Printing's Alive

After almost 30 years in the parking business, Cliff Hoinowski found an overlooked problem: signs that could not be seen were doing nothing. He and Warren Werbitt discuss developing rugged solar-powered illuminated signs, working with print partners, protecting an idea, and learning through costly mistakes. As Cliff says, “Persistence, I think, is the biggest thing that you can have if you want to be successful.”

(0:00) Parking Business Beginnings

(5:07) Parking Technology and Security

(12:20) Private Equity and the Sale

(17:14) Finding a Sign Solution

(19:19) Designing the Solar Sign

(22:29) Building and Protecting the Product

(32:15) Visibility, Value, and Print Partners

(44:58) Lessons from Starting Over

Why can every department look busy while cash remains tied up? Dave Kreisler and Warren Werbitt examine the difference between local efficiency and end to end flow, why equipment speed does not solve a bindery bottleneck, and how consistent leadership, honest conversations, and accurate data help print businesses understand their real current state.

(0:00) Operations, Print Roots, and Tinkering

(6:19) Leadership Change and Old School Habits

(14:32) Diagnosing Work, Flow, and Shop Reality

(23:02) Efficiency, Pricing, and Financial Basics

(29:30) Equipment, Cash, and Hard Lessons

Why do some print companies outperform without adding equipment or capabilities? Bob Rosen tells Warren Werbitt that the difference starts with CEOs who focus relentlessly on what matters. They discuss selling value instead of price, setting clear standards, making tough people decisions, tightening shop floor habits, and improving existing processes before investing in new equipment.

(0:00) Bob Rosen’s Printing Background

(4:47) Selling Value Before Price

(10:18) CEOs, Focus, and the Poop Disease

(13:13) Loyalty, Tough Calls, and Talent

(21:11) Walking the Shop and Finding Truth

(24:47) Print as Service, Not Commodity

(34:55) Costing Versus Pricing Strategy

(41:33) Press Speed and Plant Management

(53:44) Equipment Purchases and Real Need

(1:01:59) Standardizing Process for Gains

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