Big changes are coming to Premier’s podcast! Billy Watkins explains we will have a change in hosts and a new name, “The Whole Package by Premier Packaging.” But don’t worry: The re-branded podcast will feature the same entertaining look at industry trends and our people who make Premier special.

In a lighthearted episode, Billy Watkins interviews Digital Media Specialist Chaz Rough and Market Researcher/Content Writer Steve Hall, who work behind the scenes on this podcast. They have cool backgrounds, from playing their music at famed punk club CBGB to hanging with TV stars at network parties. Chaz explains PPH’s unique approach is leveraging our people to discuss industry trends and  showcase Premier.

Lori Orr, Premier’s Corporate Learning and Development Manager, talks about the key to success at work: “OWN it.” The acronym coined by Lori stands for Overcome (obstacles and problems), Welcome (help and advice), and Network (to build partnerships). Lori demonstrates the power of self leadership by quizzing Billy Watkins on how he would handle different on-the-job scenarios. “There’s no better leader for you than you,” she concludes.

Cohost Zach Pearson talks about his role as a Premier Supply Chain Specialist, solving problems for customers. The Pacific Northwest native tours warehouses to spot supply chain inefficiencies and does more listening than talking to understand clients’ needs. How does he handle rejection? “You have to have the mentality that it’s all about getting at-bats.” Also: How Billy Watkins shaves.

Cohost Billy Watkins works with Premier’s bin boxes—customizable corrugated solutions to improve product storing and picking in warehouses. Billy marvels at how scalable bin boxes are, from 125 bin boxes for one customer to 3 million for another. He explains the bin box process as well as the unlikely objects sometimes stored in them. Also: Billy likes receiving a company gift of popcorn, even when supply chain issues cause it to be delivered at 2 a.m.

Jeff Steele, Premier’s National Industrial Sourcing Manager, finds quality raw material at the best possible prices from hundreds of suppliers around the world. In this career progression episode, he explains how good communication and Premier’s size and reach are the keys to getting our customers what they need. We also learn how Jeff is prepared if a second Prohibition should occur: He has a collection of 100+ bourbons.

When Chip Underwood started at our Chicago division 12 years ago, the new Operations Manager had a PC on a crate and 2 coworkers. Today the division has 46 employees and Chip is Premier’s Customer Service and Procurement Director, managing teams for “everything west of the Mississippi and Canada.”  He reflects on that journey as well as what’s great about Premier: Helping each other, going the extra mile for customers, and watching his employees growing into new roles with Premier: “The sky’s the limit.”

Zach Pearson and Billy Watkins celebrate a year of cohosting the “Premier Power Hour” by looking back. What was their favorite moment on the show? What have they learned about Premier that they didn’t know before? Funniest moment? Most awkward? And what have Zach and Billy learned about each other? The answers may surprise you!

Where has packaging been and where is it going? On a very special 2-moustache episode, cohosts Billy Watkins and Zach Pearson discuss the changes they’ve seen in the packaging industry, from the e-commerce explosion to the shift toward more sustainable options. “Future” innovations are already here, such as 3-D printing, QR codes to help build a customer experience, and edible packaging. If Billy was out of cereal, would he eat a box for breakfast? Stay tuned!

Molly Maci, a Project Manager in our Chicago office, says “The Premier Way is to do whatever it takes to get what the customer needs.” Molly, a 27-year veteran of the packaging business, gives our customers the white-glove treatment, forming a partnership to find solutions to challenges. And maybe enjoying a certain restaurant chain’s romano-crusted chicken in the process.