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

Jason Leonard on Generational Shifts, Customer Engagement, and Innovations in Print

S1 E82 • Aug 11, 2026 • 68 mins

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Jason Leonard explore the importance of customer visits and hands-on experiences in the print industry. They discuss perceptions of uncoated paper, the rise of print embellishments, and generational differences. The duo examines challenges in paper manufacturing, mentoring younger generations, and using social media for engagement. They also cover print sales, paper choices, and digital printing trends, emphasizing collaboration and software integration. The episode highlights communication, print shows, partnerships, and learning from younger generations, along with personal reflections and hobbies.

Key Points

Paper should be viewed as an embellishment in itself, adding value and impact to print projects.
Younger generations in the print industry bring fresh perspectives and should be engaged and mentored rather than forced to conform to outdated practices.
Trade shows offer invaluable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and exposing young professionals to the industry, making them essential for growth and innovation.

Speakers

Warren Werbitt

Host • 57%

Jason Leonard

Guest • 43%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Jason Leonard’s background
3:02	Importance of customer visits and hands-on experience
5:05	Value and perception of uncoated paper
7:42	Print embellishments and their growing interest
10:19	Generational differences in the print industry
12:34	Maintaining a professional LinkedIn presence
18:41	Reflections on becoming a grandparent and the future
20:03	Challenges and opportunities in paper manufacturing
21:42	Training and mentoring younger generations
23:15	Print shop conditions and critique of a company video
25:20	Engaging younger generations through social media
27:47	Producing and sharing print samples
28:53	Challenges of print sales today
31:36	Paper choices and impact on print quality
35:21	Trends in digital printing and buying what you need
38:29	Collaboration and software integration
42:03	Marketing strategies with paper and equipment partnerships
44:10	Promoting uncoated papers and using templates
46:47	The role of communication in print
47:04	Attending print shows
48:38	Establishing partnerships at shows
50:09	Engaging younger people in the industry
52:16	Shout out to Tactful and live events
53:02	Learning from younger generations
55:10	Balancing work and personal life
57:03	Personal hobbies and interests outside printing
1:02:12	Experiences with seasickness and fishing
1:04:43	Closing thoughts and invitation for diverse voices

Transcript

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