Bruce Watson, Rapid Displays (West)

Bruce began his career in the point-of-purchase industry in 1971 as a salesman at the Westvaco Company, where he used his architectural skills he had learned from his father to sketch out detailed display designs on his design request forms. In 1973, Bruce became a partner in a manufacturers’ rep company where he helped create displays for such brands as Blue Nun, Old Crow Whiskey, Bert and Harry Piels Beer and also developed promotional premiums for Pillsbury’s Poppin Fresh character, and both General Mills and Quaker Oats children’s cereal characters.

Bruce rejoined Westvaco Displays in the mid-1970’s and was eventually promoted to midwest sales manager . The firm was purchased in 1981 and became Displayco Midwest. The company was sold in 1989 and to Chesapeake Display and Packaging Company. In 1991, Bruce was named VP & general Manager of hesapeake’s Sandusky, Ohio facility. In 2000, Bruce joined Rapid Displays (West) to become president of their Union City display design and manufacturing operation, a position he held until his retirement in 2008. During his career, Bruce was involved in revolutionary display programs for Procter & Gamble and interactive displays for the national launch of Sony’s Playstation PS3 and the relaunch of the Sony PS2 and PSP for the 2006 holiday season.

Bruce has served on POPAI’s Board of Directors, participated in numerous committees, including playing a key role in the San Francisco POP Show Committee which led to the transition of the show’s ownership to POPAI and has been a frequent industry speaker at POPAI’s POP From All Angles seminars, POPAI University Masters Program and has earned POPAI’s CPP/MaRC certifications.

Bruce currently heads his own firm, Westfield Consulting, LLC and works with POPAI to develop west coast membership and the San Francisco POP Show.