“Ercüment Vitrinel, who began his career as a submarine petty officer but found his true calling in the stationery industry, has always pursued his dreams. By blending his professional life with his social life, Vitrinel has continued on his path, and in retirement, he has begun to live out the hobbies and dreams he had nurtured over the years. In our brief conversation, Vitrinel shared the dreams he has realized, and his most important advice is that everyone should definitely take up a hobby. Vitrinel, who noted that his own hobby has been painting since childhood, spoke enthusiastically about both his painting work and his projects in other art forms.”
Could you tell us a little about yourself, Mr. Ercüment? Could you tell us about your journey in the stationery industry?
I am a former submarine petty officer. During my ten-year military career, which I served with pride, I worked as a Radio and Cryptography Specialist on various submarines. After completing my mandatory service, I resigned and left the military. I know the military well and am highly skilled at operating submarines, but I had no experience in civilian life. In 1977, when I saw Adel Kalemcilik’s “sales representative wanted” ad in the newspaper, I applied and was hired on the spot during my first interview. At the time, Adel Kalemcilik’s sales office was located on Büyük Postahane Street in Sirkeci. I started as the sales manager for Karaköy and Cağaloğlu. Later, Tahtakale was added to my responsibilities. All the stationery wholesalers were in that area… Back then, we were the only ones; there was no import business. So to speak, we didn’t let anyone push us around! I consider Adel Kalemcilik to be my first school in this industry. In the early 1980s, we left as a team and moved to Meteksan. It was here that I was introduced to stationery products made from paper. Back then, these items were produced in small workshops and stalls, far from any standards of quality. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Meteksan revolutionized this category. We entered the market with notebooks, notepads, and sketchbooks that met global standards of quality, and they were in high demand. I really loved this line of products. I educated myself in every aspect—from design to production to sales—and I believe that’s why I made a name for myself in the industry. During this period, the owner of İpek Invitations had established a large printing press at the Merter Lumber Market. Although they were a leading brand in invitations, a printing press of this scale…
Do you have any memories related to stationery that you just can’t seem to forget—memories that bring a smile to your face? Would you like to share them with us?
The offer I received… “Here’s the paper warehouse, here’s the factory. You’re the sole decision-maker. Produce whatever you want, sell it however you like!” Within a few years, I managed to establish the “İpek” brand—known primarily for its invitations—as the sole and leading player in its field. Combining my artistic talent with my market experience, I produced and sold colorful packaging papers, various notebooks, pads, folders, cardstock, sketch pads, and more. I was the first person in Turkey to create packaging paper and a product catalog (not to brag). Shortly thereafter, I was appointed as general manager of the company, which had 300 employees. I served successfully for many years. Later, due to changes in the company’s circumstances, I was forced to leave. In the same year, I continued my professional career as general manager at Levent Ofset, which operated under the “LeColor” brand in the industry. In 1999, I received an offer from Umur Matbaacılık—a company already established in the market with brands like Uhu and Stabilo—to join them as they were expanding into paper packaging products in addition to their existing product line. The offer was very appealing to me. The company’s strong financial resources and the opportunity to build a new brand from scratch were exactly the kind of project I was looking for…
I left Levent Ofset and joined Umur. I continued my work by setting up the paper and stationery department.
We also participated in international trade shows to promote the Umur brand and expand our exports. For 10 years, we worked in the submarine industry, which involves life-threatening risks
It was a challenging task, and after 30 years of working in the stationery industry, I decided it was time to retire.
You worked in the stationery industry for many years, and we know that friendships and relationships in this long-established sector are very valuable… What did you feel when you decided to leave the industry? And what were the reasons behind this decision? Could you tell us a bit about it?
Everyone should definitely have hobbies. I have always been interested in art since my childhood. In my youth, I made music as a rock guitarist and performed in concerts. After my professional life, I started working on painting, which had always been my dream and something I truly loved. I participated in many group exhibitions, primarily in Istanbul but also abroad, and as I received appreciation, I became even more motivated to produce more.
Is my interest in art limited to this? No. I have written two books. One is titled “My Submarine Days,” in which I share my memories from the Cyprus Peace Operation. The other consists of memoirs about my experiences in the United States, where I was stationed in the 1970s.Is that all? Of course not. I also acted in important films within the cinema industry. My first film was “Geriye Kalan,” which received an award at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Another film I appeared in starred Erdal Beşikçioğlu (known for Behzat Ç.) in the lead role.Is that all? Certainly not. I was also a guest on the TV program “Hayat Deyince” hosted by Sunay Akın on 360 TV. After appearing on the big screen, I also found my place on television.For many people living in Istanbul, the dream of settling in a small Aegean town remains just that—a dream. But as someone who makes bold decisions, I turned that dream into reality. I identified three locations: Urla, Foça, and Ayvalık. I visited and researched them, and ultimately chose Foça.I always say: “If Foça were located somewhere in Europe instead of Turkey, it would be a globally recognized and admired destination.” Within a few months, I got everything in order and moved to Foça. It is a quiet, peaceful fishing town where life flows slowly. There is no traffic, no parking problems… and it is full of cats, dogs, and even wild boars roaming around—something that is completely normal there.
What are you doing now? What are your plans in the near future or going forward?
Foça is an ideal place for painting. I participated in various art groups and took part in their activities. Those who know Foça are familiar with a place called Beş Kapılar, a historic fortress. During the summer months, I joined exhibitions held there with several artists. I met art lovers on lively, colorful evenings and made sales. As my paintings were appreciated and purchased, I became even more motivated and accelerated my work.Over time, I developed my own style. I created vibrant and colorful paintings that reflect my perspective on life. When I stand in front of a blank canvas and start painting, I forget everything—politics, the economy, even the pandemic… all of it. I consider myself lucky to have such a hobby and talent.
During a trip to Ayvalık, I realized that it is truly a hub for art—full of painting studios, exhibition opportunities, and artists. I thought to myself that if I wanted to take my art to a more professional level, this was the place I needed to be. So, once again, I made a radical decision and moved to Ayvalık last year. I continue my work here.Although I haven’t been able to fully implement my plans due to the COVID-19 outbreak, I remain hopeful for the coming years. Art enthusiasts who are curious about my work can follow me on Instagram at @ercusanat.
What would you like to say to those who continue their professional careers in the stationery industry?
Finally, if I return to the industry, I can say that I truly love stationery products. When a person genuinely enjoys the products they sell or produce, success comes naturally. I wish all my colleagues great success.