In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott welcomes Neil Wallis, owner of Inkwell Printing based in Northamptonshire.

Neil shares his transition from a software and account management background into the printing industry, eventually taking over the family business from his wife’s parents roughly 11 years ago. We talk about his efforts to modernise the 40-year-old company by replacing manual, legacy equipment with digital-first solutions and advanced finishing technology.

Neil discusses his passion for the tactile nature of print compared to software and highlights his strategic focus on workflow automation. He explains that automation is not about replacing staff but about buying back time for team members to focus on value-added tasks and human-to-human customer service. By documenting processes and integrating tools like Artworker and OPS, Inkwell has significantly improved turnaround times and accuracy.

The episode concludes with Neil reflecting on the importance of knowing your value as a smaller printer and maintaining a relentless commitment to growth.

Key Takeaways

In this episode of The Printerviews, Colin Sinclair McDermott speaks with Dave Leskusky, President of Printing United Alliance, who reflects on a career spanning three decades in the industry.

Dave details his journey from selling magazine classified ads in 1995 to leading the transition of Napco Media into a digital-first media and events organisation before its integration with the Alliance.  

The discussion centres on the strategic vision behind bringing multiple trade associations under one umbrella to serve the entire printing ecosystem, from commercial and packaging to apparel and wide format.

Dave shares insights from the recent Printing United Expo in Orlando, noting the high energy and the success of new initiatives like the AI Pavilion and expanded student programmes.

He explains the concept of convergence, where printers leverage digital technology to diversify their offerings and capture more of their clients' marketing spend. 

By focusing on common challenges such as workforce development, legislative advocacy, and technological education, Dave highlights how the Alliance aims to provide the resources and leadership necessary for the industry to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. 

Key Takeaways

Unified several major associations to create a single, powerful voice for the printing ecosystem.  

Cultivated a talent pipeline by growing student membership from 200 to over 2,000. 

Encouraged printers to diversify into segments like packaging and promotional products via convergence.  

Established the AI Pavilion and consulting services to lead members through emerging technology shifts.  

Emphasised the need for consultative sales training to capture more of client marketing budgets.  

Provided over $150,000 in free educational courseware to students through the iLearning platform.  

Acts as a central advocacy body for legislative affairs, OSHA standards, and sustainability issues.  

This is episode 40, the second one recorded live at Printing United Expo in Orlando, with Karis Copp from Karis Copp Media.

Karis started in journalism working with Link Publishing on Print Monthly and Sign Link magazines. Then in 2018 she set up her own PR agency. She works exclusively with print and packaging businesses. And she's very good at what she does.

In the podcast we talk about turning technical content into stories people actually care about. How the media landscape is changing. Why authenticity matters more now than ever. Especially with AI everywhere.

She shares how she's scaled her agency and how she handles sustainability messaging. We discuss why knowing your worth matters, when to say no to clients who aren't the right fit, and how to build systems you can repeat.

We also get into video content and LinkedIn's growing influence. Karis explains why you need a clear mission statement before you start communicating anything externally. 

She knows the print industry inside out. She knows how to tell its stories, and she knows what works.

Key Takeaways

This episode is different. I recorded it live at Printing United Expo in Orlando with Megan O'Reilly and Maurice Harold from Pitch Black Printing Co. They'd just got married, and they chose the expo as part of their honeymoon. That tells you everything you need to know about how much print matters to them.
 
Pitch Black Printing has been going for ten years. It started with music and DIY screen printing. Now it's a respected Reno business that does fine art, commercial work, and numerous community projects. They're fiercely independent. And they've built something special.
 
We talked about their journey. How they've stayed involved in local causes. Why they charge fairly and keep learning. Their location in the Brewery District serves as both a gallery and a coffee house, allowing them to constantly build relationships with artists and clients.
 
We also got into the challenges. Managing a multifaceted business. Working as partners in life and work. What they've learned along the way. And, as always, there's the quick-fire round that shows their eclectic tastes and some quirky print adventures.
 
This episode is all about embracing creativity, collaboration, and community. Megan and Maurice are doing it right.

Key takeaways:

In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott speaks with Chris Minn, a prominent figure in the print industry and the founder of Digital Ink. They discuss the evolving landscape of print and marketing, the integration of AI, and the importance of community and mental health within the industry.

Chris shares his journey from being a semi-professional athlete to becoming a marketing leader, emphasizing the need for innovation and authenticity in marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of building strong networks and the initiatives like Sheet for Brains that aim to address mental health issues in the print sector.

Chris highlights the future of print as exciting, innovative, and inclusive, urging industry professionals to adapt and embrace change.

Takeaways

In this episode of  The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott interviews Shelby Sapusek, Chief Communications Officer at ColorCasters. Shelby shares her journey from the newspaper industry to becoming a color management expert, discussing the challenges and intricacies of color management in print. The conversation covers the importance of color consistency, the role of AI in color management, and the need for education in the print industry.

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott engages with Mark J. Subers and Chris Curran from Printing United Alliance. They discuss their roles, innovations in the printing industry, and the upcoming Printing United Expo in Orlando.

The conversation covers personal journeys into the printing world, the importance of customer service, and initiatives like the Women in Print Alliance and Student Day. They also delve into the significance of AI in printing, networking opportunities, and the planning involved in organizing such a large event. The episode emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the printing community and the commitment to fostering growth and inclusivity within the industry.

Takeaways

In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott talks with Nicole Spencer from RMC Digital about her journey in the print industry, the challenges and rewards of running a business, and the importance of community and innovation in print.

They discuss Nicole's career path, her involvement with Fespa, and the impact of print on education and global communities. 

Takeaways

In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott interviews Lance Hill, CEO of Eight Group, who shares his journey in the print industry, from his early days as an apprentice to leading a successful business.

Lance discusses the importance of leadership, company culture, and the role of AI in modern print operations. He emphasizes the need for transparency and communication within teams, the significance of customer relationships, and the value of giving back to the industry.

The conversation also touches on the recent recognition of Lance as CEO of the Year and the importance of having an exit strategy for business owners.

Takeaways

In this insightful episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott engages with Andy Rogers from Stahls to explore the transformative trends shaping the print industry.

They dive into the critical role of technology in driving innovation and efficiency, emphasizing the need for businesses to embrace digital tools and sustainable practices. Andy shares actionable strategies for navigating market fluctuations, including the importance of understanding customer needs and leveraging feedback for continuous improvement.

The discussion also highlights the power of collaboration and networking in fostering innovation and opening new business opportunities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to future-proof their operations and thrive in a competitive landscape.

Takeaways