AI and Printing: Al Kennickell Discusses Innovations, Leadership, and Future Strategies

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Al Kennickell from The Kennickell Group about AI's transformative role in the printing industry. They explore AI's practical applications, including legal insights, contract analysis, and website construction. The discussion covers AI's impact on printing embellishments, new technologies, and strategies for purchasing and financing equipment, featuring a special offer on the MGI 3,600. Warren and Al emphasize engaging customers with print samples, leadership in experimentation, and balancing owner involvement in sales and production. The episode concludes with a call for industry collaboration and support.

Navigating Career Transitions: Insights on Resilience, Identity, and Connection with Nick Benkovich

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt talks with Nick Benkovich about navigating career transitions after being laid off. Nick shares his personal experiences and reactions to layoffs, reflecting on his thirteen-year tenure before the unexpected change. They discuss the importance of mental health, maintaining routines, and the role of support systems during tough times. The conversation explores how personal identity intertwines with professional life and the significance of leveraging industry relationships. Nick emphasizes the value of volunteering, gratitude, and kindness, offering advice on staying connected and supporting others. They also touch on social interactions in a post-COVID world and encourage embracing new opportunities.

Apparel Printing Insights: Ron Goodwin on Techniques, Challenges, and Industry Growth

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Ron Goodwin to explore the dynamic world of apparel decorating. They discuss Ron's journey and the significant changes in apparel printing, focusing on techniques like direct to film printing. The conversation delves into the size of the t-shirt printing industry, concert merchandise, and the challenges of on-demand printing and inventory management. They examine pricing strategies, customer categories, and supplier consolidation, comparing apparel and paper supply chains. Ron shares insights on customer value perception, handling large orders, and the impact of purchasing departments. The episode also highlights fundraising, charity programs, and the importance of doing good in the industry.

Innovating Print: Chris Minn on Digital Marketing, Automation, and Omni-Channel Strategies

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Chris Minn explore the evolving printing industry. They discuss Print United collaboration, strategies for protecting printers, and the challenges of selling print equipment. Warren shares his venture into the t-shirt market via Shopify. Chris, from Digital Ink Agency, emphasizes automation in digital marketing. They also cover maintaining relationships, social media's role, and company culture's impact on print businesses. The episode highlights omni-channel strategies, promotional merchandise, and introduces the Print Island platform, celebrating industry unsung heroes.

Mastering Print Marketing: Insights on Strategy, Differentiation, and Networking with Gee Ranasinha

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt delves into the world of marketing in the printing industry with Gee Ranasinha, CEO of Kexino. They explore the significance of trade shows like Drupa for networking and financial justification, and debunk common misconceptions about marketing in the print world. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic marketing, standing out, and avoiding budget pitfalls. Gee shares insights on transitioning from equipment-based selling to strategic marketing, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal relationships. They discuss differentiation, trust-building, and the necessity of understanding customer profiles. The episode wraps up with practical business improvement steps and a proposal for future discussions.

Reimagining Print's Role: Richard Askam on Industry Challenges, Creativity, and Future Visions

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Richard Askam to discuss the innovative concept of Print Island and its role in connecting the global print industry. They explore common challenges, such as the focus on pricing, and discuss strategies for promoting print in business. The conversation delves into rebranding the print industry, addressing generational communication differences, and media consumption trends. They also touch on hobbies, mental health, creativity, and the evolution of personal brands in modernizing print businesses. The episode highlights engaging younger generations, the success of Print Island, and Warren's vision for the podcast, with insights on personalization, language humor, and marketing strategies.

Selling Your Printing Business: Jim Russell on Valuation, Market Trends, and Key Considerations

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Jim Russell from New Direction Partners about selling a printing business. Jim shares insights on evaluating company worth, determining value factors, and preparing for sale. They discuss market trends, post-sale roles, private equity, and employee considerations in mergers and acquisitions. Key steps for selling, sale timelines, financial prep, and the impact of company culture on valuation are explored. They also cover selling expenses, the need for advisory services, and technology's influence on business valuation.

Revolutionizing Advertising with AI: Vince Cook on Ad Legends and Industry Transformation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Vince Cook from Ad Legends about AI's impact on advertising. Vince discusses his journey and how Ad Legends is democratizing marketing for non-experts through AI-driven creative briefs and emotional branding. They explore how the platform enhances work-life balance by saving time for businesses. Warren shares his experiences, and they delve into industry disruptions and interest from major agencies. The episode includes marketing essentials, personalized consultations, and AI insights. It concludes with product demos, the Imagine AI Live conference, and contact info for Adlegends.ai.

Embracing Automation in Print: Julie Watson on Technology, Innovation, and Industry Trends

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Julie Watson from Ultimate Tech about the evolving world of printing technology. They delve into imposition, finishing automation, and the challenges of adopting new tech. Topics include attracting younger generations, balancing customization with cost, and overcoming resistance to tech investments. They discuss automation's role during COVID, tackling labor shortages with AI, and solutions for small shops. Warren shares his automation journey, touching on strategic planning, past challenges, and choosing the right software vendor. The episode wraps up with insights on embracing change, capital investment, and the importance of training and vendor support.

Exploring Creativity in Print: Doug Laxdal on Unique Projects and Innovative Techniques

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Doug Laxdal to explore the fascinating world of print. They discuss the origin of The Gas Company's name and its award-winning history, Doug's journey into bookbinding, and the company's unique services. The conversation touches on maintaining client relationships and innovative projects like the Hellmann's Garlic Aioli and the "Unburnable Book" for Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale. They delve into budgeting and shipping challenges, high-stakes architectural jobs, and creative print solutions. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of creativity and a commitment to exploring diverse topics in future episodes.

Navigating the Apparel Printing Revolution: Insights from Davis Slagle of BeeGraphix

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Davis Slagle from BeeGraphix to discuss the company's transformation during COVID and its transition to direct-to-film printing. They explore growth and price competition in the apparel printing market, as well as strategies for market diversification and managing seasonal demand. The conversation delves into BeeGraphix operations, equipment choices, and advice for newcomers to the industry. They highlight the importance of planning and marketing in equipment investments, the benefits of outsourcing, and industry trends from the Printing United expo. The episode concludes with insights on managing high-volume jobs, quality control, technological evolution, and pricing strategies.

Creativity, Sales, and Leadership in Print: Insights with Aaron Montgomery

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Aaron Montgomery to discuss his podcast journey and Warren's new t-shirt shop concept. They explore the importance of creativity and positivity in t-shirt design, as well as the impact of donations to the Make A Wish Foundation. The conversation shifts to attracting young talent and the significance of training in the print industry. Warren shares insights on client engagement, leadership's impact on team morale, and his early experiences in print. They delve into sales strategies, using humor, and the value of persistence. The episode concludes with reflections on shared interests, the Chinese farmer proverb, and the importance of experiences.

Revolutionizing Print: Katelin Shanks on Automation, AI, and the Future of Printing

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Katelin Shanks from Racami about software implementation in the print industry. They discuss planning challenges, building internal teams, and the importance of communication. The conversation covers print automation trends, investment sizing, and common implementation issues, with a focus on AI's impact. Katelin offers insights on vendor relationships, solution architecture, and ROI. They also discuss Racami's platform and AI's future role. This episode provides valuable advice for small to medium-sized printers, stressing education, human interaction, and cautious AI adoption.

Empowering Print and Signage: Insights from Wendy Graves and the Make It Happen Academy

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Wendy Graves from the Make It Happen Signage Academy about its impact on the printing and signage industry. They discuss the academy's events, the importance of industry language, and Wendy's passion for signage. The conversation highlights the academy's programs, hands-on and online training balance, and community college partnerships. They also cover the importance of passionate trainers, unbiased sessions, franchise training challenges, training costs, ROI, AI impact, and fair pricing strategies. The episode concludes with insights into industry challenges and future plans.

Innovations in Print: Digital Embellishment and Apparel with Kevin Abergel

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Kevin Abergel from Taktiful to delve into the recent Printing United conference. They discuss the growing interest and impact of digital embellishment, exploring the variety and pricing of embellishment machines. Warren shares his overall impressions of the event, highlighting innovations in the apparel business and the significance of unique business cards. The conversation underscores the importance of focusing on business and the essential role print plays in various industries. The episode wraps up with a look at upcoming plans and closing remarks, reflecting on the dynamic nature of the printing industry.

Printing United Highlights: Warren's Top 10 List

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt recaps the Printing United conference, spotlighting innovations and a Top 10 list of highlights. He emphasizes the importance of industry networking, giving a shout out to Tactifull. Warren explores the Apparel zone and promotes The Print Whisperer shop. Feedback from attendees and vendors provides insight into the event's impact. Looking ahead, Warren teases upcoming podcast guests and additional promotions. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and acknowledgments, reflecting on the vibrant atmosphere and valuable connections made at Printing United.

Exploring Printing United: Networking, AI, and Trade Show Insights

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and guests Mark Pomerantz, Wendy Graves, Joanne Gore, Elisha Kasinskas, Davis Slagle, and Shelby Sapusek explore the significance of attending trade shows like Printing United. They discuss networking, learning opportunities, and the Printing United all-star team. Highlights include the AI Pavilion, Women in Print Alliance, and educational sessions. They also cover the importance of the label and packaging segment, G7 certification, and Student Day. Tips for maximizing trade show experiences, digital embellishment, and AI's role in the industry are shared, emphasizing print's global impact and the value of networking.

From Comics to Car Wraps: Greg Horn on Printing, AI, and the Art of Collaboration

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Greg Horn to discuss his journey in comics and art techniques. Greg shares challenges in printing, color matching, and the internet's impact on comic art. They explore digital tools, preparing for Printing United, and collaborations for printing samples. The conversation shifts to Greg's freelance work, digital challenges, and designing comic book covers. They discuss enhancing prints with special effects, celebrity collaborations, and large format printing. The episode addresses AI's role in art, ethical concerns, and future prospects. Wrapping up, Greg talks about his website, event schedule, and offers discounts for listeners, expressing excitement for Printing United.

The Power of Print Marketing: Insights with Mark Potter of Canvas Magazine

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Mark Potter discuss the launch of Canvas Magazine and Connect Magazine's impact on the print industry. They explore content creation, marketing, and segmentation strategies for printers. The conversation covers the emotional value of print, targeting demographics, and critiquing LinkedIn profiles. They discuss integrating sales and marketing, multilevel selling, and crafting effective elevator pitches. The episode highlights client testimonials, personalized business cards, and building authentic relationships, wrapping up with insights on print opportunities and a call to action.

Embracing Web-to-Print: Insights with Naimish Patel of OnPrintShop

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt converses with Naimish Patel from OnPrintShop about the evolving role of web-to-print by 2025. They explore the inception of On Print Shop, challenges in the print industry, and the onboarding process. The discussion highlights customer readiness, success rates, and client demographics. Naimish shares customer feedback, success stories, and common complaints while addressing printer adaptation and technology changes post-COVID, including AI. The episode delves into why printers choose OnPrintShop, unique client uses, and marketing strategies in the competitive web-to-print market. The conversation wraps up with insights on evaluating software solutions and upcoming events like Printing United in Orlando.