Roland DG Names Winner of Discover Roland/Explore Africa Contest

IRVINE, Calif.-Roland DG announces the winner of its Discover Roland/Explore Africa contest, an all-expenses-paid, luxury African sightseeing safari for two. Former Bosnian war refugee and current Arizona sign shop owner Mladen Mirkovic is the winner of the grand prize vacation.

Entrants were required to schedule a personal product demo with any one of Roland DG’s authorized dealers. Additionally, each entrant had to write a short piece on what they learned from the inkjet printer. Eli Keersmaekers, Roland DG president of global sales and marketing, says, “Based on a review of entries from around the world, Mirkovic was the clear winner.”

Mirkovic previously purchased two Roland printers and came across the contest while researching new equipment options. A demo of a hybrid/flatbed printer from local Roland dealer Toryon Technologies inspired him to write his winning entry.

Born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mirkovic and his family were forced to flee the war in 1992, eventually emigrating to Phoenix. An interest in advertising and printing led him to purchase a plotter and open his own sign shop, Custom Graphix Signworks, LLC. In the beginning, he focused on vehicle graphics but expanded into producing banners, window graphics, decals, and magnetic signs. Two years later, he added a second printer to maintain production. His business has allowed his family to quit their jobs and work entirely for Custom Graphix Signworks.

Mirkovic remembers watching National Geographic as a child and dreaming of taking his dad on an African safari. “My dad was always there for me, bringing us to the USA so we could start a normal life, enjoy the freedom and endless possibilities. He is my true hero!” says Mirkovic.

The 11-day tour includes stays at three South African parks known for their wide variety of wildlife. According to Mandy Francis-Pope, tour coordinator at Venture To Africa, Mirkovic and his father will have an excellent opportunity to observe hundreds of birds and exotic animals during the day and night game drives with a ranger and tracker. Additionally, Francis-Pope says there is an excellent chance of seeing lions, leopards, African elephants, Cape buffalo, and white and black rhinos.

“We want to thank all those who entered for making the contest a success,” Keersmaekers says, “and for helping Roland DG maintain worldwide leadership in the sign industry for over 30 years.”

For more information on Roland, visit www.rolanddga.com.