The Packaging Paradigm Podcast

In this episode of The Packaging Paradigm podcast, Dom Crosson welcomes Brian Franz, who is the Vice President with Envision3! Brian is a seasoned sales professional with over 12 years of experience in the commercial print, packaging, fulfillment and direct mail industry. He consults with brands ranging from national healthcare providers to regional nonprofits.

In his role as Vice President, Brian plays a pivotal role in helping customers bring their marketing ideas to life. From custom printed packaging and high volume mailers, to fulfillment and warehousing. He is known for his strategic and get it done mindset.

In this episode, they discuss the importance of customer service, the evolving landscape of packaging, and how technology (including AI) is shaping the industry. Brian also reflects on his career journey, the significance of networking, and how his faith influences his approach to leadership and service.

Places to listen:
⚡https://youtu.be/yyjzqEOQU0k
⚡https://packagingparadigm.transistor.fm/27

Connect with Brian Here:
⚡Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfranz/
⚡Company Website: http://www.envision-3.com/

Takeaways

Customer service is crucial in the packaging industry.

Timely communication with customers builds trust.

Staying true to core competencies enhances customer confidence.

Networking is essential for growth and opportunities.

The packaging industry is evolving with technology and design.

AI can streamline processes and enhance creativity.

Understanding customer needs is key to effective design.

A seamless customer experience is built on strong internal processes.

Faith can guide leadership and service in business.

Continuous learning and adaptation are vital for success.

Chapters

00:00 Technical Difficulties and Teamwork

01:27 Introduction to Brian Franz and His Journey

03:50 The Importance of Customer Service

06:41 Communication and Technology in Customer Service

08:51 Staying True to Core Competencies

10:29 The Packaging Industry: A Growing Opportunity

12:08 The Art of Design in Packaging

16:24 Developing Seamless Processes for Customer Experience

18:36 Optimizing Packaging Efficiency

20:00 Harnessing AI in Packaging Design

26:19 The Human Element in Sales

31:37 Brian's Career Journey and Growth

37:35 The Importance of Serving Others

39:44 Faith and Personal Values in Business

In this episode of The Packaging Paradigm Podcast we welcome Emmy Gottschalk. She is a transformational operations leader who shares her insights on leadership, launching new departments, and the importance of communication in navigating change. She discusses the role of KPIs in organizational success and introduces the innovative Project Showcase initiative designed to foster creativity within teams.

Additionally, Emmy addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in operations, emphasizing the need for organizations to prepare their data and processes before implementation.

How to connect with Emmy:
⚡https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmygottschalk/
⚡www.emmygottschalk.com

Takeaways

Emmy Gottschalk is a transformational operations leader specializing in supply chain.
Transformational leadership involves solving complex problems and optimizing teams.
Launching new departments requires clear intent and strong communication.
Effective communication is crucial during change initiatives.
Silos exist in every organization and need to be managed.
KPIs should reflect individual roles and contribute to the organization's mission.
Innovation should be encouraged at all levels of the organization.
AI can enhance operations but requires clean data and processes.
Engaging teams with AI will require transparent communication.
Celebrating small wins can motivate teams and foster a positive work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Transformational Leadership in Operations
04:01 Launching New Departments
09:21 Communication and Team Dynamics
09:49 Navigating Organizational Change
13:00 Leadership Challenges and Silos
17:44 The Importance of KPIs
23:09 Engaging with Data
27:42 Fostering Innovation through Project Showcase
34:22 AI and Operational Transformation

In this conversation, Jeremy shares his journey founding Givr Packaging, emphasizing the importance of personal goals, mentorship, and sustainability in the packaging industry. He  discusses  how he stays competitive outside of work, the challenges and triumphs of his career, the significance of customer-centric practices, and the evolving landscape of sustainable packaging solutions. In this conversation, Jeremy discusses the importance of ethical sales practices, the memorable moments that keep him motivated in business, and the lessons learned from financial challenges. He emphasizes the role of sports in personal development and the significance of authenticity in business and social media interactions.

Takeaways
*Starting your journey in the Packaging space and seeing that there was a need for true sustainability.
* Sustainability in packaging is increasingly important to consumers.
* Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development.
* Giver Packaging focuses on customer success and sustainability.
* The journey to entrepreneurship often starts with a simple idea.
* Sales success can come from embracing rejection and learning from it.
* Transparency in business practices builds trust with customers.
* Innovative packaging solutions are becoming more accessible and affordable.
* A strong team is essential for the success of a business.
* The packaging industry is evolving with a focus on environmental impact. You have to tell the customer, this isn't good for you.
* If it doesn't align with our mission, we're going to tell you.
* We just try to stay true to our values.
* Memorable moments in business keep you motivated.
* Salespeople's job is to support their customers' financial stability.
* Learning from financial challenges is crucial for growth.
* Trial by fire teaches valuable lessons in business.
* Authenticity is key in social media interactions.
* Sports can play a significant role in personal development.
* Building relationships is more important than just selling boxes.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Bodybuilding and Personal Goals
05:53 Career Path and Early Experiences in Paper Science
12:00 Building Giver Packaging and Market Strategy
26:47 The Importance of Ethical Sales Practices
34:37 Learning from Financial Challenges
42:06 Authenticity in Business and Social Media

www.Givrpack.com
https://www.youtube.com/@givrpack 

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic interviews Micah Brooks, a seasoned packaging sales professional. They discuss Micah's journey from selling payroll software to thriving in the packaging industry, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, effective communication, and the need for patience in sales. Micah shares insights on leveraging company resources, navigating industry trends like automation and sustainability, and managing personal and professional change. He also reflects on the significance of faith and values in his work and life, concluding with his recent achievements and aspirations for the future.

Takeaways

• Micah Brooks emphasizes the importance of building relationships in sales.
• Transitioning from software to packaging sales allowed Micah to align with his personality.
• Consistency and communication are key to building trust with customers.
• Sales processes require organization and discipline to be effective.
• Leveraging company resources can enhance sales success.
• Automation and sustainability are significant trends in the packaging industry.
• Managing change requires a positive mindset and support from colleagues.
• Celebrating successes is crucial for motivation and growth.
• Leadership development programs can provide valuable skills and confidence.
• Faith and values play a vital role in Micah's professional life.

Chapters

00:00 Career Journey: From Payroll to Packaging

04:48 Building Relationships in Sales

12:00 The Importance of Communication

19:06 Internal vs External Customers

22:00 Sales Process and Growth Mindset

22:57 Revamping the Sales Process

26:07 The Importance of Organization and Discipline in Sales

27:28 Persistence in Sales: The Key to Success

29:57 Building Relationships and Following Up

32:03 Leveraging Resources and Expertise in Sales

37:15 Understanding Market Trends and Customer Needs

44:21 Managing Change in Personal and Professional Life

54:50 Faith and Values in the Workplace

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dom interviews Craig Phillips, an experienced account manager in the packaging industry. They discuss Craig's journey from studying packaging at Michigan State to his diverse career experiences, including teaching abroad in Korea. The conversation highlights the various opportunities within the packaging sector, the importance of leveraging technology in sales, and the value of networking. Craig shares insights on using video messaging and AI tools to enhance sales strategies, emphasizing the need to embrace imperfection in communication. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of authenticity in sales and marketing, the impact of point-of-purchase displays, and the significance of design in creating effective marketing materials. They explore common mistakes companies make in display design, the balance between budget and expectations, and strategies for overcoming obstacles in sales. The conversation also touches on finding work-life balance and the diverse career opportunities available in the packaging industry.

Takeaways
-Craig Phillips has 15 years of experience in the packaging industry.
-He emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in packaging, from engineering to sales.
-Craig's journey includes teaching English in Korea, which he found to be a transformative experience.
-Networking, especially through alumni connections, plays a crucial role in his sales strategy.
-He uses video messaging to stand out in sales outreach.
-AI tools assist him in crafting emails and visualizing packaging ideas.
-The packaging industry is vast, with roles in pharmaceuticals, food, and consumer goods.
-Craig's education at Michigan State provided a well-rounded foundation for his career.
-He believes in putting oneself out there and not striving for perfection in communication.
-Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of sales and packaging. Be authentic and put yourself out there in sales.
-Point-of-purchase displays are crucial for capturing consumer attention.
-Effective displays can drive impulse purchases and repeat customers.
-Packaging plays a significant role in perceived value.
-Companies often underestimate the power of displays in marketing.
-Choosing the right supplier is essential for quality displays.
-Budget discussions are important to align expectations with design.
-Sales professionals must learn to overcome disappointments.
-Finding balance in life is key to managing work and family.
-The packaging industry offers diverse career opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast
05:02 Craig Phillips: Journey into Packaging and Sales
09:56 Experiences Abroad: Teaching in Korea
14:55 Diverse Opportunities in Packaging
20:00 Leveraging Technology in Sales
24:57 The Future of Packaging and Sales Strategies
26:31 Authenticity in Sales and Marketing
27:00 The Power of Point of Purchase Displays
32:18 Designing Effective Displays
34:28 Common Mistakes in Display Design
36:55 Balancing Budget and Expectations
41:04 Overcoming Sales Obstacles
44:22 Finding Work-Life Balance
49:28 Opportunities in the Packaging Industry

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-phillips-88385112

Summary

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic Crosson and guest E.J. Swanson discuss the importance of branding, content creation, and clarity in the packaging industry. E.J. shares his journey from ministry to co-founding Bolt, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and leadership. The conversation highlights the need for effective messaging, the power of visuals, and the role of consistency in building credibility. They also touch on the importance of transparency in sharing success metrics and the value of being relevant in the market. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of investing in both equipment and training to enhance business efficiency and product quality. They emphasize the significance of building connections through genuine curiosity and effective communication. The discussion also highlights the necessity of producing high-quality content and understanding the return on investment in branding efforts. They each express gratitude for their business relationships and the role of faith in their professional lives.

Takeaways

• Clarity in messaging is more important than content itself.
• Visuals play a crucial role in branding and marketing.
• Consistency in posting builds credibility over time.
• Sharing numbers and successes can enhance brand perception.
• Effective branding requires collaboration and expert input.
• Short-form video is an effective way to showcase processes.
• Engaging visuals can significantly influence purchasing decisions.
• Relevancy in content is more valuable than sheer reach.
• Transparency in business metrics can attract potential clients.
• Leadership is about sharing success and recognizing team contributions. Investing in new equipment can enhance service quality.
• Training is essential for efficient operation of new equipment.
• Building connections is rooted in genuine curiosity about others.
• Effective communication involves mastering tonality and body language.
• Quality content creation requires time and professional expertise.
• Consistency in branding efforts is crucial for business growth.
• Understanding ROI is key when making investments in branding.
• Gratitude and faith play significant roles in business success.
• Collaboration with specialists can enhance overall product quality.
• The evolution of branding is vital for staying relevant in the market.

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Mark Jacobs shares his extensive journey in the paper industry, highlighting his transition from operations to sales, the value of working in family-owned businesses, and the importance of community involvement. He emphasizes the significance of listening, serving, and building relationships in both personal and professional realms. Mark also discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, including his passion for candle making, and shares travel experiences that have shaped his perspective on life. The conversation concludes with a call to connect and build relationships around shared interests.

Takeaways

• Mark Jacobs has 27 years of experience in the paper industry.
• He values the culture of family-owned businesses.
• Transitioning from operations to sales requires a mindset shift.
• Listening and humility are key attributes for career advancement.
• The paper industry offers diverse career opportunities.
• Mark's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own candle business.
• Traveling has provided Mark with personal growth experiences.
• Community involvement is essential for personal fulfillment.
• Mark emphasizes the importance of serving others in sales.
• Building relationships is crucial in both personal and professional life

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Jacobs and His Journey

03:25 The Value of Family-Owned Businesses

07:52 Transitioning from Operations to Sales

12:41 Key Attributes for Career Advancement

15:50 Understanding the Paper Industry

18:43 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Candle Making

21:37 Travel Experiences and Personal Growth

23:36 Community Involvement and Giving Back

25:37 Final Thoughts and Connections

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Dominic Crosson and Ian Shiemke discuss  the challenges of finding the right talent in the packaging industry, often referred to as 'unicorns.' They explore the importance of understanding organizational needs, defining qualifications, and the significance of internal alignment in the hiring process. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in qualifications and offerings, as well as the value of industry expertise in recruitment. The episode provides actionable insights for companies looking to enhance their hiring strategies and successfully navigate the talent acquisition landscape. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of leveraging connections and resources in hiring, the need for flexibility in salary and qualifications, and the significance of setting clear expectations for new hires. They emphasize the role of communication in aligning expectations and performance metrics, addressing high attrition rates, and creating a supportive onboarding process. The conversation also highlights the necessity of having decisive leadership in the hiring process and building a strong company culture to retain talent.

Takeaways

• The packaging industry faces challenges in finding the right talent, often referred to as 'unicorns.'
• Understanding organizational needs is crucial before searching for a candidate.
• A unicorn is defined as someone with a very specific skill set and experience.
• Companies should be open to candidates from adjacent industries.
• Every day a position remains unfilled impacts the organization financially.
• Defining, organizing, and prioritizing qualifications is essential for successful hiring.
• Internal alignment among decision-makers leads to a smoother recruitment process.
• Flexibility in qualifications and offerings is key to attracting top talent.
• Transparency and communication with recruitment partners enhance the hiring process.
• The packaging industry is interconnected, making relationships vital for recruitment. Leverage all available connections and resources for hiring.
• Flexibility in salary and qualifications can attract better talent.
• Setting clear expectations is crucial for new hires' success.
• Regular communication helps align expectations and performance metrics.
• High attrition rates may indicate internal issues that need addressing.
• A supportive onboarding process is essential for new hires.
• Decision-makers should be clear and decisive in the hiring process.
• Company culture plays a significant role in employee retention.
• Utilizing technology can enhance recruitment efforts.
• Engaging in open conversations can lead to better hiring outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast

01:52 Defining the Unicorn: Skills and Experience

03:45 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Hiring

05:46 Analyzing Organizational Needs and Pain Points

09:34 Assembling the Leadership Team for Recruitment

10:32 Defining Qualifications: Hard and Soft Skills

13:01 The Role of Internal Alignment in Hiring

16:19 Flexibility in Qualifications and Offerings

19:50 Transparency and Communication in Recruitment

23:10 Conclusion: The Importance of Industry Expertise

24:38 Leveraging Connections and Resources

25:33 Flexibility in Hiring and Salary Adjustments

27:15 Understanding Market Dynamics and Talent Acquisition

30:19 Setting Expectations for New Hires

32:35 The Importance of Clear Communication

34:20 Aligning Expectations and Performance Metrics

37:29 Addressing High Attrition Rates

40:39 Creating a Supportive Onboarding Process

42:32 The Role of Decision-Makers in Hiring

45:37 Building a Strong Company Culture

https://sparkpackaginginc.com/

In this episode, Derek S. Volk, a third-generation leader at Volk Packaging, shares his journey in the packaging industry, leadership lessons learned from coaching softball, and the importance of taking risks in business. He discusses the difference between fairness and equality in leadership, the significance of small gestures in business, and the value of honesty in communication. Derek also highlights his commitment to giving back to veterans and shares insights from his personal journey as a parent of a child with autism.

Takeaways

Derek Volk is a third-generation leader at Bulk Packaging.

Leadership lessons can be learned from coaching sports.

Taking risks is essential for business growth.

Fairness and equality are different concepts in leadership.

Small gestures can make a big impact in business relationships.

Honesty is crucial in business communications.

Giving back to the community is a core value.

Understanding limitations is important for success.

Building relationships with veterans is a priority.

Personal experiences shape leadership and business philosophy.

Chapters

00:00 Career Journey and Company Values

07:16 Leadership Lessons from Softball

14:57 Taking Risks in Business

15:24 Taking Risks and Going for It

19:28 Creating a Flexible Plan

23:16 Fair vs. Equal: Understanding Treatment

24:23 The Importance of Small Ball in Business

31:34 Swinging the Right Bat: Knowing Your Limits

37:22 Giving Back: Supporting Veterans

43:19 Chasing the Rabbit: A Journey with Autism

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm podcast, Trent Halasek, a young leader in the packaging industry, shares his journey from accounting to sales management. He discusses the importance of understanding both the financial and operational aspects of the business, the significance of networking through organizations like AICC, and strategies for building a successful sales team. Trent emphasizes the need for continuous personal development, adapting leadership styles to different generations, and the importance of celebrating team wins. He also highlights the value of authenticity in personal branding, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn.

Takeaways

Trent Halasek is a sales manager with a diverse background in accounting and operations.

Understanding both financial and operational aspects is crucial for sales success.

Networking through organizations like AICC can provide valuable industry connections.

Building a world-class sales team requires passion, drive, and the right fit for each role.

Young leaders must establish credibility through knowledge and hard work.

Continuous personal development is essential for career progression.

Adapting leadership styles to different generations is key to effective management.

Celebrating team wins fosters motivation and a positive work environment.

Authenticity in personal branding resonates more than corporate messaging.

Sales professionals must lead with professionalism while building relationships. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trent Halasek and His Journey

05:26 Transitioning from Operations to Sales Management

08:43 Navigating Customer Relationships and Sales Solutions

12:12 Involvement with AICC and Networking Opportunities

15:26 Building a World-Class Sales Team

19:00 Early Career Accomplishments and Leadership Growth

24:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Development

29:54 Building Credibility as a Young Leader

35:00 Celebrating Wins and Team Motivation

40:02 Authenticity in Personal Branding and Leadership