Chris Bernat, a Partner at Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates, has written on mass customization for SGIA and other industry publications. He is a contributing writer for Impressions Magazine and other periodicals on the topics of sublimation and customization. Previously, Bernat was Director of Sales for Sawgrass Technologies after serving as both the Business Manager of the Sublimation Division and Large-Format Product Manager. Before joining Sawgrass, he managed sales and product marketing duties for several high-tech firms including ITC Holding Group, Pearson International and Netsurfer, Inc. Bernat, a Clemson University graduate, lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

	Nick Buettner, The Paper Ranch Nick Buettner has been involved in the specialty printing industry for over 16 years with experience in offset and digital transfer technology. He is a known and respected authority on digital transfer papers and has been instrumental in producing and improving new grades of transfer paper and technology. Nick is certified for maintenance & repair for many printer devices including Epson, Roland, and several CLC devices and has in-depth knowledge of RIP software and color profiling for digital output. Nick is a frequent speaker at industry trade shows and events and is a contributing author for many industry publications.

	Jeff Burton, SGIA Jeff Burton, Digital Printing Analyst for SGIA, has served with the Association since 1998. He provides solutions to digital printing production, computer and workflow issues as well as digital equipment and vendor recommendations. Jeff currently teaches Introduction to Digital Printing, Color Management at association headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. His extensive background in digital inkjet printing, graphics applications, professional photography and production, serves members by supplying individualized solutions to their daily business problems. Jeff received his B.S. in Photographic Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

	Mark Collins, Halcyon Digital Corp A veteran screen printer of 17 years and owner of Halcyon Digital Corp. in Asheville, North Carolina, Mark is one of the industry’s leading producers of direct-to-garment and sublimation printed shirts. Mark has experience on multiple Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printers His experience covers a number of markets. He is a DTG expert for several industry publications and has beta-tested many of the platforms on the market today. He also has significant sublimation experience having worked with major outdoor retailers for some time.

	Dave Dennings, KIWO Inc Dave has worked in the screen printing industry for 20 years. He currently holds a position as Product Manager/Screen Making Products with KIWO Inc. based in Seabrook, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree in Visual Communications Technology from Bowling Green State University. He is a member of the Academy of Screen Printing Technology and has received the 2006 Swormstedt award for his article on Standardization of screen printing.

	Art Dobie, Sefar Printing Solutions Inc Art Dobie is Manager of Screen Technology for Sefar Printing Solutions, Inc., Lumberton, NJ. He has been with Sefar 26 years since receiving his BS in Graphic Communications (specializing in Screen Printing Technology) in 1980 from California University of Pennsylvania. Art is a Life Member and a Fellow of the Society of IMAPS, and was the 2006 recipient of the IMAPS John A. Wagnon Technical Achievement Award for outstanding technical contributions to screen printing technology as related to microelectronics. Inducted into the SGIA's Academy of Screen Printing Technology in 1998, Art is an active member of the ASPT's Technical Review Committee.

	Ray Greenwood, SGIA www.sgia.org Ray Greenwood is SGIA's Technical Services Associate. He is responsible for helping SGIA member companies in all types of imaging-related technical inquiries, which can range from locating material and service vendors to technical tutorials. Greenwood, who will help the SGIA Digital Lab and SPTF Lab conduct workshops and research projects, has spent the past 20 years of his printing career working with semi-conductors and circuits as well as textiles and large-format graphics on a variety of substrates. His educational background is in graphic arts and industrial design and he previously served as an Independent Consultant, helping companies such as SunPower Corp.

	Randy Kohn, GBC With 14 years of laminating & mounting industry knowledge, Randy Kohn has developed into the subject matter expert for lamination products, applications, processes and markets. His current role at GBC's Commercial Laminating Solutions Group as Senior Technical Trainer, provides internal and external clients access to his experience, bringing profitable and knowledgeable growth to their businesses.

	Mike Ruff, Nazdar Consulting http://www.nazdar.com Mike Ruff, Chief Technology Officer of Nazdar Consulting Services, has more than 35 years of experience in the graphic arts business. In 1993, he founded PGF Megafilm, which became ReyHan PGF and is now part of Thrall Enterprises —- the parent company of Nazdar Ink Co. Ruff travels 45 weeks a year, providing productivity improvement consulting work in North America. He’s an internationally known speaker, author of many trade journal and magazine articles and member of SGIA's Academy of Screen Print Technology.

	Johnny Shell, SGIA http://www.sgia.org Johnny Shell, SGIA's Vice President of Technical Services, directs and coordinates the activities for the Association's Technical Services department and the Screen Printing Technical Foundation. Shell also teaches SGIA workshops, writes technical articles for the SGIA Journal and conducts seminars at several industry events, including the SGIA Expos. He has worked in the specialty imaging industry for the past two decades, with experience that ranges from compact-disc manufacturing to textile and graphic printing.

	Tom Snooks, GBC http://www.gbc.com Tom Snooks is an Applications Specialist for GBC’s Commercial Laminating Solutions Group. As an expert in laminating films/adhesives, Snooks is often asked to train operators on proper finishing techniques. At industry events, he offers unique insights into lamination’s value in today’s print marketplace. Snooks has more than eight years of product research, applications development, and training leadership at GBC as well as previous experience as an operator with a prominent photo lab.

	Jim Tatum, Drytac http://www.advfinishing.com/ Jim has been a pioneer in the art of image finishing for over 20 years, having spent his first 15 years with Seal/Neschen. Jim started off on the technical side of finishing, working exclusively with roller laminators and film laminates. He advanced through the ranks over the next 15 years, holding positions as Regional Sales Manager, Product Manager, Business Development and Product Development Manager before leaving Seal to start his own business in April of 2006. As founder of Advanced Finishing Solutions, a company focused on bringing technical advancement to the art of image finishing, liquid style, Jim has been responsible for bringing dramatic change to both form and function of UV and Aqueous Coaters. He has also been instrumental in the advancement of more earth friendly coatings for both. In April of 2008, AFS was acquired by Drytac Corporation, giving Drytac an extended range of liquid coating products to compliment their hard coat film and roller equipment lines. Advanced Finishing Solutions is based in Hickory NC, where Jim and his staff run a fully functional sales and demonstration center and warehouse.

	Charlie Taublieb, Taublieb Consulting http://www.taubliebconsulting.com With more than 35 years of experience in the screen printing industry, Charlie Taublieb, Owner of Taublieb Consulting, trains technical personnel for new and existing shops, helps design new plant layouts and provides state-of-the-art instruction in new procedures and techniques. Taublieb graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in fine art. He was a Vice President at Great American Screen Designs for six years and President of Bullseye Screen Printing Supplies for 13 years. Taublieb is a repeat instructor for several popular SGIA workshops. He is also a member of the Academy of Screen Printing Technology (ASPT).

	Marc Tischer, Neschen Americas Marc Tischer, LCS Sales Specialist for Neschen Americas, is the company’s foremost authority on both liquid coating systems and their liquid coatings. Due to his family’s long-term involvement in the specialty graphics industry and his experiences traveling the world selling, installing and trouble shooting liquid coating systems he has developed an extensive knowledge of these machines and their market.

	Bob Wellen, Murakami Screen USA Inc Rob Wellen has been in the screen printing industry for 32 years. The last 16 ½ years have been spent with Murakami as the Technical Manager for U.S. operations. Robs extensive knowledge about stencil making, printing, and problem solving have earned him the respect of the entire industry. Intimate knowledge of the manufacturing of stencil making materials and chemistries plus his overall experience in the industry has given Rob an extensive library of information that includes tips and tricks to make your stencil making as easy as possible.

	Bron Wolff, Pratt Corporation Bron Wolff Quality Manager, Pratt Corporation Bron has a unique background both in education and screen-printing. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he entered the teaching field. In 1972, he began his career as a production artist and screen printer. After holding management position with several graphic arts screen-printing companies, Bron combined both his areas of experience and became the Technical Education Associate with SGIA International. At the Association, he developed the very popular Graphics Four-Color Process workshop and continues as the principal instructor of that course. Bron is a regular contributor to Screen Printing magazine and was inducted into the Academy of Screen Printing Technology in 2002.