AI Revolution in Printing: Insights from Imagine AI Live with Steve Metcalf
S1 E13 • Apr 15, 2025 • 57 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Steve Metcalf unveils Imagine AI Live, inspired by a ChatGPT moment. Explore the need for business-driven AI conferences and how AI turns everyone into a startup, as Warren Werbitt suggests. Reflect on last year's event and discover this year's collaboration with Printing United, emphasizing AI's impact on marketing. Notable speakers tackle AI fears and job security. Delve into AI's role in automating workflows, historical tech comparisons, and its effect on the printing industry. Learn about AI's daily benefits and cognitive shifts, with insights from Warren's lead generation experience. Conclude with final thoughts.
Navigating M&A in Printing: Insights with Mark Hahn
S1 E12 • Apr 8, 2025 • 69 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Mark Hahn delves into Graphic Arts Advisors' services and succession planning in the print industry. He outlines key steps for selling a print business, emphasizing timelines, advisor roles, future value, and human factors in acquisitions. Mark also tackles challenges in the due diligence process, ESOPs, family succession, and M&A trends, underscoring the need for specialized legal advice. He shares insights on M&A success rates, post-sale satisfaction, and the role of industry-specific advisors. Tips for business owners and common selling mistakes are discussed, with closing thoughts and a future episode preview.
AI Meets Publishing: Exploring Innovation with Yehuda Niv of Spines.com
S1 E11 • Apr 1, 2025 • 63 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Yehuda Niv from Spines.com discusses Spines' AI-based services and their impact on publishing and company growth. He contrasts AI with traditional publishing, highlighting benefits for authors and addressing misconceptions about AI and printed books. Warren shares insights on the industry's AI-driven evolution. Topics include Spines' market focus, brand strategies, collaboration with printing companies, and AI's role in content review. The episode also covers book production pricing, distribution options, new author tools, and the future of one-click publishing. Yehuda offers advice for aspiring authors and future collaborations.
Sustainability, Growth, and Women in Print with Jennifer McConnell
S1 E10 • Mar 25, 2025 • 59 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Jennifer McConnell from Royal Out West discusses her role and the company's innovative printing services, including sustainable sugar sheet paper. She highlights effective marketing strategies and PrintForward's training program, debunking the myth that print is dead. Jennifer explores Royal Out West's growth, investments in equipment, and staff development. She shares advice for women in the industry, discusses company culture, and reflects on family business dynamics. Jennifer emphasizes self-awareness, overcoming adversity, and the power of belief and support, encouraging listener engagement.
Innovation, Leadership, and Mental Health in Printing with Jon Bailey
S1 E9 • Mar 18, 2025 • 38 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Jon Bailey from Precision Proco discusses the company's evolution, specialization, and commitment to a customer-centric approach. The conversation delves into innovation, the role of customer feedback in shaping marketing strategies, and the impact of company size on culture and leadership. John highlights the importance of employee engagement, the leadership approach, and their recruitment philosophy. The episode also covers storytelling, industry gossip, and the exchange of ideas. Mental health awareness and work-life balance are emphasized as crucial components of a healthy work environment. The episode concludes with John's closing remarks and a glimpse into future plans.
Empowering Women in Print: Insights from Girls Who Print
S1 E8 • Mar 11, 2025 • 44 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Deborah Corn and Kelly Mallozzi discuss the transformative journey of Girls Who Print and the advantages of its nonprofit status. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship in addressing the workforce crisis and tackling unconscious and gender biases in the printing industry. They share future plans to enhance inclusivity and the role of the industry in attracting talent, including the relationship with FESPA. The episode explores strategies for global expansion, member engagement, and challenging industry norms. Deborah and Kelly emphasize the value of vocational training, the need for positive work environments, and the celebration of pride and community within the print industry.
Behavioral Science, Marketing, and Print Strategies with Gee Ranasinha
S1 E7 • Mar 4, 2025 • 70 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Gee Ranasinha from Kexino explores the intersection of behavioral science and marketing, highlighting the role of emotions and being remarkable in consumer behavior. The discussion covers print's impact in marketing, Super Bowl ad insights, recruitment challenges, and senior-level distrust in marketing. Gee and Warren discuss Hatteras' strategies, industry challenges, and the importance of customer experience, modern equipment, and educating digital-native buyers. They also touch on strategic marketing, sales systems, and proactive action in the print industry, concluding with reflections and advice for print business owners.
Jeroen van Druenen from Jubels on Specialty Printing and Industry Challenges
S1 E6 • Feb 25, 2025 • 54 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Jeroen from Jubels shares their transition from traditional letterpress to digital printing, focusing on specialty binding and papers. Discover marketing strategies, margin nuances, and a high-end custom book project that highlights the luxury print market. Explore the challenges of print buying groups, the value of personal customer interactions, and sustainability practices. Jeroen also discusses the skilled worker shortage, graphic arts education evolution, FSC certification costs, and current print embellishments. The episode wraps up with reflections on passion in print and audience engagement.
Hatteras Printing: Growth, Innovation, and AI with Bill Duerr
S1 E5 • Feb 18, 2025 • 40 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Bill Duerr from Hatteras Printing shares insights into the company's rich history and commitment to customer satisfaction. The conversation delves into the quality standards and technological investments that set Hatteras apart. Bill discusses the challenges of recruiting skilled human labor and the strategies employed to attract both clients and employees. The episode explores innovations in business cards, sustainability efforts, and boosting employee morale. Bill highlights the influence of leadership and emerging industry trends, including AI's role in sales and marketing. The discussion rounds off with tips on maintaining professional relevance and concludes with acknowledgments and book promotion.
Navigating Print Recruitment: Insights from Dorinda Gibbons on Trends and Strategies
S1 E4 • Feb 11, 2025 • 51 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Dorinda Gibbons from Profile Recruitment sheds light on the intricacies of recruitment in the print and packaging sectors. The discussion navigates the impact of COVID-19 on job market trends, recruitment challenges, and the strategic benefits of using recruiters. Dorinda emphasizes the importance of communication, testing, and retention in recruitment processes, and provides a cost-benefit analysis of recruitment services. The episode also covers hiring Gen Z, diversity trends, and the demand for salespeople, alongside insights into effective onboarding and hiring practices. Dorinda offers advice on recruitment strategies, company culture, and the significance of in-house training.
AI Meets Print: Joanne Gore on Marketing, Sales, and the Future of the Industry
S1 E3 • Feb 4, 2025 • 65 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Joanne Gore shares her passion for print and delves into the challenges of marketing within the industry, particularly in the post-COVID landscape. The discussion covers LinkedIn profile optimization and etiquette for virtual meetings, highlighting the shift towards online buying and networking. The conversation explores LinkedIn strategies alongside the applications of ChatGPT for enhancing sales, automating tasks, and improving communication. The episode also touches on AI's evolving role in business relationships, photography, and content creation. Joanne offers final advice on leveraging AI tools effectively while promoting the enduring relevance of the print industry.
The Evolution of Media and Technology: Insights from Marketing Expert Mitch Joel
S1 E2 • Jan 28, 2025 • 64 minsIn this episode of Printing's Alive, Mitch Joel joins the discussion to delve into the evolving role of print within the modern marketing mix and his own journey from print to digital. The conversation explores the balance between digital and print media, trends in production costs, and digitalization's impact. Mitch shares insights on the collectibility of print media and the use of AI in productivity. The episode also covers sustainable practices, the commoditization of print packaging, and the influence of long-running podcasts on skill development. Reflecting on COVID-19's impact, the discussion touches on optimism in technology, bridging generational gaps, and the changing dynamics of work. For more information on how you can access personalized and bite-sized thought, visit www.thinkersone.com.
Innovation Nation: How Israeli Companies Are Shaping Print’s Future
S1 E1 • Jan 21, 2025 • 69 minsIn the 1st episode of Printing's Alive, the focus is on Israel's dynamic print industry, showcasing its technological innovations and entrepreneurial spirit. Dive into Highcon's digital die cutting technology and Scodix's influence on the folding carton market. Discover advancements in digital embellishment, packaging, and Kornit Digital's garment printing breakthroughs. Explore the growth of the on-demand print market and its impact on small businesses. Emphasizing sustainability, the episode covers digital dies, sustainable packaging, and eco-friendly practices in fabric printing. Delve into market dynamics, innovation strategies, and the challenges faced by Israeli entrepreneurs.
Welcome to Printing's Alive The Podcast
Jan 9, 2025 • 4 minsIn this debut episode of Printing's Alive: The Podcast, we set the stage for an exciting journey through the dynamic world of print. Starting with an engaging introduction, we explore why print remains relevant in today's fast-paced, digital-driven society. Discover the multifaceted role print plays in our daily lives, from communication to commerce, and hear insights from industry enthusiasts and leaders who are shaping its future. Together, we debunk the myth that print is a relic of the past, proving its enduring impact and versatility. Don't miss out—subscribe now and join us as we celebrate the vibrant and evolving world of print!