Printing's Alive

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt delves into the world of marketing in the printing industry with Gee Ranasinha, CEO of Kexino. They explore the significance of trade shows like Drupa for networking and financial justification, and debunk common misconceptions about marketing in the print world. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic marketing, standing out, and avoiding budget pitfalls. Gee shares insights on transitioning from equipment-based selling to strategic marketing, emphasizing the power of storytelling and personal relationships. They discuss differentiation, trust-building, and the necessity of understanding customer profiles. The episode wraps up with practical business improvement steps and a proposal for future discussions.

(0:00) Introduction and guest's background in the printing industry

(6:14) Trade shows like Drupa: Value, networking, and financial justification

(14:14) Debunking marketing misconceptions in the printing industry

(18:20) Strategic marketing and the challenge of standing out

(30:09) Networking with marketing professionals and budget pitfalls

(32:13) Historical marketing perspectives and strategy development

(36:02) The dangers of lacking strategic focus and aligning tactics

(40:03) Transitioning from equipment-based selling to strategic marketing

(43:28) Understanding sales vs. marketing roles and the power of storytelling

(51:00) Creating durable memory structures and balancing marketing types

(56:19) Competing beyond price and the role of personal relationships

(59:07) Personal marketing effectiveness anecdotes and strategy necessity

(1:01:28) Differentiation and trust-building in a crowded market

(1:03:08) Identifying customer profiles and establishing differentiation

(1:07:19) Practical business improvement steps and external assistance value

(1:09:15) Final thoughts on marketing, differentiation, and proposal for future discussions

(1:11:41) Closing remarks and key takeaways

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Richard Askam to discuss the innovative concept of Print Island and its role in connecting the global print industry. They explore common challenges, such as the focus on pricing, and discuss strategies for promoting print in business. The conversation delves into rebranding the print industry, addressing generational communication differences, and media consumption trends. They also touch on hobbies, mental health, creativity, and the evolution of personal brands in modernizing print businesses. The episode highlights engaging younger generations, the success of Print Island, and Warren's vision for the podcast, with insights on personalization, language humor, and marketing strategies.

(0:00) Introduction by Warren Werbitt and guest Richard Ascom

(1:04) Background and concept of Print Island

(3:23) Global industry connections and common print challenges

(5:20) Tackling the price focus and promoting print in business

(11:01) Rebranding the print industry and generational communication differences

(19:31) Perspectives on the state of the print industry and media consumption

(24:23) Hobbies, mental health, and creativity in print

(29:40) Evolution of personal brands and modernizing print businesses

(35:20) Engaging younger generations and career reflections

(39:52) Success of Print Island and Warren's vision for the podcast

(44:53) Print's impact on everyday products and humor in language differences

(46:07) Personalization, spelling variations, and owning mistakes

(47:33) Future promotions and cost-effective marketing strategies

(48:04) Potential podcast setup ideas and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Jim Russell from New Direction Partners about selling a printing business. Jim shares insights on evaluating company worth, determining value factors, and preparing for sale. They discuss market trends, post-sale roles, private equity, and employee considerations in mergers and acquisitions. Key steps for selling, sale timelines, financial prep, and the impact of company culture on valuation are explored. They also cover selling expenses, the need for advisory services, and technology's influence on business valuation.

(0:10) Introduction and guest Jim Russell of New Direction Partners

(1:09) Jim Russell's printing industry insight

(3:02) New Direction Partners and company valuation

(6:24) How company value is determined

(9:41) Preparing to sell your printing business

(11:35) Seller's expectations and market trends

(15:14) Post-sale roles and private equity dynamics

(24:20) Employee considerations in M&A

(28:15) Key steps for selling your business

(31:28) Sale timeframes and financial preparations

(33:23) Management and customer relations in sales

(36:14) Company culture and its valuation impact

(39:37) Expenses associated with selling a business

(44:19) The necessity of advisory services in sales

(47:07) Technological influences on business valuation

(49:02) Sponsor: Print Industry Association

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Vince Cook from Ad Legends about AI's impact on advertising. Vince discusses his journey and how Ad Legends is democratizing marketing for non-experts through AI-driven creative briefs and emotional branding. They explore how the platform enhances work-life balance by saving time for businesses. Warren shares his experiences, and they delve into industry disruptions and interest from major agencies. The episode includes marketing essentials, personalized consultations, and AI insights. It concludes with product demos, the Imagine AI Live conference, and contact info for Adlegends.ai.

(0:00) Introduction of Vince Cook from Ad Legends

(0:47) Vince Cook's journey in advertising and AI's role in industry changes

(6:09) Ad Legends: Revolutionizing ad creation for businesses

(14:56) AI-driven creative briefs and agency adoption

(21:04) Democratizing marketing for non-experts with Ad Legends

(24:51) Emotional and branding impact of Ad Legends

(29:01) Warren's personal experience with Ad Legends

(29:54) Ad Legends team and industry expert contributions

(35:20) Industry disruption and time-saving AI advantages

(41:19) Work-life balance improvements and big agency interest

(48:27) Ad Legends' personalized expert consultations

(50:19) Marketing essentials for business success

(51:47) Sponsor: Black Friday promotion and holiday discount code

(52:34) Leveraging AI in marketing: Insights and recommendations

(54:06) The value of product demos and the Imagine AI Live conference

(54:40) Adlegends.ai support and contact info

(55:04) Final thoughts and call to action

(55:21) Invitation to future guests and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Julie Watson from Ultimate Tech about the evolving world of printing technology. They delve into imposition, finishing automation, and the challenges of adopting new tech. Topics include attracting younger generations, balancing customization with cost, and overcoming resistance to tech investments. They discuss automation's role during COVID, tackling labor shortages with AI, and solutions for small shops. Warren shares his automation journey, touching on strategic planning, past challenges, and choosing the right software vendor. The episode wraps up with insights on embracing change, capital investment, and the importance of training and vendor support.

(0:00) Introduction of Julie Watson from Ultimate Tech

(1:04) Discussing imposition, finishing automation, and industry innovation

(4:10) Benefits and challenges of adopting new printing technologies

(6:41) Attracting younger generations and customer range for Ultimate Tech

(9:46) Customization and cost-benefit balance of automation

(12:04) Overcoming resistance and emphasizing technological investment

(21:13) Automation benefits during COVID and for employee retention

(25:47) Addressing labor shortages with AI and solutions for small shops

(31:26) Warren Werbitt's automation experience and strategic planning

(35:37) Historical challenges and incremental automation approaches

(42:02) Convincing owners and choosing the right software vendor

(47:00) Embracing change, risk-taking, and future automation trends

(50:01) Capital investment, training importance, and vendor support

(54:35) Preventive maintenance, customer service, and long-term planning

(56:41) Episode wrap-up, encouragement, and closing remarks

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Doug Laxdal to explore the fascinating world of print. They discuss the origin of The Gas Company's name and its award-winning history, Doug's journey into bookbinding, and the company's unique services. The conversation touches on maintaining client relationships and innovative projects like the Hellmann's Garlic Aioli and the "Unburnable Book" for Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale. They delve into budgeting and shipping challenges, high-stakes architectural jobs, and creative print solutions. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of creativity and a commitment to exploring diverse topics in future episodes.

(0:00) Introduction and guest introduction

(1:06) The origin of the Gaz Company name and awards overview

(2:40) Jack Diamond book project and Doug's journey into bookbinding

(12:58) Equipment, expansion, and unique services of the Gaz Company

(18:51) Focusing on your own business and client relationships

(24:27) Hellmann's Garlic Aioli project and advanced print techniques

(31:06) Budgeting, cost management, and shipping challenges

(36:36) Reflecting on difficult and unique print projects

(37:49) "Unburnable Book" for Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale

(41:16) Designing a custom advertising agency board game

(42:55) Unique print projects and high-stakes jobs for architecture firms

(50:36) Innovative inks and print materials

(56:56) Closing remarks, importance of creativity, and gratitude to listeners

(57:47) Commitment to diverse topics and final motivational message

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Davis Slagle from BeeGraphix to discuss the company's transformation during COVID and its transition to direct-to-film printing. They explore growth and price competition in the apparel printing market, as well as strategies for market diversification and managing seasonal demand. The conversation delves into BeeGraphix operations, equipment choices, and advice for newcomers to the industry. They highlight the importance of planning and marketing in equipment investments, the benefits of outsourcing, and industry trends from the Printing United expo. The episode concludes with insights on managing high-volume jobs, quality control, technological evolution, and pricing strategies.

(0:00) Introduction of guest Davis Sligo from Bee Graphics

(0:43) Davis Sligo’s background and Bee Graphics’ transformation during COVID

(1:57) Overview of Bee Graphics’ operations and transition to direct to film printing

(4:47) Growth and price competition in the apparel printing market

(6:55) Customer types and market diversification strategies

(9:13) Managing seasonal demand in printing

(10:45) Operations and equipment at Bee Graphics

(12:02) Comparison and choice of printing methods

(17:01) Advice for newcomers to the apparel printing industry

(20:07) The role of planning and marketing in equipment investment

(21:44) Benefits of outsourcing in printing

(22:12) Industry trends from Printing United expo

(28:22) Managing high-volume and quick-turnaround print jobs

(30:29) Quality control: Errors, returns, and customer complaints

(35:28) Technological evolution in apparel decorating

(38:34) Impact of industry mergers on customers

(41:42) Pricing strategies in the printing industry

(44:01) Donating excess apparel and industry appreciation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt welcomes Aaron Montgomery to discuss his podcast journey and Warren's new t-shirt shop concept. They explore the importance of creativity and positivity in t-shirt design, as well as the impact of donations to the Make A Wish Foundation. The conversation shifts to attracting young talent and the significance of training in the print industry. Warren shares insights on client engagement, leadership's impact on team morale, and his early experiences in print. They delve into sales strategies, using humor, and the value of persistence. The episode concludes with reflections on shared interests, the Chinese farmer proverb, and the importance of experiences.

(0:00) Introduction of the guest Aaron Montgomery and his podcast

(1:18) Warren Werbitt's excitement about his new t-shirt shop and the concept behind it

(3:00) Donation to Make A Wish Foundation and Printing United event discussion

(4:41) Creativity and positivity in t-shirt design

(6:05) Aaron Montgomery reflects on 13 years of podcasting

(9:28) Attracting young talent and the importance of training in the print industry

(14:31) Warren Werbitt's client engagement approach

(18:18) Impact of leadership on team morale

(21:19) Understanding personal motivation in the print industry

(23:07) Warren Werbitt's start in print and first sales experience

(26:22) Sales master class and the art of asking for the order

(30:35) Comfort and strategy in sales

(34:42) Using humor to connect in the printing industry

(39:56) Stress, marketing, and selling in the print industry

(43:52) Building connections and being open about challenges

(47:24) Shared interests and avoiding judgment in the industry

(50:10) Chinese farmer proverb and the value of experiences

(52:05) Persistence and learning in sales

(54:15) Final thoughts and wrap-up

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Katelin Shanks from Racami about software implementation in the print industry. They discuss planning challenges, building internal teams, and the importance of communication. The conversation covers print automation trends, investment sizing, and common implementation issues, with a focus on AI's impact. Katelin offers insights on vendor relationships, solution architecture, and ROI. They also discuss Racami's platform and AI's future role. This episode provides valuable advice for small to medium-sized printers, stressing education, human interaction, and cautious AI adoption.

(0:10) Introduction of Caitlin Shanks from Rackamy and overview of services

(1:34) Planning and challenges in software implementation

(3:19) Building an internal team and initial engagement with printers

(5:00) Timeline for suggestions and the importance of communication

(9:55) Trends in print automation and buying equipment

(15:17) Sizing automation investments and common implementation issues

(22:06) AI's influence on implementation processes

(26:00) Vendor relationships and decision-maker involvement

(28:27) Solution architecture and defining ROI

(34:42) Printer responsibilities and workflow transformation success stories

(37:22) Rackamy's Alchem-e platform and customer communication trends

(44:28) AI's role in Rackamy's roadmap

(49:17) Advice for small to medium-sized printers

(52:32) Leveraging vendors for industry insights

(54:23) Human interaction and pricing strategies in business

(55:00) Education's role in sales and the future of print automation

(59:38) Cautious AI adoption and final thoughts

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Wendy Graves from the Make It Happen Signage Academy about its impact on the printing and signage industry. They discuss the academy's events, the importance of industry language, and Wendy's passion for signage. The conversation highlights the academy's programs, hands-on and online training balance, and community college partnerships. They also cover the importance of passionate trainers, unbiased sessions, franchise training challenges, training costs, ROI, AI impact, and fair pricing strategies. The episode concludes with insights into industry challenges and future plans.

(0:00) Introduction of special guest Wendy Graves and the Make It Happen Signage Academy

(1:47) Overview and types of events hosted by the academy

(4:31) Learning the language of the printing and signage industry

(6:10) Passion for the signage industry and discussion on teachability

(9:05) Programs offered and hands-on training vs. online training

(14:12) Partnerships with community colleges and training commitment challenges

(18:07) Signage franchises' involvement in training

(20:29) Importance of passionate trainers and franchise training challenges

(23:11) Maintaining unbiased training sessions

(24:45) Training costs, investment in employees, and ROI

(30:52) Training's impact on reducing mistakes and increasing revenue

(37:21) Incorporating AI and technology in training

(42:00) Addressing the devaluation of design and consulting services

(45:29) Strategies to charge fair prices for services

(48:51) Impact and value addition of the print and sign industry

(49:52) Real-world challenges and customer expectations

(52:40) Importance of training, pricing adjustments, and industry connections

(54:52) Closing thoughts, future plans, and promotions

(56:01) Warren Werbitt's enthusiasm and plans for pricing strategy

(57:22) Episode conclusion and farewell