The Print & Pkg Lab - Practical conversations for print and packaging professionals - Powered by PIA MidAmerica

Ep. 23: Deep Dive: Thinking About Selling Your Business? Start Earlier Than You Think

Selling a printing business is rarely just a financial decision. In this Deep Dive conversation, Janie Morris sits down with Filip Buyse of Venture 10 to discuss the realities of M&A in the print and packaging industry—from valuation and buyer expectations to succession planning, operational readiness, and the emotional weight of stepping away from a

Ep. 22: Connective Labor – The New Sales Superpower You Can’t Automate   THRIVE: SALES

This brief explores connective labor as the last truly human edge in selling: the emotional, relational work of making buyers feel seen, safe, and understood. It shows how to recognize, name, and deliberately practice this invisible skill to win and keep business in an AI-saturated world. Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.

Ep. 21: Leadership Bites. A conversation with Zach Fargo – From Selling to Helping: What Actually Works in This Industry

Most people don’t plan on a career in print—and Zach Fargo didn’t either. In this conversation, Zach shares how he found his way into the industry, why he stayed, and what changed when he stopped focusing on selling and started focusing on helping. From restaurant rollouts and the surprising staying power of physical menus to

Ep. 20: 5 Things Gen Z Wants From Your Workplace (That You Can Actually Deliver) THRIVE: CULTURE

Gen Z isn’t “difficult”. They’re different. This 15‑minute brief breaks down five essentials aspects younger employees expect: Let’s dispense with the “young people don’t want to work” nonsense and lean in to the opportunities to fold them into our companies in ways that benefit everyone Learn more www.piamidam.org/thrive-series.

Ep. 19: Production Foundations: Hazardous Waste in Print: The Mistakes That Lead to Cost, Risk, and Compliance Issues

Hazardous waste in print isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety, cost, and day-to-day operational decisions. In this Production Foundations episode, Janie sits down with Xon Post (Clean Earth) and Teresa Campbell (PIA MidAmerica) to break down what plant managers need to know. They cover: Where print shops get into trouble What’s often misunderstood about waste