- Vendor Name: Pilot Pen/Namiki
- Business Name: Pilot Corporation of America
- State/Country: Florida, United States
- Phone, Email and Website. (904)645-9999, jburleigh@pilotpen.com, www.PilotPen.us
- Brands/Description of your products/Services: Pilot Pen specializes in crafting high-quality fine writing instruments, particularly fountain pens, renowned for their precision, elegance, and superior performance. Our fountain pens embody a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology while staying true to the artistry of fine penmanship. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Pilot Pen continues to lead the industry with its innovative designs and dedication to craftsmanship. From sleek and modern designs to timeless classics, our fountain pen collection caters to the diverse preferences of pen enthusiasts, offering a writing experience that is both luxurious and reliable.
- How long have you been active in the fine writing industry and accessories? Since 1918! Pilot celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2018. But Pilot Corporation of America was established in 1972.
- About your business/ What was your inspiration, and how did it get started. Pilot’s journey traces back to its founders’ determination to create a fountain pen entirely made in Japan, amidst fierce competition in the industry. Against numerous technological challenges, the founders of what is now the PILOT Corporation persevered, ultimately succeeding in crafting a fountain pen that garnered global acclaim and pride. This milestone led to the establishment of Namiki Manufacturing, the precursor to PILOT, marking the company as pioneers in the industry and setting a standard for Japanese craftsmanship and innovation in fine writing instruments.
- What do you think sets your products/services apart from other vendors/exhibitors? Pilot will offer every single nib option available in every Pilot Fine Writing instrument for in-person testing at the Baltimore Pen Show. Whether you’re a newcomer to the fountain pen world or a seasoned enthusiast, our booth will be staffed with knowledgeable representatives ready to assist and help Pilot you through your fountain pen journey, ensuring that you find the perfect nib to suit your writing style and preferences.
- What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know? Not many people know that Pilot Corporation of America was established in 1972 and our US headquarters is located in Jacksonville, FL! Pilot has the number one selling Gel Pen (G2), Rolling Ball Pen (Precise), and Erasable pen (FriXion)!
- What’s a project you’re working on right now? Why is it meaningful to you? Right now, I’m working on launching a handful of items for 2024. I can’t share too much information but one of our upcoming launches will send shockwaves through the community!
- Do you have any new product releases or exciting updates? Our most recent launches include new Kaküno fountain pen offerings and the nib expansion of the Custom 743 in black – now available in 14 nib sizes!
- Why you are excited to be at the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024 (BWIPS). This show brings together a vibrant community of fountain pen enthusiasts, collectors, and aficionados. We are excited to engage with this passionate audience, share our latest innovations, and connect with fellow pen enthusiasts who share our love for fine writing instruments. (We’re also very excited to see members from the DC Metro Pen Crew – they’ve been so supportive and welcoming of us over the years!)
- What unique and distinctive products/services are you offering specifically to the BWIPS attendees that they might not find elsewhere? We will have all of our new nibs for the Custom 743 available to test for the first time! David Rzeszotarski will be giving a seminar on Saturday, March 2nd, at 11 am during the show, about the history of Vanishing Points! Pilot’s Vanishing Point is one of the most unique and interesting fountain pens ever made. Collector David Rzeszotarski will share his extensive collection of these fascinating pens from their origins to the latest models made today. We’ll look at the history, advertising, and evolution of the Vanishing point over the last 60 years. Pilot Pen has provided giveaways for attendees of this seminar. Also, a brand-new Vanishing Point Decimo will be given to one lucky attendee as a door prize, also courtesy of Pilot Pen.
- What do you think sets the BWIPS apart from other pen shows? The Baltimore Pen Show is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where attendees of all backgrounds, interests, and experience levels are embraced and celebrated. This sense of community and camaraderie makes the show accessible and enjoyable for everyone, fostering lasting connections and friendships within the pen community.
- Are you offering exclusive BWIPS discounts for a particular product or service at our show? If yes, how can our attendees contact you to obtain these offers? We do not sell directly to consumers, but a lot of our retail partners will be at the show with all of our products! We’d be happy to help find your next Pilot fountain pen within the show. We will be giving away 3 Ishime, Urushi lacquered, fountain pens, one each day at the show. Please stop by the Pilot table for a free raffle ticket.
- What advice would you offer to first-time attendees of the 2024 BWIPS? Walking into a pen show for the first time may feel a bit like being a fish out of water among a sea of seasoned pen enthusiasts. Remember, even the most experienced fountain pen users were once wide-eyed novices navigating their first pen show. So, embrace the excitement and dive in! Strike up conversations, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to admit you’re still figuring out the difference between a flex nib and a stub. Trust us, the pen community is as welcoming as a freshly inked page, and you’ll find plenty of folks eager to share their knowledge and passion. Just remember to bring your sense of curiosity and maybe a few extra pockets for all the pens you’re bound to fall in love with.
- Do you have any hobbies? Collecting pens, car enthusiast, bourbon connoisseur, and family trips to Disney World.
- Favorite place you traveled? Cayman Islands. But hopefully one day I will have the chance to visit Pilot Japan.
- Fun fact that people probably don’t know about you! I’m the Director of Commercial Sales at Pilot Corporation of America. Before Jaclynn became the Fine Writing Sales Manager, I oversaw these lines. I helped select the color and launch the Custom 743 US Exclusive Verdigris.
- Where are you from? A very small town in Kentucky, Go Cats!
- What’s your go-to comfort food? Vanilla ice cream.
- Describe what a perfect day outside of work would look like for you. Sleeping in, working on my Spitfire, and smoking meat on the Big Green Egg.
- What would be the theme song of your life right now? It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere, by Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett.
- Who is someone that made a big impact on your life? Why? My Dad. His even-keeled nature has served as a steady guiding light, teaching me the value of maintaining composure and resilience in the face of challenges.
- What excites you the most right now? My new rescue dog, Ember. She is the sweetest.
- What is the best restaurant you’ve ever visited in Baltimore, Maryland? G + M Restaurant.
- What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done? Cleaned my groceries during the Covid Pandemic.
- Are you a morning person or a night owl? Morning person.
You can view a vast selection of Pilot writing instruments in person and meet the Casey Walston during the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024.
Buying your admission tickets in advance for the Baltimore/Washington International Pen Show 2024 will save valuable time—no more standing in long lines or wasting precious moments of your day.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
