Printing's Alive

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

Mastering the Niche: Vladimir Gendelman on Print Innovation and Company Culture

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt engages with Vladimir Gendelman, CEO of Company Folders, to explore his journey from computer repair to the print industry, focusing on niche printing's significance. Vladimir shares insights into starting in the folder business, transitioning from outsourcing to insourcing, and the benefits of trade houses. They discuss Company Folders' specialties, geographic reach, and early SEO success. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on customer acquisition and the challenges of rapid growth. They touch on finding market niches, the importance of company culture, and using customer testimonials for marketing. The episode concludes with reflections on business stability and future growth plans. (0:00) Introduction, guest Vladimir Gendelman, and Warren’s self-promotion (1:05) Niche printing and its importance (2:02) Vladimir’s background and transition from computer repair to print (3:52) Product variety: Soviet Union vs. US (5:03) Starting unexpectedly in the folder business (7:04) Moving from outsourcing to insourcing (8:24) Benefits of trade houses in printing (9:05) Saying no to non-niche projects (10:57) Company Folders' specialties: folders, binders, envelopes (12:11) Geographic reach and shipping challenges (13:02) Early SEO success and website traffic (14:32) Impact of AI on customer acquisition (16:18) Company size and customer base (17:22) Minimal outreach marketing efforts (18:01) Revenue, missed marketing opportunities (20:14) Expanding services beyond the niche (22:00) Concerns about rapid growth and business stability (23:02) Potential for external marketing assistance (27:08) Finding and altering niches in the market (27:20) Story: custom printed cork products (29:11) Helping and mentoring others (32:03) Customer appreciation and testimonials (36:28) Using testimonials for marketing (38:28) Positivity and business outlook (39:15) Future growth plans (41:35) Learning from successes and mistakes (45:59) Handling customer mistakes and maintaining integrity (48:07) Building teams and company culture (49:08) Company events, team-building, and celebrations (53:05) Importance of good company culture (54:02) Recap: culture and niche (55:10) Closing remarks and final thoughts

Navigating Print's Future: Jamie McLennan on Strategy, Innovation, and Building Relationships

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt sits down with Jamie McLennan to explore his journey from commodity selling to strategic selling in the print industry. They discuss the challenges of print pricing, managing customer expectations, and the importance of building strong customer relationships. Jamie shares insights on training newcomers, embracing new technologies, and the evolution from DMR to Invoke. The conversation touches on the significance of self-marketing, the relevance of 'premium' in print, and trends in paper quality. They delve into the future of print with AI integration, industry challenges, and strategies for engaging younger generations. The episode concludes with a focus on sustainability and the ongoing relevance of print. (0:00) Introduction and Jamie McLennan's background (1:06) Shifting from commodity selling to strategic selling (2:26) Building and maintaining strong customer relationships (4:42) Print pricing challenges and managing customer expectations (7:02) Assessing print quotes and vendor credibility (10:48) Training newcomers and fostering industry knowledge (11:20) Invoke's customer service philosophy (14:35) Evolution from DMR to Invoke (15:38) Embracing new technologies and innovative practices (17:22) Marketing and brand reinforcement at Invoke (20:30) Self-marketing and its importance for printers (21:26) The meaning and relevance of 'premium' in print (23:04) Trends in paper quality and specifications (25:08) Pricing strategies and effective customer negotiations (26:40) Balancing order-taking with strategic thinking (28:41) Competing with large retail print services (30:41) Direct mail marketing: advantages for printers (34:48) The future of print with AI integration (39:04) Industry challenges and advice for print businesses (41:49) Bringing younger generations into the print industry (43:20) Collaborating and sharing strategies with competitors (44:50) Leveraging social media and modern marketing (45:49) The ongoing importance of print in everyday life (47:56) Sustainability and shaping the narrative around print (49:47) Promoting print to younger generations and addressing negativity (52:24) Closing thoughts and call to action

Be More Mensch: Building Community with Josh Fineman

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Josh Fineman dive into the origins and philosophy of the Be More Mensch group. They explore what it means to be a "Mensch," focusing on personal growth, integrity, and evolving roles of men. The conversation covers accepting help, community impact, and balancing responsibilities with self-care. They discuss cultural backgrounds, societal pressures, and integrating masculine and feminine aspects. Touching on the emotional impact of movies and meditation benefits, the episode highlights compassion, mental resilience, and technology's influence on mental health, encouraging listeners to seek help and use community resources. (0:00) Introduction and origins of Be More Mensch group (1:31) What it means to be a "Mensch" (2:21) Integrity and personal growth (3:34) Friendship, connection, and men's evolving roles (9:22) Accepting help and vulnerability (11:02) Be More Mensch community gatherings (17:03) Ripple effects on personal lives (20:27) Cultural and religious backgrounds (26:19) Societal expectations and pressures (27:24) Balancing responsibilities and self-care (29:12) Reevaluating needs and wants (30:02) Integrating masculine and feminine aspects (32:09) Emotional impact of movies (34:15) Meditation and breathing benefits (35:05) Group participant testimonials (39:23) Growing compassion and empathy (41:53) Community and self-awareness (46:20) Power of laughter and positive messaging (49:18) Reflections on life and death (52:55) Mental resilience strategies (54:40) Technology’s effect on mental health (55:20) Encouragement for seeking help (56:28) Community support and resources (57:01) Final thoughts and wrap-up