Connection with the Industry

Liberty Laser’s Mindy Smith shares with Tricia Judge, Executive Director of I-ITC, her passion for the imaging industry.

How did you end up in the industry? In other words, what’s your story? 

I entered the industry in 1996 as a full office supply company and remanufacturer. After two years in the industry we decided to go completely wholesale and only sell our remanufactured products. Our company has been able to sustain and grow through our ability to adapt in an every-changing market and stay ahead of the curve.

When have you been most satisfied in your life?  

Whenever I am able to help a dealer grow their business through sales training and quality product. I also like employing people and creating jobs. 

Who is your role model, and why? 

My parents have always owned and operated their own company and growing up I watched them grow a business from the ground up and that led me down my path.

What things do you not like to do? 

Fight against overseas, low quality patent infringing product that hurts the whole industry. 

Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career. 

 I am proud of Liberty’s adaptability and ingenuity in this changing competitive market place.

What’s your superpower, or what’s your spirit animal?

My superpower has been establishing a team of talented, hardworking, resourceful people.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing? 

I have always wanted work for myself, so I would find another industry to enter anyway.

We’re constantly competing: making things better, faster, smarter or less expensive. We leverage technology or improve processes. In other words, we strive to do more–with less. Tell me about a recent project or problem that you made better, faster, smarter, more efficient, or less expensive. 

With the fight to the bottom being a recent trend in the industry, I implemented a plan to grow our recycling program to allow us to be more competitive in the current market. This has kept our quality superior and has allowed us also have competitive pricing.

Discuss a specific accomplishment you’ve achieved outside of work that you’d like to share? 

I raised 2 smart, independent children who are also in the industry.

What would you like to say to your competition?   

To other legit remanufacturers, there is room for all of us and congratulations on having the staying power in this industry.

Where do you see the industry heading? 

More consolidation and hopefully a trend towards more high quality products.

Will you retire? And what will that retirement look like? 

I do not see retirement in my near future.