Pukka Pads’ new managing director, Darryl Corbin-Jones is no stranger to the company, having started as a machine operator 25 years ago. He shares his stationery story with StationeryNews.
How did you get involved in the stationery industry?
Since I was young, my dad had always worked as a printer. In fact, he worked in the same company as our group ceo, Chris Stott. Naturally, when I left school at 16, I followed in my dad’s footsteps and joined the same printer as Chris and him. Chris and I went on to become good friends and developed a great working relationship. So, when he asked me to join him in the newly established Pukka Pads brand, I accepted his invitation and never looked back
What is the best part of being involved in the sector?
Reading and writing was not my strong point at school to say the least, so working for a brand that really puts the fun and excitement back into writing and stationery is massively rewarding for me.
I don’t think there is enough emphasis on using stationery over digital in the world today, and by working in the sector I feel I am doing my bit to encourage this more and more. I have a son who is in school, and it’s amazing to see how good at reading and writing he is. It pushes me to drive the brand and industry as a whole forward, the more we can all do to encourage the use of stationery the more future generations will be rewarded.
What is your favourite industry memory?
Visiting a paper mill was a highlight for me. I was blown away by the whole process of how paper is made. As someone who started out working as a printer, it’s incredible to piece the puzzle together and understand the process from start to finish. I think a lot of people imagine a site which makes paper to be full of cut down trees, but this is a big misconception.
Another earlier memory of mine was being part of the team to print the official 2012 Olympic Games merchandise and voting forms for the 2010 election. I remember feeling like I had the responsibility of the nation on my shoulders.
What does 2024 hold for you?
I have just been announced as managing director for the Pukka Pads group, so I will be spending more time with our teams in the UK, US, Europe and Far East. We have a ton of exciting projects coming up for all the subsidiaries. One that I am most excited about is exhibiting at Paperworld Dubai, I think there is so much potential in this market so I can’t wait to see how it works out.
Three interesting facts about me…
I am colour blind, which sometimes makes for some interesting design discussions in the office…
I was part of the production team to manufacture the first ever Pukka Pad A4 Metallic Jotta, 25 years later it is still our flagship product.
I have run the London Marathon 3 times, all in under 4 hours.
Favourite stationery products…
My favourite stationery combo is our A4 Metallic Jotta and a trusty biro pen. It’s a classic for a reason. I also have a bit of an attachment to the A4 Metallic Jotta, given I was around the first time it was made.
