Printing's Alive

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Emma Farquharson explore AI's impact on the print industry, focusing on productivity, common mistakes, and industry readiness. They discuss generational and gender dynamics, emotional safety, and trust, while highlighting the importance of human connection in sales and collaboration. The conversation addresses hiring challenges, AI manipulation, and its influence on younger generations, emphasizing compassion and mentorship. They also stress the need for a unified print association and industry support. Future AI discussions and engaging young people in print are covered, concluding with closing remarks and appreciation.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Emma Farquharson and Overview of Shared Intel AI

(3:00) AI in Print: Productivity, Common Mistakes, and Industry Readiness

(10:38) Generational and Gender Dynamics in AI Adoption and Print Industry

(18:05) Emotional Safety, Trust, and Industry Culture

(22:37) Demographics and Collaboration in the Print Industry

(26:38) Hiring Challenges and Distrust Across Generations

(30:03) Human Connection in Sales and Experiences with ChatGPT

(33:08) AI Manipulation Tactics and Implementing Change

(37:18) Influences on Younger Generations and Compassion in Business

(42:22) Collaboration and Mentorship in the Print Industry

(49:09) Grassroots Movement and Engaging Industry Owners

(55:09) The Need for a Unified Print Association and Industry Support

(57:20) Industry Feedback, Aligning Goals, and Mission Statements

(59:26) Importance of Free Consultations and Encouraging Their Use

(1:00:54) Future AI Discussions and Engaging Young People in Print

(1:01:34) Closing Remarks and Appreciation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Josh, Mitch, and Max Kaneff about the history and future of Arkay Packaging. They discuss raising the next generation in a family business, the impact of technology and AI, and transitioning from commercial printing. Mitch shares insights on Arkay's legacy, while the family discusses adapting to customer demands and innovation in design. The conversation also covers customer education and Arkay's future, including expansion and process innovation. The episode wraps up with reflections on family business challenges and future podcast plans.

(0:00) Introduction and overview of Arcade Packaging's history

(1:34) Raising the next generation in a family business

(5:09) The role of technology and AI in packaging operations

(6:39) Transition challenges from commercial printing to packaging

(14:05) Mitch Kennen on Arcade Packaging's legacy and future

(17:32) The Kennen family's journey into the business

(23:40) Warren Werbitt's passion for print and sales philosophy

(25:34) Teaching dynamics in a family business

(28:27) Adapting to changes in customer demands

(30:08) The art of teaching customers and relationship-building

(34:00) Innovation in print and packaging design

(35:31) Internal training and education strategies

(39:17) The complexity of packaging and its structural aspects

(41:26) The vital role of customer education in packaging

(45:26) Arcade Packaging's future direction and succession planning

(47:42) Technological advancements in the packaging industry

(49:10) Arcade Packaging's expansion into new markets

(50:23) Emphasis on robotics and process innovation

(52:21) Reflections and challenges of a family business

(57:24) Closing remarks and future podcast plans

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Erica Diamond about her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing authenticity and confidence. They discuss competition, learning from failure, managing burnout, and building a personal brand. Erica shares her Barbie experience, post-sale life, and evolving views on success. Topics include social media's role, interpersonal skills, email marketing, advice for women in business, and the Thrive 360 framework. They also cover teaching children self-regulation, traits of high-performing women, and Erica's upcoming women's retreat. The episode wraps up with ways to connect with Erica and a call for listener feedback.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome

(0:22) Warren discusses Erika's background and early entrepreneurial days

(2:36) The importance of authenticity, confidence, and handling competition

(6:01) Discussing failure, learning, and managing burnout

(8:22) Building a personal brand and Erika's experience with Barbie

(12:04) Life after selling the company and Warren's passion for print

(19:01) The evolving meaning of success and the role of social media

(23:45) Interpersonal skills and current projects in public speaking

(25:22) Email marketing and advice for women in business

(28:22) The Thrive 360 framework and COVID-19's impact on well-being

(35:39) Teaching children self-regulation and traits of high-performing women

(40:16) The impact of social media on self-perception and upcoming women's retreat

(44:25) Connecting with Erica Diamond and closing remarks

(44:47) Call for listener feedback and future guests

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Kim Woodin about her journey at Aurora Fastprint. They discuss the role of expos in staff development, the evolution of QR codes, and digital printing at Aurora Fastprint. Topics include overcoming COVID-19 challenges, business growth through networking, and web-to-print solutions with Shopify. They also cover employee engagement, print education, customer service, and company culture. Kim shares insights on financial strategies, technology adoption, and maintaining passion and production optimization in the print industry.

(0:00) Introduction of special guest Kim Wooden

(0:56) Kim Wooden's discovery and impact of Printwhisper Shop

(3:27) The value of industry expos for staff development

(7:03) QR codes and digital printing evolution at Aurora Fast Print

(11:02) Navigating challenges during COVID-19 and industry excitement

(16:32) Business growth through networking and community involvement

(21:09) Web-to-print solutions and Shopify experiences

(24:38) Sponsor: Company Name

(27:10) Enhancing employee engagement and promoting print education

(31:01) Shop operations, customer service, and company culture

(39:08) Financial strategies and learning from business mistakes

(42:15) Technology adoption and shop expansion plans

(45:05) Considerations for strategic planning and financial risks

(48:05) Leadership, culture, and utilizing industry resources

(51:09) Staff training, workflow management, and personalized marketing

(54:08) Maintaining passion in the print industry and optimizing production

(56:10) Final thoughts and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and David Solomon discuss international expansion in the printing industry. David offers strategies for entering the US market, overcoming global growth challenges, and avoiding common mistakes. They delve into navigating laws, engaging with international customers, and selecting countries for expansion. The conversation also covers building a successful global e-commerce strategy, understanding diverse business cultures, and the importance of in-person relationships. The episode concludes with insights on identifying reliable partners and opportunities for international podcast collaborations.

(0:10) Introduction to Growth Beyond Your Current Market with David Solomon

(2:02) David Solomon's Expertise in International Expansion

(3:47) Overcoming Challenges and Misconceptions in Global Growth

(4:45) Effective Strategies for US Market Entry

(9:28) Key Mistakes to Avoid in International Expansion

(13:26) Navigating Laws and Regulations in New Markets

(17:41) The Power of Personal Engagement with International Customers

(23:13) Criteria for Choosing Countries for Business Expansion

(27:08) Building a Successful Global E-commerce Strategy

(32:26) Setting Realistic Expectations and Adapting to New Markets

(37:11) Understanding and Adapting to Various Business Cultures

(41:37) The Role of In-Person Relationships in International Business

(44:05) Identifying Reliable Partners and the Role of Written Agreements

(48:07) Opportunities for International Podcast Collaborations and Contact Info

(49:16) Closing Remarks and Call for Listener Topics

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Dean Beckett about the world of used printing equipment. They delve into CalaLogic Ltd's role in the industry and compare new versus used equipment costs. Dean shares his journey into equipment sales, the founding of CalaLogic Ltd, and the importance of industry relationships. They discuss key considerations for buying used presses, the importance of inspections, and strategies for financing and budgeting. The episode also covers selecting bindery equipment, maximizing trade-in value, common pitfalls, market changes, global dynamics, and best practices for equipment care in 2026.

(0:10) Introduction to Printing's Alive and guest Dean Beckett

(0:32) Topic of the day: Used printing equipment and CalLogic's role

(1:43) Cost comparison: New vs. used printing equipment

(2:12) Dean Beckett's industry background and transition to equipment sales

(5:21) The founding of CalLogic and building industry relationships

(7:26) CalLogic's business model, strategy, and why printers buy used

(12:13) Key considerations and misconceptions when buying used presses

(18:17) How to evaluate deals and the importance of machine inspections

(20:54) Financing and budgeting for used printing equipment

(27:18) Selecting bindery and finishing equipment & maximizing trade-in value

(34:07) Common mistakes and benefits of buying used printing equipment

(41:19) Equipment market changes and the focus on packaging

(44:02) Global market dynamics and logistics of equipment shipping

(46:41) Rapid fire segment: Maintenance tips and buying advice

(50:49) Best practices for equipment purchase and care in 2025

(53:40) Dean Beckett's final insights and maintenance importance

(54:28) Closing remarks and thanks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Al Kennickell from The Kennickell Group about AI's transformative role in the printing industry. They explore AI's practical applications, including legal insights, contract analysis, and website construction. The discussion covers AI's impact on printing embellishments, new technologies, and strategies for purchasing and financing equipment, featuring a special offer on the MGI 3,600. Warren and Al emphasize engaging customers with print samples, leadership in experimentation, and balancing owner involvement in sales and production. The episode concludes with a call for industry collaboration and support.

(0:10) Introduction of Al Canicol from The Canicol Group

(0:54) AI's Impact on the Printing Industry and Practical Applications

(9:14) Everyday Uses of AI in Printing

(15:35) AI for Legal Insights and Contract Analysis

(17:41) AI Knowledge Sharing in Peer Groups

(20:19) Building a Website with AI Assistance

(23:40) AI in Printing Embellishments and New Technologies

(27:43) Experimenting with Printing Equipment and Preparing for 2026

(30:14) Strategies for Purchasing and Financing New Equipment

(38:21) Sponsor: Special Offer on MGI 3,600

(43:34) Engaging Customers with Print Samples and Anticipating Needs

(51:01) Leadership and Experimentation in Print Businesses

(54:28) Owner's Role in System Implementation and Sales Success

(57:27) ISO 9000 Implementation and Consulting Insights

(59:35) Balancing Owner Involvement in Sales and Production

(1:04:22) Addressing Production Challenges and Meeting Customer Expectations

(1:06:32) Encouragement for Printers and Closing Thoughts

(1:08:04) Call for Industry Collaboration and Support

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt talks with Nick Benkovich about navigating career transitions after being laid off. Nick shares his personal experiences and reactions to layoffs, reflecting on his thirteen-year tenure before the unexpected change. They discuss the importance of mental health, maintaining routines, and the role of support systems during tough times. The conversation explores how personal identity intertwines with professional life and the significance of leveraging industry relationships. Nick emphasizes the value of volunteering, gratitude, and kindness, offering advice on staying connected and supporting others. They also touch on social interactions in a post-COVID world and encourage embracing new opportunities.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Nick Benkovich

(1:42) Initial reactions to being laid off and personal experiences

(3:57) Nick's layoff experience after thirteen years

(5:16) Company feedback and layoff warning signs

(8:54) Mental health and maintaining routine post-layoff

(10:28) Support systems during tough times

(13:45) Varied responses to layoffs and their impact

(17:40) The role of personal identity in professional life

(21:09) Leveraging industry relationships during career transitions

(24:19) Work's impact on identity and the process of resetting

(30:01) Volunteering, gratitude, and shifting life priorities

(35:06) Personal communication during layoffs and closures

(41:17) Future plans and opportunities post-layoff

(47:21) The importance of kindness and direct communication in business

(51:31) Supporting others through challenging times and maintaining connections

(54:24) Social interactions and friendships in a post-COVID world

(57:06) Mental health advice and staying connected

(59:19) Career reflections and embracing new opportunities

(1:00:41) Encouragement to seek support and stay connected

(1:01:40) Wrap-up and call to action

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Ron Goodwin to explore the dynamic world of apparel decorating. They discuss Ron's journey and the significant changes in apparel printing, focusing on techniques like direct to film printing. The conversation delves into the size of the t-shirt printing industry, concert merchandise, and the challenges of on-demand printing and inventory management. They examine pricing strategies, customer categories, and supplier consolidation, comparing apparel and paper supply chains. Ron shares insights on customer value perception, handling large orders, and the impact of purchasing departments. The episode also highlights fundraising, charity programs, and the importance of doing good in the industry.

(0:00) Intro and guest introduction

(1:17) Meeting Ron and his industry reputation

(4:04) Ron's journey and changes in apparel decorating

(12:34) Overview of printing techniques and direct to film printing

(19:27) T-shirt printing industry size and concert merchandise

(24:41) On-demand printing, inventory, and cost challenges

(27:43) Balancing revenue with profit and pricing strategies

(30:14) Customer categories and supplier consolidation

(33:48) Apparel vs. paper supply chains and sourcing lessons

(36:52) Customer value perception and expert product advice

(41:03) Positive outcomes and handling large financial orders

(47:29) Impact of purchasing departments and customer service

(50:31) Apparel color preferences and customer feedback

(54:19) Fundraising and charity programs

(58:21) The importance of doing good and Print Whisper goals

(1:00:11) Encouragement and final thoughts

(1:01:28) Invitation to industry events

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Chris Minn explore the evolving printing industry. They discuss Print United collaboration, strategies for protecting printers, and the challenges of selling print equipment. Warren shares his venture into the t-shirt market via Shopify. Chris, from Digital Ink Agency, emphasizes automation in digital marketing. They also cover maintaining relationships, social media's role, and company culture's impact on print businesses. The episode highlights omni-channel strategies, promotional merchandise, and introduces the Print Island platform, celebrating industry unsung heroes.

(0:00) Introduction with Warren Werbitt and guest Chris Mann

(1:22) Print United collaboration feedback and protecting printers

(3:14) Challenges and strategies in selling print equipment

(6:16) Warren's venture into t-shirt and apparel space via Shopify

(15:26) Marketing strategies and supporting mental health campaigns

(23:07) Chris Mann's background with Digital Ink Agency and value of automation

(28:26) Digital marketing and partnership collaboration for printers

(34:39) Maintaining relationships and the impact of social media in the digital age

(44:28) Elevating print businesses and the significance of company culture

(50:00) Promoting the print industry and the value of omni-channel strategies

(59:13) Exploring promotional merchandise and introduction to Print Island platform

(1:03:30) Encouraging listener engagement and celebrating industry unsung heroes

(1:05:09) Final thoughts and episode close