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Darrell Etter
Retired
Professional Background
Darrell Etter is a dynamic and innovative creative futurist with over 15 years of diverse international experience in additive manufacturing and customer-centric solution development. Currently, Darrell is contributing to the esteemed organization Fujifilm as both the Manager of the Open Innovation Hub in Santa Clara, California, and as a Deposition Technology Evangelist. His passion for bridging advanced technology with customer needs distinguishes him as a unique asset in his field and demonstrates his commitment to fostering shared value through strategic partnerships and ideation in various industries.
Darrell’s career has transcended multiple sectors, including consulting, consumer goods marketing, and manufacturing. His expertise extends to several vital fields such as automotive and mobility, healthcare, biomaterials, energy and environment, and infrastructure. This impressive breadth of knowledge allows Darrell to approach challenges from various angles, ensuring that he can deliver customized solutions that meet stringent cost, design guidelines, and time constraints. Colleagues often describe him as tenacious in his approach to problem-solving, making him a dependable resource for both his clients and collaborators.
His background is rich with leadership roles that showcase his exceptional skills in business development, project management, and corporate social responsibility. He has been pivotal in projects that leverage emerging markets and foster growth and innovation.
Education and Achievements
Darrell's educational journey includes studying at West Valley College, Blackford High, and the Canadian Academy located in Kobe, Japan. These diverse educational experiences have undoubtedly shaped his global perspective and approach to creativity and business. They have equipped him with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in various international environments across Europe, the US, and Asia. His educational background has also instilled in him a sense of adaptability and understanding of different cultures, which is essential in his global roles.
Notable Contributions
Throughout his career, Darrell has held several prominent positions that highlight his contributions to the industry. Previously, he served as the Manager at the Fujifilm Open Innovation Hub USA. In this position, he focused on facilitating innovation and collaboration across various sectors, proving instrumental in developing and implementing strategies that harmonize technology with fulfilling customer needs.
As a Director of Product Marketing at EFI – Rastek, Darrell was influential in driving product marketing strategies that effectively communicated the value of advanced printing technology solutions to the marketplace. Furthermore, as the former Western Regional Branch Manager at Mimaki USA, he enhanced market position through strategic leadership and management. His role as the President & CEO at abetterink.com reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to guide organizations toward achieving their vision.
Darrell's experience in technical support roles, such as the Director of Technical and OEM Support at Topaz Technologies and Product Application Engineer at Raster Graphics / Gretag Imaging / Oce / Canon, has provided him with a strong foundation in technology and its applications, further solidifying his status as a resourceful industry leader.
Areas of Expertise
Darrell specializes in building bridges between the technology he advocates for and the varied needs of clients. He is passionate about developing shared value strategies that enhance the overall impact of business relationships. His interdisciplinary approach incorporates project management, innovation, and collaboration to unlock potential in emerging markets.
Focusing on sectors that shape the future, Darrell has positioned himself at the forefront of significant industries, including automotive, healthcare, biomaterials, energy & environment, and infrastructure development. His experience and insight make him a valuable contributor in identifying and facilitating future advancements and sustainable practices in these essential areas.
Personal Engagement
In addition to his professional commitments, Darrell's engaging nature allows him to connect and collaborate with others effectively. He welcomes outreach from former colleagues, students, and anyone interested in discussing creative ideas, showcasing his open-mindedness and dedication to building professional networks within the industry. Through these connections, he hopes to foster innovation, knowledge sharing, and mutual growth.
In summary, Darrell Etter is a multifaceted professional whose extensive experience and innovative approach make him a thought leader in the fields of additive manufacturing, business development, and strategic partnerships. His continuous efforts to connect technology with tangible solutions demonstrate his commitment to advancing industries and creating a positive impact on society.
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