Bob Fields

Bob Fields is the founder of Triton Imaging Systems. He founded the company in 1983 and since then, he has grown it into a major printing supplies company. In the beginning, the company was only supplying IBM Selectric II typewriter cartridges. It has since diversified its portfolio and now serves clients across industries ranging from healthcare to real estate, with licensed software services, online data authentication, printing in as-needed among other services. Bob’s success in making a success out of Triton Imaging has a lot to do with his childhood. His father was in the restaurant business and Bob was closely involved in it. It was here that he learned everything to do with time management, and the value of customer service in growing a business. These are the same traits that he applied at Triton Imaging Systems, to give customers the best possible services. At Triton Imaging, clients can always expect to receive top quality services, and within the agreed delivery time. Besides running a successful business, Bob is also into charity. He regularly dedicates his time and money to help the less fortunate in society. One of his most recent acts of charity was buying food and other supplies for a homeless family.

Where did the idea for Triton Imaging Systems come from?

It started out of necessity. I needed some printer cartridges and I just couldn’t find a good supplier. Out of this need, a business was born.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

My typical days involves lots of meetings with my staff to ensure that they are serving customers as per customer guidelines. To make my day productive, I use communications technologies a lot. I am a big fan of slack, as it helps me hold meetings even when I am out of the office.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Once an idea comes to mind, I run it through my staff or my business associates. We then do a SWOT analysis on it and if it’s good, I implement it.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am very excited about the increased sophistication of drones. I believe it is a technology that will revolutionize logistics in the long run.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I always keep time. This helps me make the most of my time, and achieve more in the day.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Pursue your dreams without fear. You will face challenges along the way, but if you persevere, they will only make you better.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That’s a tough one. We engage and differ intellectually with my friends on lots of issues.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I am always networking with people in my industry and outside. I would recommend that every entrepreneur do the same. It is the best way to get new business ideas that you capitalize on for maximum gains.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

I pursue a growth strategy that is driven by a continuous adoption of technology. This strategy has helped grow my business by helping my business cut on costs and increase operational efficiency.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

10 years ago, I formed a cybersecurity company, and didn’t have the right manpower. It failed terribly! Nonetheless, I learned lots of valuable lessons on how not to run a business.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I would advise someone to go into 3D printing. There are lots of opportunities in that market, especially in the real estate sector.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I bought and donated food to a homeless family. The gratitude they showed me melted my heart.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

That would be slack. It has changed the way I organize work at my company.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

I would recommend Getting Things Done by David Allen. It is a book that has lots of useful insights on time management.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is, “business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming” by Richard Branson. It is a quote that always keeps me level-headed when a business opportunity comes up. I always know that I don’t need to rush. A better one will always come up.

Key Learnings:

• Persistence
• Risk-taking
• Time management