What EDP Means to Me
Xplor President/CEO Interview with Franklin Friedmann, 20 Year EDP
July 6, 2016
Continuing from my most recent interview, Benefits to Becoming EDP Certified, I recently caught up with Franklin Friedmann who will be celebrating his 20th year as an EDP this year to discuss what the EDP certification means to him.
If you missed my first post, you can read it and an outline of the EDP Program here.
Skip: Franklin, thank you for taking the time to meet with me!
Franklin: A pleasure.
Skip: When did you get your EDP and what drove you to strive for it?
Franklin: My manager had chosen me to be the first person a Certified Printing specialist with the company. However, recognizing that an EDP(P) had more currency with clients, I told him I would do the Xplor initiative first.
Skip: You were a part of the 1996 class, the last year of EDPP Program before they dropped a ‘P’ to better accommodate of digital communication technologies. What have you noticed about this ever-changing industry since?
Franklin: The technology accelerates, though EDP does and should continue to stand for professionalism while content may change.
Skip: What does it mean to you personally to be an EDP?
Franklin: It represents a level of attainment, even as the industry shifts to a wider set of values. It therefore is a benchmark.
Skip: Has the certification helped you professionally throughout your career?
Franklin: Clients in the transactional space may recognize the credentials. You must prove yourself regardless. My sphere of operation is as a consultant.
Skip: Who do you think should attain their certification?
Franklin: It depends on your current and planned career. EDP is a stepping stone; it may be useful in your organization as a way to measure your knowledge base. It is one of the steps that should also help if you regularly work with clients outside, not only inside your organization.
Thank you again Franklin for taking the time. If anyone has any additional questions regarding the EDP Certification program, please visit www.xplor.org/edp.
Until next time! Take care.
Skip Henk, EDP
President/CEO
Xplor International
