Hi, I’m
Manni Brummer
Senior Technical Service Engineer
Midrand,Gauteng
Summary
Ex Sign Shop Owner Morphed into Unparalleled experienced Wizard with hands on experience in Graphic Design, New Product Prototyping, Color Profiling, Print, Finishing and Application, Costing and Project Management on Large and Small Format Equipment.
Applied these skills to transform into a versatile Technical Service Engineer skillful in troubleshooting with top-notch repair knowledge and technical expertise on a vast range of equipment and application software. Accustomed to reviewing highly technical documentation to assess scope and develop repair strategies.
29 years of experience performing diverse origination, design, print, production, finishing, application, installation, maintenance and repair duties. Including setup and commissioning a diverse range of Printing and Finishing Systems, training operators and often resolving complex issues. Often finding solutions to issues that the product manufacturer has no solution for.
Overview
44
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Midcomp PTY Ltd. Randburg, South Africa
Senior Technical Service Engineer
2015.07 - Current (10 years)
Job overview
- Midcomp Head Hunted me twice to work for them based on feedback from clients that we shared between Midcomp and GSW.
- Onsite and remote local and international supporting clients and technical staff.
- Training operators and technical support staff.
- Analyzed, troubleshoot and diagnosed problems and provided prompt repair and solutions.
- Tested and checked performance of hardware and software.
- Engaged in first-level support for customers requiring routine support and troubleshooting.
- Installed, configured and tested equipment on specialized platforms.
- Created relationships with key decision-makers and served as external technical spokesperson.
- Worked cross-functionally within organization and external partners, integrators and vendors.
- Performed periodic testing of all networks and systems.
Tested customer samples, designed testing concept and presented solutions to sales personnel.
- Analyzed and evaluated performance and optimized efficiency.
- Participated in client consultations and product capability demonstrations to support sales efforts.
Drafted failure analysis reports and prepared quotations for repair.
- Escalated and re-produced problem to internal development sources to reach solution.
- Educated prospects on product implementation and usage and answered technical and security questions.
- Assisted sales team through preparation and delivery of technical presentations and statements of work by matching specific client business requirements with effective technical solutions.
- Developed and maintained broad knowledge of applications and industry activity to stay aware of trends, issues and competitions.
- Provided customer feedback to sales director to facilitate project road map and relationship planning.
- Developed, designed, deployed and integrated print systems and networks.
- Followed up with clients to verify optimal customer satisfaction following support engagement and problem resolution.
- Configured hardware, devices and software to set up workstations for employees.
- Upsold products and services to increase company revenue.
- Uploaded new software, rolled out updates.
Retained existing clients and developed new accounts by extending high quality and efficient support service.
- Devised solutions to operations issues working closely via phone, email, live chat and web teleconference.
Increased sales by educating prospects on benefits of products and services in comparison to competitors.
- Collaborated with vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
- Worked with software development team on reported errors and bugs on newly released software and assisted in deployment of release fixes.
- Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
- Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise and probing questions.
- Adjusted machine settings to maximize performance and equipment longevity.
Cleaned and lubricated parts to keep equipment operating at peak performance.
- Completed partial or full dismantling of equipment to quickly repair or replace defective components and restore functionality.
- Dismantled defective machines and equipment and installed new or repaired parts.
- Reviewed technical documentation to complete equipment maintenance and repair.
- Diagnosed and resolved machine operation variations and equipment problems.
- Investigated and corrected mechanical problems with machinery.
- Trained and supervised staff on equipment maintenance and safety procedures.
- Resolved customer complaints in prompt, polite and professional approach.
- Tested new software and hardware prior to deployment.
- Responded to customer inquiries and provided technical assistance over phone and in person.
- Products includes HP Latex 28500, 25500. 26500, 310, 330, 335 360, 370, 570, 700 and 800. HP Pagewide XL 4500, 5000, 5200, 8000 and Pagewide 5200 and 1000 Pro. HP Stitch S300, S500 Dye Sublimation, JHF Flatbed, Roll and Hybrid UV Printers, Fotoba Cutters, Klieverik and Chinese Heat Presses, DCS UV Printers. Oce UV Printers.
- Design Software included CorelDraw, Freehand, Photoshop and SAI
- Rip Software included Wasatch, Onyx, Caldera, SAI, Ergosoft
Graphix Supply World Pty Ltd. Marlboro Gardens, Johannesburg South Africa, Gauteng
Senior Technical Service Engineer
08.2014 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Responsible for Sales, Technical Support, Installations,
- Client Operator and GSW Technical Support training on all Mimaki and various other products.
- Remote and On-site Hardware and Software install, setup and maintenance local and international.
- Troubleshoot complex problems and resolve issues.
Planned, arranged and attended demonstrations and exhibitions.
- Resolved color, profiling, media and print issues.
- Equipment included Mimaki JV3, JV22, CJV, JV33, JV5, UJF, JFX, SWJ, TS34-1800, CG-SR and CG-FX, EastSign, TTM1732, Klieverik, Fotoba, Laminators, Roland, Mutoh and Grenadier
- Design Software included CorelDraw, Freehand, Photoshop
- Rips included Wasatch. Onyx, Caldera, Casmate and RasterLink, FineCut
- Acted as a team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
GraphikosCenturion, Gauteng
Operations Director
10.2013 - 07.2014
Job overview
- Established new startup with 8 million funding.
- Headhunted with offer of 3 times current salary to establish Graphikos Large and Small Format Print Buro.
- Design and manufacture with Solvent printing, UV
- Printing, engraving, laser engraving, Bizhub Laser Digital
- Press and several finishing systems.
- Install and setup all equipment, Lan & Wan Network, large and small format solvent, UV, laser and pigment printers, binders, laminators, cutters, software, profiling, estimation and costing,
- Responsible for graphic designs, proofing, preparation, production, color matching and finishing.
- Sales, costing and quoting, Maintenance on computer hardware, software and network.
- Training and management of employees.
- Established quality customer relationships through consistent delivery on commitments.
- Negotiated contracts, pricing structures and delivery schedules.
- Recruited and hired top talent by selecting qualified individuals to maximize profitability.
- Supervised operational processes and procedures for sales, supply chain management, distribution and resourcing.
- Implemented equipment to eliminate production bottlenecks, boosting productivity and ensuring earlier completion date.
Graphix Supply World Pty LtdMpumalanga and Durban South Africa
Branch Manager
09.2008 - 09.2013
Job overview
- Headhunted by Mimaki Dealer Rob Franco. Appointed Branch Manager Mpumalanga Region, 76 495 km2, new territory.
- Travelling in excess of 900km daily calling on new clients and roadshows, demos and repairs.
- Demos and exhibitions, selling Printer's, Media and consumables.
- Spectacular Successes in this new area ensured promotion to Durban Branch Manager
- In Durban I had the challenge of getting clients back to GSW after the previous Branch Manager left.
Durban Branch lost 80% of clients in a few weeks. Some clients literally chased me from their premises due to the bad end of relationship between ex-Branch Manager/Partner/Non-Parner Gregg and Owner Rob Franco. I persisted and managed to get all clients back and exceeded sales targets. Purple Rain that chased me from their property 4 times then bought 3.2 million of equipment from me within 90 days. Another client bought a JV5 3.2 Dye Sub system, 3.2m Klieverik and 18 x JV33-160 printers ink and media. I also got all media and ink business back from Expanda Sign. My business model was simple, I was there for clients 24 hrs. of every day, if their units broke down and I cannot repair it soon then I will print for them even after hours and deliver next morning. Most nights I will leave office at 1am and be back same day 8am.
- Links below to https://www.signafrica.com website with published news on GSW Durban/Manni Brummer success.
https:/
Ideal FastenerCape Town, South Africa
Graphic Designer
10.2007 - 08.2008
Job overview
- Skilled level position in the Manufacturing, Production & Trade sector
- Designing of all International Logo's for Levi, Man and Daniel Hechter Clothing Buttons, Studs and Zips.
- Updating of existing catalogues
POS and Advertising material, for sales and branches.
Abacus Signs CCKempton Park South Africa, Gauteng
Founder & Co Owner
12.1994 - 01.2007
Job overview
- Founded company with R15K funding in 1994, One staff member, myself, extended to 36 staff in 2006.
Annual turnover in 2006 R6.4 million.
- Utilizing Mimaki Solvent and Dye Sublimation equipment producing Indoor and outdoor signage, exhibitions graphics, vehicle wraps, stationary and moving billboards and full color airbrushing.
- Costing, Quoting, Graphic Design, Color matching and profiling, Print and Finishing, application and installing.
- New business development, creating client database, corporate account management.
- Sales and marketing.
- New product and service origination.
- Later, Training and assistance with large format printing - dye sublimation, solvent printing, installations, IT system maintenance printer repair technician, color profiling, production, finishing, application and installations.
- Highlights of Abacus - We did the first Boeing approved Full color airbrush project on a commercial Boeing 737-400 for SAA Airways in Africa. This was before any commercial grade vinyl for passenger aircraft were available. Local and International Corporate clients were Unilever, CNN International and SAB Miller, Mango Airlines, Absa and Standard Bank.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Defined company roles and responsibilities to establish and enhance processes.
- Established organizational mission statement through extensive collaboration and review.
- Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency across industry operations.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
MultiChoice Group Ltd.Randburg, South Africa, Gauteng
National & International Direct Sales Manager
11.1992 - 11.1994
Job overview
- South Africa and Africa - M-Net (DSTV) MultiChoice - 2 years
- Responsible for 5 National regions, each with a Sales Manager and Northern & Central Africa.
- Duties, setting up of sales teams, training, monitoring of sales targets.
- The departments image, work ethics, POS and new sales/marketing avenue origination
- Arranged incentives for Direct Sales and Retail sales teams and Monitored sales figures.
- Assisted with exhibitions and trade fairs.
- Reported to the General Sales Manager Deon Coetzee in Randburg
- Sales & product Training for Direct, Retail and MUDS teams.
- Liase with M-Net Africa partners on growth targets and new sales avenues.
- Utilized my bulldog 24hr work methodology to incentivize/motivate Area Managers and Partners in Africa to turn Direct Sales and Retail into sales growth cycles after product lifecycle peak.
MultiChoice Group Ltd.Randburg, South Africa, Gauteng
Direct Sales Representative
07.1987 - 10.1992
Job overview
- Free-lance contractor working on commission only selling M-Net decoders direct to end users and installing these at their homes.
- Monthly units sold ranged from 140 to 480 - income R18 900 to R64 800 gross per month - Pre 1993.
- My Spouse and I took first prize at every M-Net Incentive for 60 months winning every sales contest.
- My hard work and track record made me the best candidate for the National Direct Sales Manager Position, moving from Free-lance contractor to managing the department and my previous managers.
Department Of Correctional ServicesCORRECTIONAL SERVICES Barberton Mpumalanga South Africa, Mapumalanga
Network Administrator
05.1980 - 06.1987
Job overview
- Passed South African Government Extreme Secret Security Clearance
Trained and supported users
Maintained up time and Data Systems security.
Implemented Lan and Wan
Scheduled users' system utilization
Resolved queries.
Wrote and implemented software updates.
Received Gold in Pistol and Long Rifle Competitions
Abacus Signs
Founder & Co Owner
12.1994 - 01.2006
Job overview
- Park
- Manufacturing, Production & Trade sector
- New business development, creating client database, corporate account management and
- New product and service origination, graphic design and sales
- Training and assistance with large format printing - dye sublimation, solvent printing, installations, IT system maintenance printer repair technician, colour profiling, production, finishing, application and installations.
Pep StoresNelspruit, Burgersfort & Carolina, Mapumalanga
Branch Manager
01.1979 - 04.1980
Job overview
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Enhanced branch production rates by handling staff conflicts, evaluations, hiring and termination processes and coaching employees on company protocol and payroll operations.
- Gathered and reviewed customer feedback to improve operations.
- Maintained confidentiality of bank records and client information to prevent mishandling of data and potential breaches.
- Boosted branch sales by developing and deepening customer loyalty through incentive programs.
- Protected company assets with strategic risk management approaches.
- Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent and skill set.
- Created strategies to develop and expand existing customer sales, resulting in increase in annual sales.
Education
Langenhoven High SchoolPretoria South Africa
High School Diploma
01.1978 - 12.1978
University Overview
- Microsoft Certified Professional ID: 1171593 Microsoft
- Gauteng Computer Programming - Basic Certificate at Lyceum in Johannesburg
- Certified Internet WebMaster CIW Subjects: Foundations. (97%) E-Commerce Designer. (100%) Site Designer. (95%)
- Trained and participated in the School Brass band
- Received Marksman Accreditation Long Rifle, Middelburg High School
Skills
- Hardware and Software, Installation and commissioning
- Technical troubleshooting
- Operation
- Technical Support
- Staff education and operator training
- Equipment maintenance and repair
- Desktop support
- Staff education and training
- Root Cause Analysis
- Application support
- Technical issues analysis
- Customer service expert
- Graphic Design 29 years 1 Corel Draw 2 Adobe Photo Shop 3 Casmate Print Rip Software - Digital Print
- ProductIon 29 years 1 Wasatch Rip 2 Onyx Rip 3 Rasterlink Rip 4 Caldera Rip 5 Fine Cut Digital Cutting
- Accounting Software 29 years 1 Pastel 2 Quick Books
- Microsoft Application Software 29 years 1 Outlook 2 Lotus 123 3 Excel 4 Word 5 Power Point Microsoft
- Operating Systems 29 years 1 Dos 31 2 Windows 95 3 Windows NT Server 4 Windows 2000 5 Vista & Windows 7 8 10, 11
- General 23 to 29 years Technical Analyst, Programmer AI and Neural Networks Automated Trading Systems
- Computer Desktop Systems, Laptops LAN & Wan
- Networks Web Design Printer Technician Printer
- Operator Color Profiling Print Production Management
- Sales Management Print Technician Training Graphic
- Designer Training Computer Programming - BASIC
- Computer Programming - Java & SEO Extensive
- Experience in Mimaki Printers - all models Roland Printers Grenadier Mutoh Klieverik Heat Presses Solvent Printing and Finishing Systems Dye Sublimation Printing, Transfer and Finishing Systems UV Printing and Finishing Systems
Accomplishments
- My extreme frustration with the level of technical support and training from suppliers made me turn this around and discover the hard way what work and what not. I always did my own repairs, upgrades and profiling. These hard-earned skills on all facets of production in a Sign Shop quickly resulted in clients insisting on none other than Manni Brummer.
- GSW and Midcomp also quickly realized that I'm the go-to-engineer for new complex equipment and issues. At GSW I mastered every product sold. At Midcomp I am the sole engineer on several products for e.g., DCS1024 and 1800z, Pagewide all models, Klieverik, TTM1732 and SOT64 Heat Presses, JHF V2880, JHF V3800, JHF Vista M3300 3.2, JHF F3900 and when HP launched Dye Sublimation printers, I already had exposure on this for more than 10 years.
- When I left GSW clients will often go to extreme measures to contact me for assistance, these clients then later moved to HP products and extended their HP product range.
- New technicians that I've never met will often greet me at exhibitions with words like "Legend" and "Wizard" due to info they got from old-timers and clients at both GSW and Midcomp.
- This satisfaction from clients and my employers is what I ultimately work for, money is there to pay the bills. Now it is time to get paid for what I am really worth.
Certification
- HP Design Large Format technology introduction Training - HP, Online
- HP Design PageWide XL Service Qualification - HP, Barcelona, Spain - Dec 2015
- HP Design PageWide XL Folder Service Qualification - HP, Barcelona, Spain - December 2015
- HP Design Large Format technology introduction Training
- HP Service Center | HP PrintOS for channel partners 3/18/2023
- Re-certification course - 1st attempt - EMEA HP Latex 300 and 500 Series EMEA Annual FY19 Re-certification course - 1st attempt - EMEA 5/27/2019
- HP PageWide XL EMEA Annual FY19 Re-certification course - Printer and Folder - 1st attempt - EMEA - 5/27/2019
- HP Latex Color Management Advanced Training 3/18/2023
- HP PageWide XL EMEA Annual FY20 Re-certification course - Printer and Folder - 1st attempt - EMEA 5/27/2020
- HP Latex 300 and 500 Series EMEA Annual FY20 Re-certification course - 1st attempt - EMEA 5/27/2020
- HP Latex Printing Technologies and Applications fundamentals for Service 3/18/2023
- HP Latex 300 and 500 Series EMEA Annual FY21 Re-certification course - 1st attempt - EMEA 5/30/2021
- HP PageWide XL EMEA Annual FY21 Re-certification course - Printer and Folder - 1st attempt - EMEA 6/3/2021
- HP Ecosolutions Training for HP Latex Printers (HP Latex 700/800) 3/18/2023
- HP Latex 700/800 Remote Theory Training - 1st part 3/14/2023
- HP PageWide XL EMEA Annual FY22 Re-certification course - Printer only - 1st attempt - EMEA 6/30/2022
- HP Latex 300 and 500 Series EMEA Annual FY22 Re-certification course - 1st attempt - EMEA 6/29/2022
- HP Design Large Format technology introduction Training 18-DEC-2015
- HP Design PageWide XL Printer Service Qualification 18-DEC-2015
- HP Design PageWide XL_Folder Service Qualification 18-DEC-2015
- HP Designjet L26500 Technical Updates 11-MAR-2016
- HP ElitePad Security Jacket 14-MAR-2016
- HP Latex 260, 300 Series and Designjet L25500 Install and Use May 15 Rev A 09-OCT-2015
- HP Latex 280 (L28500) Service Qualification 12-MAR-2016
- HP Latex 300 Printer Series Technical Updates 27-FEB-2017
- HP Latex 310, 330, 360 Technical Updates, rev A 23-SEP-2015
- HP Latex 370 and HP Latex 360 with the 3-liter Ink Kit Rev A 30-JUL-2016
- HP Latex 3x0, 260, Designjet L25500 Service Qualification EMEA 12-MAR-2016
- HP Latex 500 Printer Series Technical Updates 23-JUL-2016
- HP Latex 5x0, 3x0, 260, Designjet L25500 Service Qualification EMEA & APJ Inactive 23-JUL-2016
- HP Latex Printing Technology and Applications Fundamentals 12-MAR-2016
- HP Latex 700/800 Remote Training Fundamentals 14-Mar-2023 - 94%
- HPPrintOS overview 14-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Service Center for channel quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Service Center for customers quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Print Beat quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Configuration Center quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Media Locator quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Learn quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS MyKnowledge App quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS support quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Organization and Settings quiz 17-MAR-2023
- PrintOS notifications quiz 18-MAR-2023
- PrintOS Mobile App quiz 18-MAR-2023
- HP PrintOS all printers Service Qualification 18-MAR-2023
- HP Ecosolutions Training for HP Latex Printers Certificate HP Latex 700800 18-MAR-2023
- Dye sub fundamentals 18-MAR-2023
- Dye sub fundamentals assessment 18-MAR-2023
- 2016 DCS UV Printer Training, New Haven USA
Languages
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Dutch
Beginner (A1)
Flemish
Beginner (A1)
German
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Senior Technical Service Engineer
Midcomp PTY Ltd.
2015.07 - Current (10 years)
Senior Technical Service Engineer
Graphix Supply World Pty Ltd.
08.2014 - 06.2015
Operations Director
Graphikos
10.2013 - 07.2014
Branch Manager
Graphix Supply World Pty Ltd
09.2008 - 09.2013
Graphic Designer
Ideal Fastener
10.2007 - 08.2008
Founder & Co Owner
Abacus Signs CC
12.1994 - 01.2007
Founder & Co Owner
Abacus Signs
12.1994 - 01.2006
National & International Direct Sales Manager
MultiChoice Group Ltd.
11.1992 - 11.1994
Direct Sales Representative
MultiChoice Group Ltd.
07.1987 - 10.1992
Network Administrator
Department Of Correctional Services
05.1980 - 06.1987
Branch Manager
Pep Stores
01.1979 - 04.1980
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