Color Bar

 In this episode of Color Bar, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke sit down with Andy Fetherman, President & CEO of Müller Martini North America, for one of the most energizing — and unexpectedly moving — conversations. 

Andy has spent over 35 years in the print industry, starting as a press-side technician (yes, he fell for the "box of halftone dots" trick too) and working his way to leading one of the most storied finishing companies in the world. He joined us to talk about the Müller Martini and Hunkeler merger, what it means for print partners, and how the theme "Better Together Than Apart" became more than a slogan — it became a culture.

Together, the group digs into:

• How Andy landed his first job by knowing what a halftone dot was — and nothing else
• The Müller Martini + Hunkeler merger and what a seamless 18-month transition actually looks like
• Attracting the next generation of talent with flexible schedules and open cultures
• AI in the workplace 
• Managing with your heart, not your numbers
• And the story of his son Michael that will stop you in your tracks

This one hits differently. Don't miss it.

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Harrison Bailey, founder of Smart Elephant, to discuss how AI, automation, and next-generation talent are reshaping the print and marketing industries.

Broadcasting from Vietnam while traveling across Asia, Harrison shares how businesses around the world are facing many of the same challenges — and opportunities — when it comes to adopting AI. From workflow automation and AI-powered quoting tools to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI-driven customer experiences, this conversation explores the practical ways companies can become more efficient, innovative, and competitive.

The episode also dives into Smart Elephant’s unique university partnership model, connecting top-performing students specializing in AI, software engineering, and data analytics with real-world business challenges.

Whether you’re curious about AI, trying to understand where the industry is headed, or looking for ways to future-proof your business, this episode delivers fresh insight, practical examples, and an inspiring perspective on the future of work.

Guest: Harrison Bailey, Founder of Smart Elephant

In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by AJ Layo of Sylvamo for a conversation that redefines what’s possible in direct mail when the entire ecosystem works together.

From paper mills to printers, technology partners to USPS, AJ shares how true collaboration is transforming direct mail into a smarter, more measurable, and more impactful channel. We dive into Sylvamo’s investment in innovation—from their “Intelligent Paper” initiative bringing AI into direct mail, to their efforts educating brands on how to better leverage USPS promotions to drive efficiency and ROI.

This episode also explores how the role of paper has evolved—from an afterthought to a strategic decision—and why sustainability, data, and performance can (and should) coexist.

One of our favorite moments? AJ describes direct mail as a “thoughtful overachiever”—and honestly, it couldn’t be more accurate when done right.

If you're thinking about how to create direct mail that performs, proves its value, and stands out in today’s landscape, this conversation is a must-listen.

This episode of Color Bar is about more than personalization—it’s about pressure, pivots, and what it really takes to evolve.

Our guest, Rich Askam, a pioneer in print personalization joins us. Rich and his team were the force behind Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where they hand-produced 1.6 million personalized bottles in just three months. 

But behind that success is a story many in the print and marketing world will recognize.

Rich shares what it felt like stepping into a family business—balancing legacy with the need for change—and the difficult reality that sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go of what came before.

From shutting down a long-standing business to rebuilding from nearly zero, Rich walks through the moments that defined his career—and the mindset that helped him navigate them.

This episode explores:

•  The emotional weight of leading a family-owned business 
•  Why businesses don’t fail overnight—they fade when they stop changing 
•  The fear of pivoting vs. the opportunity inside it 
•  How necessity drives innovation and creativity 
•  Why personalization is still underutilized—even today 
•  The balance between AI, technology, and human creativity 

Rich also shares insights into his upcoming book, Your Name Here, and his personalized children’s series, You Are the Star.

A conversation about embracing change, thinking differently, and why the most defining moments in business often come when everything feels uncertain.

What if we’ve been measuring success all wrong?

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Allie Watt to explore how the next generation of talent is redefining what it means to succeed—and what that means for leaders across industries.

Allie offers a candid, grounded perspective shaped by real experience: this generation isn’t less committed—they’re committed differently. They’re not driven by hours logged or burnout endured. They’re driven by impact, clarity, and purpose.

They want to understand the why behind the work. They expect a seat at the table. And they recognize that without a clear definition of what “winning” looks like, success becomes nearly impossible to achieve.

This conversation challenges long-held assumptions about performance, leadership, and culture. It highlights a broader shift—from effort to outcomes, from hierarchy to collaboration, and from grind to intentionality.

For organizations looking to attract, retain, and unlock the full potential of the next generation, the message is clear: this isn’t a trend to watch—it’s a transformation to lead.

Because the future of work isn’t coming.

It’s already here.

 What makes a brand activation actually work? In this episode of Color Bar, Denise Costello joins Betsy & Kim to discuss the shift from one-time campaigns to connected brand experiences that drive memory, engagement, and long-term impact. They cover experiential marketing, pop-ups, influencer strategies, execution pitfalls, and why the best brand moments start with a clear intention. 

In this episode of Color Bar, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke welcome Chris Minn, CEO of Digital Ink, joining us live from the UAE, for a global perspective on where the print industry is headed—and why it’s time to retire the phrase “web-to-print.”

Chris challenges legacy thinking and makes the case that print’s future isn’t about storefronts or ordering portals—it’s about workflow, automation, AI, and integration. The conversation explores how data, robotics, and intelligent production systems are reshaping manufacturing floors and enabling true print-on-demand at scale.

Together, the group discusses:

• Why “web-to-print” no longer reflects reality
• How AI and automation are streamlining production
• The role of data in smarter decision-making
• Adapting to evolving customer expectations across global markets

The message is clear: print companies that embrace technology, collaboration, and innovation won’t just survive—they’ll lead.

In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Dave Rosendahl of MindFire to explore the future of direct mail—and how AI is helping it finally find its voice.

Betsy Davis, Kim Opdyke and Dave Rosendahl dig into how data, automation, and AI-powered experiences are transforming direct mail from a static channel into an interactive, measurable, and deeply personal marketing engine.

The group announces a new Sandy Alexander + MindFire partnership, highlighting innovations like personalized QR codes, AI-driven conversations, and real-time engagement tracking that seamlessly connect print and digital. They unpack smarter campaign planning, early collaboration between partners, postal incentives that reduce costs, and how AI is reshaping how marketers think about attribution and performance.

The conversation also takes a thoughtful turn, touching on mental health awareness in the print and marketing industries—and why people matter just as much as technology.

The episode wraps with an invitation to join upcoming campaigns and educational events, leaving listeners with a clear message:
direct mail isn’t just alive—it’s interactive, intelligent, and measurable like never before.

🎧 Tune in to hear how AI is changing the way direct mail speaks, listens, and connects.

In this episode of Color Bar, Betsy & Kim sit down with Satyne Doner, Senior Editor of Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL), to explore how community, mentorship, and authenticity are reshaping leadership in the restaurant industry.

The conversation dives into the mission behind WiRL, what makes the upcoming WiRL Summit different from traditional industry events, and why creating space for real connection matters now more than ever. Satyne shares insights on elevating women leaders, navigating career growth in a fast-paced industry, and the power of showing up as your full self at every stage of leadership.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode offers thoughtful perspective—and practical takeaways—on building confidence, advocating for yourself, and leading with purpose.

In Part Two of our conversation with Francis McMahon, we explore the future of leadership, culture, and creativity in print. Francis shares why the next generation of talent wants harmony — to be seen as humans, not just employees — and why health, wellness, and burnout can no longer be treated as weaknesses.

We discuss building culture from a place of caring, surrounding yourself with smart people, and putting the right people in the right seats. Francis also weighs in on AI with an emphatic “Yes. Yes. Yes.” — and how it enables leaders to be more strategic and thoughtful.

We close with what it means to Live in Color: breaking through creative layers, knowing when to lead and when to follow, and letting creativity out.