Printing's Alive

Welcome to Printing's Alive—the podcast that explores everything print and beyond! From traditional techniques to modern innovations, we dive into how print shapes industries, businesses, and our everyday lives

Pressing Issues: Clark Scherer on Offset Challenges and Digital Printing Advancements

S1 E69 • May 12, 2026 • 59 mins

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Clark Scherer explore the evolution of the printing industry. They discuss Clark's transition from Komori, the longevity of various presses, and challenges in offset printing. Topics include private equity's impact, offset vs. digital profitability, and digital press lifecycles. They also cover technological advancements, service importance, staffing challenges, and creating a one-stop shop for printing supplies. The episode highlights attracting young talent with AI, social media strategies, sourcing press parts, future digital trends, and cost-effective inventory management.

Key Points

Traditional offset printing remains a cost-effective choice for high-volume print jobs, even in the face of digital advancements.
The need for younger talent in the printing industry is critical, and leveraging social media and modern tools can help attract and retain new employees.
Offset Press Supply aims to streamline the supply chain for printers by cutting out middlemen and offering direct access to premium supplies and parts at competitive prices.

Speakers

Warren Werbitt

Host • 34%

Clark Scherer

Guest • 66%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Clark Scherer's background
1:26	Transition from Komori to new business ventures
2:22	Warren Werbitt's first offset press experience
3:29	Longevity and comparison of Komori, Mitsubishi, and other presses
5:15	Challenges in the offset printing industry
6:22	Announcement about Baldwin and UV system support
7:09	Impact of private equity on the printing industry
8:29	Offset vs. digital printing: profitability and ownership
10:06	Digital press lifecycle and considerations
12:00	Advancements and marketing in press technology
14:10	Importance of service and maintenance
16:26	Shift patterns and staffing challenges
17:32	Diversification in commercial printing
18:02	Print Whisper shop and Offset Press Supply vision
20:19	Building a one-stop shop for printing supplies
22:20	Attracting young talent to the printing industry
24:34	Using AI tools and modern training for recruitment
27:49	Importance of updated websites and social media presence
30:50	Engaging younger employees through social media
33:08	Examples of successful social media strategies
35:05	Sourcing printing press parts: challenges and solutions
39:18	Digital printing equipment and cost of ownership
41:47	Future trends in digital printing
44:17	Inventory management strategies
46:06	Cost-effective shipping options for supplies
48:30	Lower-cost alternatives to Uline products
50:33	Savings on shrink-wrap for printers
53:30	Subscription model for consumable supplies
56:16	Service network and partnerships for UV systems
57:29	Final thoughts and future plans
58:08	Episode closing remarks

Transcript

Loading transcript...

- / -