Printing's Alive

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Sheilae Siagian and Steve Falk about the enduring appeal of print. Sheila shares her passion for hands-on print work and the tactile aspects that draw people to the trade. They discuss print's significance in daily life, Canadian Print Scholarships, and Sheila’s visits to printing facilities. The conversation covers attracting young talent, the role of packaging and print embellishments, and modernizing industry associations. Ideas for engaging the next generation, like a young print party and student print day, are also explored

(0:00) Introduction, guest introduction, and Sheila's background

(2:50) The appeal and tactile aspects of hands-on print work

(6:48) Sharing Sheila's videos and online presence

(11:05) Overview of the Canadian Print Scholarships

(13:32) The importance of print as a trade

(16:29) The significance of print in everyday life

(18:39) Sheila's visits to various printing facilities

(24:23) Canadian print scholarships and supporting organizations

(27:48) Developing relationships with Quebec print schools

(29:04) Sheila's future career aspirations

(32:05) Print school equipment and industry partnerships

(35:41) Importance of packaging and print embellishments

(37:04) Strategies to attract and engage young talent in print

(40:25) Creative ideas for promoting print to younger generations

(41:46) Challenges in modernizing print industry associations

(42:22) Issues with commission-based sales roles and fair pay

(43:42) Upcoming video content and finding a vehicle wrapping expert

(45:19) Utilizing social media for promotion

(45:31) Ideas for a young print party

(46:01) Sponsor: Graphics Canada

(48:14) Passing the torch to the next generation

(49:20) Proposal for student print day

(51:07) Encouragement to promote youth in the print industry

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Jessica DeCola to discuss the Sheet for Brains initiative, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the print industry. They explore strategies for attracting and retaining new talent, the significance of company culture, and managing generational differences. Jessica shares her transition from vendor to printer and the support she receives from her new employer. The conversation highlights the role of social media engagement, particularly LinkedIn, and the emotional impact of Sheet for Brains sessions. The episode concludes with insights into Jessica's new role at Blooming Color, their services, and her passion for her work.

(0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and Sheet for Brains initiative

(1:34) Importance of mental health in the print industry

(5:06) Attracting and retaining new talent

(6:49) Importance of company culture and generational differences

(9:04) Creating a positive work culture and improving engagement

(13:01) Transition from vendor to printer

(17:14) Support for Sheet for Brains from new employer

(21:30) Encouraging employee social media engagement

(22:14) Introducing Sheila, the Print Nerd

(23:15) Importance of LinkedIn for sales professionals

(25:26) Reflecting company culture through personal branding

(25:57) Emotional impact of Sheet for Brains sessions

(27:08) Helping individuals feel connected and supported

(28:24) The value of therapy and support networks

(33:32) New role at Blooming Color

(34:36) Overview of Blooming Color’s services

(37:10) Passion and motivation at work

(38:27) Final thoughts and appreciation for listeners

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Clark Scherer explore the evolution of the printing industry. They discuss Clark's transition from Komori, the longevity of various presses, and challenges in offset printing. Topics include private equity's impact, offset vs. digital profitability, and digital press lifecycles. They also cover technological advancements, service importance, staffing challenges, and creating a one-stop shop for printing supplies. The episode highlights attracting young talent with AI, social media strategies, sourcing press parts, future digital trends, and cost-effective inventory management.

(0:00) Introduction and Clark Scherer's background

(1:26) Transition from Komori to new business ventures

(2:22) Warren Werbitt's first offset press experience

(3:29) Longevity and comparison of Komori, Mitsubishi, and other presses

(5:15) Challenges in the offset printing industry

(6:22) Announcement about Baldwin and UV system support

(7:09) Impact of private equity on the printing industry

(8:29) Offset vs. digital printing: profitability and ownership

(10:06) Digital press lifecycle and considerations

(12:00) Advancements and marketing in press technology

(14:10) Importance of service and maintenance

(16:26) Shift patterns and staffing challenges

(17:32) Diversification in commercial printing

(18:02) Print Whisper shop and Offset Press Supply vision

(20:19) Building a one-stop shop for printing supplies

(22:20) Attracting young talent to the printing industry

(24:34) Using AI tools and modern training for recruitment

(27:49) Importance of updated websites and social media presence

(30:50) Engaging younger employees through social media

(33:08) Examples of successful social media strategies

(35:05) Sourcing printing press parts: challenges and solutions

(39:18) Digital printing equipment and cost of ownership

(41:47) Future trends in digital printing

(44:17) Inventory management strategies

(46:06) Cost-effective shipping options for supplies

(48:30) Lower-cost alternatives to Uline products

(50:33) Savings on shrink-wrap for printers

(53:30) Subscription model for consumable supplies

(56:16) Service network and partnerships for UV systems

(57:29) Final thoughts and future plans

(58:08) Episode closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt engages with Vladimir Gendelman, CEO of Company Folders, to explore his journey from computer repair to the print industry, focusing on niche printing's significance. Vladimir shares insights into starting in the folder business, transitioning from outsourcing to insourcing, and the benefits of trade houses. They discuss Company Folders' specialties, geographic reach, and early SEO success. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on customer acquisition and the challenges of rapid growth. They touch on finding market niches, the importance of company culture, and using customer testimonials for marketing. The episode concludes with reflections on business stability and future growth plans.

(0:00) Introduction, guest Vladimir Gendelman, and Warren’s self-promotion

(1:05) Niche printing and its importance

(2:02) Vladimir’s background and transition from computer repair to print

(3:52) Product variety: Soviet Union vs. US

(5:03) Starting unexpectedly in the folder business

(7:04) Moving from outsourcing to insourcing

(8:24) Benefits of trade houses in printing

(9:05) Saying no to non-niche projects

(10:57) Company Folders' specialties: folders, binders, envelopes

(12:11) Geographic reach and shipping challenges

(13:02) Early SEO success and website traffic

(14:32) Impact of AI on customer acquisition

(16:18) Company size and customer base

(17:22) Minimal outreach marketing efforts

(18:01) Revenue, missed marketing opportunities

(20:14) Expanding services beyond the niche

(22:00) Concerns about rapid growth and business stability

(23:02) Potential for external marketing assistance

(27:08) Finding and altering niches in the market

(27:20) Story: custom printed cork products

(29:11) Helping and mentoring others

(32:03) Customer appreciation and testimonials

(36:28) Using testimonials for marketing

(38:28) Positivity and business outlook

(39:15) Future growth plans

(41:35) Learning from successes and mistakes

(45:59) Handling customer mistakes and maintaining integrity

(48:07) Building teams and company culture

(49:08) Company events, team-building, and celebrations

(53:05) Importance of good company culture

(54:02) Recap: culture and niche

(55:10) Closing remarks and final thoughts

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt sits down with Jamie McLennan to explore his journey from commodity selling to strategic selling in the print industry. They discuss the challenges of print pricing, managing customer expectations, and the importance of building strong customer relationships. Jamie shares insights on training newcomers, embracing new technologies, and the evolution from DMR to Invoke. The conversation touches on the significance of self-marketing, the relevance of 'premium' in print, and trends in paper quality. They delve into the future of print with AI integration, industry challenges, and strategies for engaging younger generations. The episode concludes with a focus on sustainability and the ongoing relevance of print.

(0:00) Introduction and Jamie McLennan's background

(1:06) Shifting from commodity selling to strategic selling

(2:26) Building and maintaining strong customer relationships

(4:42) Print pricing challenges and managing customer expectations

(7:02) Assessing print quotes and vendor credibility

(10:48) Training newcomers and fostering industry knowledge

(11:20) Invoke's customer service philosophy

(14:35) Evolution from DMR to Invoke

(15:38) Embracing new technologies and innovative practices

(17:22) Marketing and brand reinforcement at Invoke

(20:30) Self-marketing and its importance for printers

(21:26) The meaning and relevance of 'premium' in print

(23:04) Trends in paper quality and specifications

(25:08) Pricing strategies and effective customer negotiations

(26:40) Balancing order-taking with strategic thinking

(28:41) Competing with large retail print services

(30:41) Direct mail marketing: advantages for printers

(34:48) The future of print with AI integration

(39:04) Industry challenges and advice for print businesses

(41:49) Bringing younger generations into the print industry

(43:20) Collaborating and sharing strategies with competitors

(44:50) Leveraging social media and modern marketing

(45:49) The ongoing importance of print in everyday life

(47:56) Sustainability and shaping the narrative around print

(49:47) Promoting print to younger generations and addressing negativity

(52:24) Closing thoughts and call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Josh Fineman dive into the origins and philosophy of the Be More Mensch group. They explore what it means to be a "Mensch," focusing on personal growth, integrity, and evolving roles of men. The conversation covers accepting help, community impact, and balancing responsibilities with self-care. They discuss cultural backgrounds, societal pressures, and integrating masculine and feminine aspects. Touching on the emotional impact of movies and meditation benefits, the episode highlights compassion, mental resilience, and technology's influence on mental health, encouraging listeners to seek help and use community resources.

(0:00) Introduction and origins of Be More Mensch group

(1:31) What it means to be a "Mensch"

(2:21) Integrity and personal growth

(3:34) Friendship, connection, and men's evolving roles

(9:22) Accepting help and vulnerability

(11:02) Be More Mensch community gatherings

(17:03) Ripple effects on personal lives

(20:27) Cultural and religious backgrounds

(26:19) Societal expectations and pressures

(27:24) Balancing responsibilities and self-care

(29:12) Reevaluating needs and wants

(30:02) Integrating masculine and feminine aspects

(32:09) Emotional impact of movies

(34:15) Meditation and breathing benefits

(35:05) Group participant testimonials

(39:23) Growing compassion and empathy

(41:53) Community and self-awareness

(46:20) Power of laughter and positive messaging

(49:18) Reflections on life and death

(52:55) Mental resilience strategies

(54:40) Technology’s effect on mental health

(55:20) Encouragement for seeking help

(56:28) Community support and resources

(57:01) Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Bettylyn Krafft about her journey in the print industry and the impact of the Phoenix Challenge. They discuss differences between high school and college competitions, workforce development challenges, and student engagement. Bettylyn highlights the Phoenix Challenge's unique education program and the importance of industry involvement. They explore creating connections for workforce development, contributions from suppliers, and engaging students with hands-on demonstrations. The episode wraps up with success stories, addressing misconceptions about print, and a call to involve young people in the industry.

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming Betty Lynn Kraft

(2:10) Betty Lynn Kraft's journey in the print industry

(3:52) Evolution and impact of the Phoenix Challenge

(5:35) High school vs. college competitions

(7:45) Challenges and solutions in workforce development

(9:38) Educational paths and student engagement

(11:59) Unique aspects of the Phoenix Challenge education program

(15:55) Importance of industry involvement in education

(17:51) Creating connections and pathways for workforce development

(19:06) Major supporters and contributions from suppliers

(23:06) Challenges in involving converters in educational programs

(26:08) Engaging students with hands-on print demonstrations

(28:19) The importance of tactile and merit badge learning experiences

(31:28) Support from industry partners like Salem One

(34:18) The misconception of print being dead

(36:18) Success stories and alumni group creation

(44:06) Collaboration with industry foundations and associations

(47:49) Volunteer-driven efforts and financial challenges

(51:35) Raising funds for high school competitions

(54:34) Importance of engaging young people in the industry

(55:52) Suggestion to seek funding from equity funds

(56:14) Closing remarks and call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Dharminder Biharie about his journey in imaging technology, starting at Xerox. They discuss marketing mistakes, the shift to direct mail, and the impact of handwritten letters. Dharminder shares insights from a rubber company case study, exploring sales letter psychology versus metrics-based marketing. They cover AI's effect on marketing, outsourcing sales challenges, and the importance of follow-ups in direct mail. The episode highlights educating young marketers on print's potential, tackling digital fatigue, and innovative business card designs, ending with a call to action.

(0:00) Guest introduction and background

(1:16) Darminder's fascination with imaging technology

(2:28) Career journey and insights from Xerox

(4:32) Major marketing mistakes and business model design

(7:05) Challenges in the print industry

(9:15) Transition to sales letters and direct mail

(13:14) Case study: Rubber manufacturing company

(15:05) The power of handwritten letters and humor in sales

(22:03) Results from companies using sales letters

(26:27) Sales psychology vs. metrics marketing

(28:06) Digital marketing as competitor inspiration

(29:22) Stealth marketing with direct mail

(31:00) AI's impact on marketing data

(32:18) Challenges with outsourced sales agents

(33:04) Effectiveness of handwritten sales letters and thank you notes

(37:33) Creating engaging and effective sales letters

(42:21) Importance of follow-up in direct mail campaigns

(52:31) Challenges and misconceptions about big data and AI

(53:34) The role of context in data interpretation and sales

(54:49) Customizing AI for effective marketing communication

(55:14) Educating young marketers about print potential

(57:23) Digital fatigue and return to print marketing

(59:33) Encouragement to try direct mail and offer of free support

(1:03:28) Innovative business card design and its impact

(1:04:24) Real-life success story of simple marketing tactics

(1:06:01) Conclusion and audience call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Kelvin Gage discuss their journeys in the printing industry, focusing on Kelvin's path from starting his business to selling it to Australia's largest print company. They delve into the complexities of deciding to sell, involving external help, and negotiating while maintaining leverage and secrecy. The conversation addresses emotional and family considerations, financial discipline, and business readiness. Kelvin shares insights on creating win-win acquisition deals, managing staff reactions, and the emotional aftermath of selling. They also explore challenges working for the acquiring company, offering advice for potential sellers, and balancing outsourcing with new equipment investments.

(0:00) Introduction and Warren’s early printing journey

(1:33) Kelvin Gage’s background and connection to Warren

(4:36) Kelvin’s entry into the printing business

(9:19) Growth and development of Kelvin’s company

(13:44) Deciding to sell the business

(18:01) Bringing in external help and accountants

(20:58) Negotiating with the largest print company in Australia

(22:47) Maintaining leverage and secrecy during negotiations

(25:44) Emotional and family considerations in selling

(27:13) Always being prepared for a potential sale

(30:40) Financial discipline and business readiness

(33:21) Business valuation and deal structures

(36:56) Creating win-win acquisition deals

(41:00) Selling the proprietary limited entity

(42:10) Informing staff and managing reactions

(45:01) Emotional aftermath of selling

(47:51) Staying on and earn-out clauses

(51:21) Understanding deal terms and transition

(54:30) Challenges working for the acquiring company

(55:57) Advice for those selling their business

(57:43) Knowing your customers and business focus

(59:02) Outsourcing versus new equipment decisions

(1:00:18) Offering guidance to others

(1:02:15) Sponsor: (Sponsor mention and closing remarks)

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Mark Stephenson from Fuji to delve into the intricacies of OEM partnerships, focusing on trust-building and decision-making. They discuss the challenges and improvements in OEM-printer relationships, marketing strategies, and the reality of supplier infrastructure. The conversation highlights support for small and medium printers, emphasizing sales transparency and customer relations. Mark shares career insights and discusses the industry's evolution, addressing aging and youth engagement. They also explore leadership challenges, the importance of listening to younger voices, and the benefits of trade shows. The episode concludes with a focus on fostering industry unity and a call to action.

(0:00) Introduction by Warren Werbitt and guest Mark Stevenson from Fuji

(1:39) OEM partnerships and trust building

(7:11) Decision-making and impact of quotas in OEMs

(14:02) Challenges and improvements in OEM-printer relationships

(18:00) Marketing strategies to promote print

(21:14) OEM contracts, negotiations, and biases

(23:37) Supplier infrastructure and industry promises vs. reality

(26:26) Support for small and medium printers and improving representative quality

(28:36) Sales transparency, honesty, and OEM customer relations

(34:11) Sales tactics and ensuring customer suitability

(39:00) Career insights and industry evolution with Mark Stevenson

(42:00) Addressing industry aging and engaging the youth

(50:15) Leadership challenges and the importance of listening to younger voices

(57:12) Celebrating success stories and benefits of trade shows

(1:02:04) Networking in the industry and the role of The Crown pub

(1:03:09) Fostering industry unity and a call to action

(1:04:48) Conclusion