Employee Spotlight: Ryan MacDonald

Meet Ryan Macdonald, a key player in Inkcups’ operations team as the Digital Production Supervisor.

Q: What is your role at Inkcups and how long have you been with the company?
I joined Inkcups in 2018, and my role has evolved significantly over the years.  Earlier this year, I took on the position of Digital Production Supervisor after transitioning to the Operations team in the fall of 2023. In my role, I oversee the assembly of machines for customer orders, managing everything from the sales funnel to deadlines and shipping dates. I also coordinate special configurations, such as plasma pre-treatment and dionizers, and equip each machine with the appropriate inks, parts, and processes to ensure timely delivery. Other responsibilities include ordering tooling and materials, scheduling build time, and overseeing upgrade projects. Another sector of my position is collaborating with our contract manufacturers to ensure that our machines meet top-quality standards, focusing on out-of-box quality (OBQ) and continuous quality control.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job at Inkcups?
I really enjoy helping others and answering their questions. It’s rewarding to have a deep knowledge of my work and to be a go-to resource for my colleagues. Each day brings unique challenges, which keeps the job exciting!

Q: You are the newest member of the Inkcups Culture Committee. What does your role entail?
As a member of the Culture Committee, I participate in monthly meetings where we plan company gatherings for our team out of HQ. This includes organizing events like Halloween parties, cookouts, birthday celebrations and ordering company swag.

Company swag is where I bring my art background to the table. I’m sourcing better pricing for apparel and leveraging my printing experience to collaborate with local print shops to decorate our apparel.

Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and working on my car.  Sporting a 3.6L V6 305HP AWD Charger stock it would run quarter mile in 15.2 seconds.  After installing a Throttle response control module and a cold air intake I was able to shave off .4 seconds from my quarter mile run.  I have since done a ECU mod and plan to modify the exhaust.  I’m excited to see how that effects track times when it opens back up next spring.

Q: What is something that everyone should know about Inkcups?
I often get asked about my job, and I love showcasing what we do at Inkcups. Whether it’s grabbing any printed item nearby or demonstrating our machines in action, I enjoy sharing our capabilities with others. It’s a great way to highlight the innovative work we do!