Phil Gresham receives Distinguished Service Award

The PMA Australia Distinguished Service Award - which is given based on career commitment and invaluable contributions to the photo imaging industry - has a recipient for its 2010 version epitomizing that and much more. 

Phil Gresham has been in the photo industry for most of his working life.

During that time, he has been involved in professional photography, wholesale lab management and photographic supplies. For the last 21 years, Phil has been in mini lab retailing, first, operating a group of 33 stores and for the last 20 years, in partnership with his wife Caroline, owning and operating Fotofast digifoto, based in a major downtown mall in Brisbane.

Phil has been in digital imaging in one form or another since the mid 90's.

Phil has been active on the QLD PMA committee since 1988, chairman for 14 years, as Australian TVP for 2000-2001 and on the DIMA Board since 2002 and he is currently the DIMA President.

An early adopter, Phil has spoken at many PMA conventions in Australia, NZ and in the US since 1993, especially in emerging products and opportunities for the photo imaging industry. 

In fact, Phil probably holds the Australian record for PMA presentations, which truly demonstrates his willingness to share ideas with fellow industry members to help make them more profitable.

Please join me, in honouring the 2010 PMA Australia Distinguished Service Award recipient, Mr Phil Gresham. 

Phil Gresham Biography

Phil, like a lot of successful Australians, is actually a New Zealander. Phil got his start in the imaging industry in the New Zealand Air Force travelling to locations all around the world and capturing the Air Force life.

Moving to Australia he worked first as a shift manager for a wholesale photofinisher and then worked at Agfa for almost 10 years dealing with Government and pro markets. Towards the end of this period he saw the changes coming to the industry in the form of one hour mini labs and moved into a role managing a group of 13 photo stores that during his 5 year tenure grew to 33 stores. The success of this group was noted by Kodak and they bought the business.

Looking for a new challenge Phil then bought a struggling mini lab in downtown Brisbane knowing that his combination of experience and the stores great location would ensure the success of the business. Over the following 20 years they have had three business expansions and continue to push the boundaries of what a ‘mini lab’ looks like and sells.

Phil’s final comment upon receiving this award was…

"In conclusion to quote John F Kennedy in 1961...  and so, my fellow PMA members: ask not what your PMA can do for you – ask what you can do for your PMA"