Bob Kleist, one of the founders of Printronix in 1974, presents factors that enable a technology company to launch successfully, overcome a recession and compete against larger competitors to succeed in an entrepreneurial startup. 

He will draw on Printronix experience to outline an enduring business strategy, progressing through factors that enable a sustainable business in an environment of technological, business process and global economic change. 

Bob serves as Printronix Chairman of the Board. His previous experience included President and CEO of Printronix, co-founding Pertec Computer Corporation and serving in engineering and management assignments at Ampex, Link Aviation and Magnavox.  

Printronix is the leader in enterprise printing solutions for the industrial marketplace and distribution supply chain providing network integrated multi-technology printers to businesses worldwide. Printronix is the acknowledged foremost supplier of line matrix printers and an innovator in continuous form laser printers and thermal bar code label printers. Printronix also has become an established leader in pioneering technologies, including radio frequency identification (RFID) printing, bar code compliance and networked printer management.  

Kleist holds 17 patents for peripheral and control systems, and he received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Kansas University and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University.  He has served on the Seagate Technology board of directors, the Stanford Engineering Advisory Committee, and UC Irvine The Henry Samueli School of Engineering and the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Science Advisory Boards. He is a co-author of the 2005 book, "RFID Labeling: Smart Labeling Concepts & Applications for the Consumer Packaged Goods Supply Chain."