PIA MidAmerica Board Chairman, Rob Styacich, discusses business relationships, reputation, leadership, and the realities of growing and owning a print business.

Hazardous waste management is about more than disposal—it impacts safety, compliance, operational risk, and cost control. In this Production Foundations episode, Zan Post of Clean Earth and Teresa Campbell discuss hazardous waste handling, employee training, waste classification, documentation requirements, and common mistakes that can create regulatory and financial challenges. Learn how print and packaging companies

Learn how print buyers research vendors online and discover strategies that help your company become a preferred choice before the first sales conversation.

Automation is transforming how print companies operate, reducing manual touchpoints while improving quality, efficiency, and throughput. In this Deep Dive, Chris Manley of Graphco explores the evolution of print technology from traditional reproduction methods to today's integrated digital workflows and smart finishing systems. The conversation highlights how automation helps companies reduce costs, improve consistency, address

The 8-Touch Rule is dead. Today’s buyers often need 12+ thoughtful interactions before they’ll take a meeting. This 15-minute session shares a simple, modern multi-touch cadence, specific examples by channel, and practical tips to stay consistent without feeling spammy or burning out. Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.

Psychological safety is the missing link between culture, safety, and quality in and around your shop. In this 15‑minute brief, we’ll explore what it is, how everyday reactions from leaders shape it, and simple, repeatable behaviors that help people speak up before problems, mistakes, or injuries escalate. Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.

With over 50 years in print, Dave Pierson has seen the industry evolve from craftsmanship to modern manufacturing—but the fundamentals of running a successful operation haven’t changed as much as you might think. In this episode, Dave shares what he looks for the moment he walks into a plant, why workflow and communication often matter

Turn “we don’t have a marketing person” into a non-excuse. In this marketing  brief, you’ll get a simple weekly system any owner, CSR, or sales rep can run to consistently promote your shop, use print to sell print, and keep your pipeline warm. No marketing degree required. Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.

The annual PIA MidAmerica GraphEx Awards are just around the corner. This episode looks at ways to extend your win and use the honor throughout the year for brand awareness, client acquisition and retention, and for reinforcing positive and quality-oriented work cultures. Learn more at piamidam.org/graphex.

Habit stacking helps sales professionals build consistency by linking new business development actions to existing routines. By attaching small prospecting, follow-up, or planning habits to daily anchors, reps create momentum effortlessly. Over time, these micro-habits compound, transforming sporadic outreach into a predictable, results-driven rhythm for new business growth. Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.