Printing's Alive

Lee Murphy on Signage Industry Insights, Challenges, and Innovations

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Lee Murphy dive into the fascinating world of signage. Lee shares his journey into the signage industry and the variety of projects at Access Signs. They explore the differences between the sign and print industries, discussing steps for obtaining business signage, including permit processes and common challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of signage for businesses, the impact of Chinese manufacturing, and memorable installation experiences. They also touch on automation, labor challenges post-COVID, and future trends in signage. The episode concludes with a discussion on the pride of creating impactful signs and the importance of customer feedback. (0:10) Introduction and Lee Murphy’s background (1:26) Types of signage projects at Access Signs (2:41) Lee’s journey into the signage industry (5:28) Sign industry vs. print industry (6:21) Steps to obtain business signage (8:10) Permit processes and common challenges (11:29) Customer visits and project reassurance (13:27) Receiving proper artwork files (16:22) Planning and timeframes for signage projects (17:10) Memorable and challenging sign projects (21:01) More memorable and challenging projects (23:33) Importance of signage for businesses (27:08) Choosing the right sign company (30:18) Impact of Chinese manufacturing on signage (34:12) Customer engagement and sales follow-up (37:08) Unusual and memorable installation experiences (40:15) Costly mistakes and lessons learned (41:45) Automation and software in the sign industry (45:48) Labor challenges post-COVID (49:38) Rising costs and industry impact (50:08) Future trends and innovations in signage (51:50) Collaboration with large format printing companies (54:16) Signage and business visibility (55:30) Brand promotion through signage (56:15) Pride in creating signs and customer feedback (57:17) Outro and call to action

NextGen Print: Engaging Youth, Leadership, and the Future of the Industry

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Bryce Poremba and Blake Peterson to delve into the diverse world of print. They discuss the scope and importance of the industry, addressing common misconceptions and the everyday impact of print. The episode highlights the challenges of an aging workforce and the need to attract young talent through engaging strategies and industry events. They explore opportunities presented by new technologies, the role of designers, and the importance of effective marketing. Emphasis is placed on mentorship, leadership, and collaboration among industry associations. The episode concludes with a positive outlook on the print industry's future and a call to involve young voices in shaping its direction. (0:10) Episode and guest introductions (3:20) The scope and importance of the print industry (3:58) Common misconceptions about print (5:24) Print Whisperer Shop mention (6:39) Everyday impact of print (7:12) Founding of NextGen Leaders Society (10:15) Challenges: Aging workforce in print (14:20) Bringing young people to industry events (19:01) Strategies to attract young talent (23:03) Print industry opportunities and new tech (24:51) Shifting industry conversations (25:16) Timely sample delivery (27:26) Designers’ influence on print embellishment (28:29) Leadership’s role in engaging young talent (29:13) Marketing effectively to designers (30:21) Early involvement from OEMs (31:49) Mentorship and leadership in print (33:10) Engaging youth via social media and video (38:01) Vision for association growth (41:01) Building a dedicated association website (45:01) Encouraging independence from older generations (46:16) Collaboration among industry associations (46:36) Print Embellishment Conference overview (47:58) Special events and networking at the conference (49:16) Benefits of attending industry shows (50:23) Investing in print employees (51:00) Positive outlook for the print industry (52:19) Encouraging youth involvement (52:43) Inviting young voices to the podcast (53:10) Closing remarks and call to action

Sheilae Siagian and Steve Falk on Promoting Print, Engaging Youth, and Building Industry Connections

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt chats with Sheilae Siagian and Steve Falk about the enduring appeal of print. Sheila shares her passion for hands-on print work and the tactile aspects that draw people to the trade. They discuss print's significance in daily life, Canadian Print Scholarships, and Sheila’s visits to printing facilities. The conversation covers attracting young talent, the role of packaging and print embellishments, and modernizing industry associations. Ideas for engaging the next generation, like a young print party and student print day, are also explored (0:00) Introduction, guest introduction, and Sheila's background (2:50) The appeal and tactile aspects of hands-on print work (6:48) Sharing Sheila's videos and online presence (11:05) Overview of the Canadian Print Scholarships (13:32) The importance of print as a trade (16:29) The significance of print in everyday life (18:39) Sheila's visits to various printing facilities (24:23) Canadian print scholarships and supporting organizations (27:48) Developing relationships with Quebec print schools (29:04) Sheila's future career aspirations (32:05) Print school equipment and industry partnerships (35:41) Importance of packaging and print embellishments (37:04) Strategies to attract and engage young talent in print (40:25) Creative ideas for promoting print to younger generations (41:46) Challenges in modernizing print industry associations (42:22) Issues with commission-based sales roles and fair pay (43:42) Upcoming video content and finding a vehicle wrapping expert (45:19) Utilizing social media for promotion (45:31) Ideas for a young print party (46:01) Sponsor: Graphics Canada (48:14) Passing the torch to the next generation (49:20) Proposal for student print day (51:07) Encouragement to promote youth in the print industry

Empowering Minds: Jessica DeCola on Mental Health, Culture, and Print Innovation

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Jessica DeCola to discuss the Sheet for Brains initiative, emphasizing the importance of mental health in the print industry. They explore strategies for attracting and retaining new talent, the significance of company culture, and managing generational differences. Jessica shares her transition from vendor to printer and the support she receives from her new employer. The conversation highlights the role of social media engagement, particularly LinkedIn, and the emotional impact of Sheet for Brains sessions. The episode concludes with insights into Jessica's new role at Blooming Color, their services, and her passion for her work. (0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and Sheet for Brains initiative (1:34) Importance of mental health in the print industry (5:06) Attracting and retaining new talent (6:49) Importance of company culture and generational differences (9:04) Creating a positive work culture and improving engagement (13:01) Transition from vendor to printer (17:14) Support for Sheet for Brains from new employer (21:30) Encouraging employee social media engagement (22:14) Introducing Sheila, the Print Nerd (23:15) Importance of LinkedIn for sales professionals (25:26) Reflecting company culture through personal branding (25:57) Emotional impact of Sheet for Brains sessions (27:08) Helping individuals feel connected and supported (28:24) The value of therapy and support networks (33:32) New role at Blooming Color (34:36) Overview of Blooming Color’s services (37:10) Passion and motivation at work (38:27) Final thoughts and appreciation for listeners

Pressing Issues: Clark Scherer on Offset Challenges and Digital Printing Advancements

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Clark Scherer explore the evolution of the printing industry. They discuss Clark's transition from Komori, the longevity of various presses, and challenges in offset printing. Topics include private equity's impact, offset vs. digital profitability, and digital press lifecycles. They also cover technological advancements, service importance, staffing challenges, and creating a one-stop shop for printing supplies. The episode highlights attracting young talent with AI, social media strategies, sourcing press parts, future digital trends, and cost-effective inventory management. (0:00) Introduction and Clark Scherer's background (1:26) Transition from Komori to new business ventures (2:22) Warren Werbitt's first offset press experience (3:29) Longevity and comparison of Komori, Mitsubishi, and other presses (5:15) Challenges in the offset printing industry (6:22) Announcement about Baldwin and UV system support (7:09) Impact of private equity on the printing industry (8:29) Offset vs. digital printing: profitability and ownership (10:06) Digital press lifecycle and considerations (12:00) Advancements and marketing in press technology (14:10) Importance of service and maintenance (16:26) Shift patterns and staffing challenges (17:32) Diversification in commercial printing (18:02) Print Whisper shop and Offset Press Supply vision (20:19) Building a one-stop shop for printing supplies (22:20) Attracting young talent to the printing industry (24:34) Using AI tools and modern training for recruitment (27:49) Importance of updated websites and social media presence (30:50) Engaging younger employees through social media (33:08) Examples of successful social media strategies (35:05) Sourcing printing press parts: challenges and solutions (39:18) Digital printing equipment and cost of ownership (41:47) Future trends in digital printing (44:17) Inventory management strategies (46:06) Cost-effective shipping options for supplies (48:30) Lower-cost alternatives to Uline products (50:33) Savings on shrink-wrap for printers (53:30) Subscription model for consumable supplies (56:16) Service network and partnerships for UV systems (57:29) Final thoughts and future plans (58:08) Episode closing remarks