Printing's Alive

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt talks with Michael Ginley about his path through design, print, and entrepreneurship, and the launch of the Connected Designer newsletter. They discuss how AI is changing the designer’s role, with more responsibility for messaging, copy, and marketing. The conversation covers high-volume ad production, training designers in print basics, and working with printers on large magazine runs, paper choices, color matching, and mailing logistics. They also touch on client education, embellishments, networking, remote work, designer communities, and advice for aspiring designers on staying adaptable and prepared for print.

(0:00) Introduction and Michael Gimley's background in design, print, and starting his business

(1:32) Launching the Connected Designer newsletter and community building

(2:29) The evolving role of designers and the impact of AI

(3:26) Expanding design responsibilities: messaging, copy, and marketing

(5:09) Managing high-volume ad production and wearing many hats

(8:11) Designer training: copywriting, print fundamentals, and internal programs

(9:17) Collaborating with printers on large magazine runs and quality consistency

(10:09) Paper differences, color matching, and solving print quality challenges

(14:05) Navigating post office logistics and mailing preapproval

(15:38) Serving Florida clients with Every Door Direct Mail campaigns

(18:13) Educating smaller clients on print strategy, pricing, and value

(20:43) Print preferences, embellishments, and offset vs digital balance

(23:01) Building client connections through networking and referrals

(23:52) Working from home: staying connected and overcoming isolation

(24:39) Designer communities, Tactosphere, and learning from experts

(26:30) Raising print awareness among young designers

(28:01) Advice for aspiring designers: adaptability, learning, and networking

(30:15) Preparing design files for print and recommended resources

(32:08) Final thoughts and growth in print and design

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Brian Franz discuss building relationships in the print industry, stressing connections over immediate sales. They explore print's evolving role in the digital age and the importance of understanding customer needs. The conversation covers managing numerous jobs with a small team, the benefits of direct mail, and bridging the age and experience gap among print buyers. They emphasize customer education through plant tours and Warren shares his defining career moment with the Printing's Alive video, highlighting authenticity in business. The episode concludes with insights on effective communication and gratitude.

(0:00) Introduction and guest Brian France's background

(4:09) LinkedIn content and building relationships

(8:30) Building relationships over immediate sales

(10:59) Print's role in the digital age

(12:06) Effort, success, and continuous improvement

(14:33) Customer project win-win solutions

(16:36) Communication and understanding customer needs

(19:54) Advice on reaching out to company owners

(23:02) Managing 3,000 jobs with a small marketing team

(24:43) Direct mail for cold outreach

(26:12) Age and experience gap among print buyers

(27:30) Educating customers

(29:10) Plant tours as customer education

(31:27) Customer expectations and pricing challenges

(34:18) Value of custom print work versus cheap alternatives

(37:31) Importance of following up on quotes

(39:39) Impact of paper quality on print jobs

(43:53) Consistent branding and print marketing

(44:09) One-stop shop concept for print services

(45:04) Managing brand consistency across jobs

(46:46) Educating the sales team on marketing

(47:03) Storytelling in marketing

(49:27) Warren’s defining career moment: Printing's Alive video

(52:15) Authenticity and transparency in business

(53:46) Navigating financial crises and employee morale

(56:33) Gratitude and relationship-building in business

(1:01:05) Effective communication in partnerships

(1:02:26) Clear communication and meeting summaries

(1:03:10) Final thoughts and listener feedback

(1:04:12) Closing remarks and call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Mark Pomerantz to discuss his career journey and the founding of Sales Wisdom. They explore the dynamics of client relationships, leadership, and communication in the print industry, with a focus on attracting and retaining young talent. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and personal reflections on leadership. The episode also covers the significance of attending industry events like Printing United, offering insights into maximizing business trips, networking, and educational opportunities at trade shows. They delve into the benefits of participation for young professionals and spotlight the AI Pavilion at the upcoming Printing United event.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome: Mark Pomerantz

(0:51) Mark’s career journey and founding Sales Wisdom

(4:25) Overview of Sales Wisdom’s clients and services

(6:57) Client relationship challenges and overcoming resistance

(8:48) Leadership, listening, and communication in print

(12:24) Attracting and retaining young talent in print

(17:21) Leadership, mentorship, and personal reflections

(22:26) Printing United: Upcoming industry event

(22:59) Why attending industry events matters

(24:18) Making the most of business trips

(25:09) Networking and connections at trade shows

(26:02) Conference sessions and learning opportunities

(27:18) Success story: Benefits of attending Printing United

(29:51) Encouraging young professionals to participate

(33:09) What to expect at Printing United

(34:31) Spotlight on the AI Pavilion at Printing United

(35:04) Final thoughts and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Aaron Montgomery discuss the evolving role of print across various industries and the challenges faced by small print shops. They explore the benefits of leveraging AI for tasks like podcast transcription and book creation, and emphasize the value of collaboration over competition. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding cost vs. value, joining peer groups, and having a solid business plan. Aaron highlights the Purpose Plus Profit retreat, focusing on adapting business strategies based on feedback. They also touch on managing tasks to avoid overwhelm and the benefits of team-building. The episode concludes with upcoming events at Printing United and a call for listener feedback.

(0:00) Introduction and background on Aaron Montgomery and Two Regular Guys podcast

(2:12) Leveraging AI for podcast transcripts and book creation

(3:36) Aaron's business: Our Success Group

(5:07) The importance of print across industries

(6:20) Challenges faced by small print shops

(8:10) Vendor relationships and collaboration with small businesses

(11:00) Value of collaboration over competition

(14:39) Understanding cost vs. value in print businesses

(19:55) Benefits of joining peer groups and industry associations

(22:23) Estimating efficiency and real-world business scenarios

(23:25) The importance of having a business plan

(24:37) Determining your business type and direction

(26:06) Defining core values and business purpose

(27:15) Overview of the Purpose Plus Profit retreat

(28:31) Adapting business strategies based on feedback

(29:33) Goal setting and achieving business objectives

(35:33) Managing tasks and avoiding overwhelm

(37:25) Using AI as a tool in business

(41:03) Sponsor: Printing United

(43:28) Sponsor: Printing United

(47:10) Upcoming events and activities at Printing United

(48:09) Making the podcast a regular feature

(48:42) Warren Werbitt's other podcast appearances

(49:01) Details about the Purpose Plus Profit event

(50:40) Benefits of team-building and getting out of the office

(51:17) Closing remarks and call for feedback

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Tara Seth and Mackenzie Griffin to explore the evolving landscape of the print industry, particularly concerning young talent. The discussion delves into the challenges young people face entering the industry, such as finding internships and entry-level jobs, and the controversial topic of unpaid internships. They emphasize the importance of structured internships and open communication between generations in the workplace. The conversation also highlights the role of schools and the need for better collaboration with print companies. The episode concludes with ideas to promote young talent, the significance of a strong online presence, and upcoming plans to support the next generation in print.

(0:00) Episode introduction and guest backgrounds

(1:30) What attracted guests to the print industry

(3:30) Warren Werbitt on young talent in print

(4:25) Young people entering the print industry

(5:26) Challenges in finding internships and entry-level jobs

(6:48) Discussion on unpaid internships

(10:34) Positive podcast feedback and support

(15:14) Recognizing supportive companies

(18:33) Generational differences in the workplace

(20:25) Open conversations between generations

(24:04) Challenges faced by interns

(25:51) Importance of structured internships

(27:06) Open forum ideas with students

(28:05) Disconnect between company statements and actions

(30:26) Positive and structured internship experiences

(32:44) Benefits of bringing young employees to industry events

(34:46) Role of schools and professors in internships

(37:06) Need for better communication between schools and print companies

(39:11) What young professionals want from print industry

(41:24) Influence of company environment on young professionals

(43:11) Importance of a strong online presence for companies

(45:14) Promoting young talent in print

(46:06) Unpaid internships issue revisited

(47:04) Idea of a young people's group in print

(48:25) Need for a unique identity for young professionals

(49:05) Encouraging open dialogue and learning

(49:34) Promoting the print industry and upcoming plans

(50:01) Closing remarks and call for participation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Shelby Sapusek from Colorcasters delve into the dynamic world of print and color management. They discuss the significance of industry events like Printing United, the benefits of attending shows, and the shift from virtual to in-person events. The conversation addresses the misconception that "print is dead" and emphasizes print's necessity in business. Shelby shares insights on color management, its complexities, and the challenges of different substrates. They highlight educational initiatives, the influence of industry leaders like Gary Vee, and the excitement of printed products. The episode wraps up with Warren's fishing stories and a nod to the sponsor, Print Solutions Co.

(0:00) Introduction and mini podcast series overview

(0:31) Guest introduction: Shelby Sapusek from Colorcasters

(1:02) Significance of Printing United and industry events

(2:31) Value of attending shows and discovering new ideas

(4:01) Virtual shows during the pandemic vs in-person events

(4:46) Encouraging the next generation in print

(5:56) Addressing the "print is dead" misconception

(6:28) The necessity of print in business and professions

(10:03) Valuing interns and influence of Gary Vee

(12:28) The excitement of seeing printed products

(13:19) Color management basics and Shelby’s role

(14:38) Complexity and challenges in color management

(17:13) Limitations of RIP software and OEM integration

(21:06) Advanced color management for average printers

(24:20) Color accuracy and marketing benefits for brands

(28:19) Challenges with different substrates in color management

(30:37) Educational initiatives and benefits of Printing United

(32:15) Costs and consulting for color management training

(39:18) Color management across various printing industries

(41:44) Warren’s fishing anecdotes and closing remarks

(42:15) Sponsor: Print Solutions Co.

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Randy Belham delve into the intersection of entrepreneurship and life coaching. Randy shares personal hardships and transformative experiences, including living with monks in Thailand. They discuss the qualities of a good coach, the impact of instant gratification, and the importance of relationship building in business. The conversation highlights the nuances between coaching, mentoring, and therapy, and explores common struggles of entrepreneurs. They also touch on communication styles, time management, and the use of AI in task management. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and key questions for print business owners.

(0:00) Introduction and Randy Bellum's background

(2:00) Warren Werbitt’s experience with life coaching

(2:56) Lessons from entrepreneurship applied to life coaching

(4:29) Randy’s personal hardships and journey

(5:20) Living with monks in Thailand and insights from silence

(8:21) Warren’s personal challenges and coaching experience

(11:08) What makes a good coach

(15:01) The impact of instant gratification on mental state

(16:06) Choosing the right life coach

(18:41) Importance of relationship building in business

(19:14) Warren’s initial coaching experiences and honesty in coaching

(21:18) Handling rejection in coaching

(22:11) Warren’s approach to consulting and mentoring

(22:16) The importance of curiosity in successful people

(22:43) Differentiating coaching, mentoring, and therapy

(24:12) Personal experiences with coaching and therapy

(28:41) Common struggles of successful entrepreneurs

(33:48) The impact of Zoom on coaching and business

(35:38) The importance of communication and relationships

(38:32) Dealing with negativity and stress management

(41:12) Communication styles between men and women

(43:01) The power of "I" statements in communication

(44:09) Time management, priorities, and discipline

(44:46) Using AI and the Eisenhower box for task management

(46:26) The struggle of daily productivity and accountability

(48:26) Measuring success in coaching

(50:27) Key questions for print business owners

(52:04) Encouraging personal growth through coaching

(53:35) Final thoughts and life lessons

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Mike Philie dive into the intricacies of the print industry, exploring why printing company owners seek Mike's expertise. They discuss the importance of organizational structure, influenced by Mike's sports background, and his unique consulting approach. The conversation highlights challenges owners face, especially when preparing a business for sale, and the significance of processes and procedures. They also touch on the Graphic Arts CEO Forum, peer groups, and maintaining company culture. Topics include hiring youth, owner involvement, customer relations, and the strategic use of consultants. Closing thoughts emphasize available resources and future discussions.

(0:00) Introduction and Mike Philly’s role in the print industry

(1:05) Why printing company owners hire Mike Philly

(2:07) Organizational structure and putting the right people in the right roles

(2:46) Influence of sports background on Mike Philly’s work

(4:22) Mike Philly’s consulting approach and assessing companies

(5:36) Warren Werbitt on the value of the print industry

(7:22) Challenges owners face in making changes

(9:37) Preparing a print business for sale

(12:22) Tackling difficult vs. uncomfortable problems in business

(19:04) Importance of processes and procedures in print companies

(22:19) Mike Philly’s journey from high school to founding the Philly Group

(26:07) Graphic Arts CEO Forum and Leadership Institute

(27:38) Facilitating peer groups and industry events

(28:07) Bob Rosen’s book for graphic arts CEOs

(30:17) Building and maintaining company culture

(40:05) Hiring youth: challenges and opportunities

(50:08) Top concerns for print business owners

(54:08) Owner involvement with customers

(56:41) Using quarterly business reviews to strengthen relationships

(58:15) Proactively addressing customer pain points

(1:02:00) Considering consultants before major equipment purchases

(1:03:34) Closing remarks and available resources

(1:04:18) Acknowledgments and final thoughts

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Charity Gibson explore the evolution of promotional products in the print industry. Charity shares her journey to the supplier side and discusses balancing multiple roles. They cover the importance of quality, branding, and effective promo items for relationship building. Topics include sustainability, costs, certifications, and balancing business growth with quality. They also touch on generational differences, AI, and emphasize human interaction, work-life balance, and learning from younger generations. The episode wraps up with reflections on kindness and future industry discussions.

(0:00) Introduction and Charity Gibson’s background in promo

(1:55) Transition to supplier side and current roles

(3:56) Balancing multiple roles and staying energized

(5:14) Evolution of promo products in print

(7:55) Importance of quality and branding in promo

(10:28) Value of curating good promo items

(14:05) Using promo items for relationship building

(20:14) Gary Vaynerchuk’s innovative promo strategy

(23:10) The rise of sustainability in promo products

(25:19) Costs and certifications in sustainability

(27:06) FSC certification and the cost of audits

(30:17) Quality vs. cheap promotional products

(32:11) Balancing business growth and quality

(34:23) The mindset of promotional product sellers

(36:09) ASI's approach to selling services

(37:31) Changes in leadership and industry evolution

(40:07) The importance of being proactive in business

(42:22) Generational differences and technology use

(45:07) The role of AI as a tool in business

(48:23) The importance of human interaction in the age of AI

(49:35) Life is short: Making the most of your time

(51:50) The value of work-life balance

(53:11) Learning from younger generations

(54:20) Cross-generational learning and open-mindedness

(54:32) The impact of kindness in business

(54:53) Closing remarks and future conversations

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.

(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