Printing's Alive

Jay Busselle on Innovating Print Culture: Leadership, Mentorship, and Marketing in a Changing Industry

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Jay Busselle discuss the evolving challenges in the print industry, focusing on engaging youth and the impact of figures like Gary Vee. They explore bridging communication gaps, adapting to technological changes, and promoting a positive industry culture. The conversation covers innovative technologies like Nova Glue and Felix Gluer, and the importance of company identity. They also delve into leadership, mentorship, integrating new salespeople, and the role of AI in marketing. The episode concludes with insights on fostering connections and the importance of humor in business. (0:00) Introduction, guest welcome, and print industry challenges (2:00) Importance of youth and influence of Gary Vee (4:26) Communication gaps and adapting to technology changes (10:01) Value of student engagement (13:33) Promoting a positive industry culture (17:13) Company identity and culture (19:21) Issues with industry-sponsored content (23:08) Promoting print through apparel (23:45) Leadership, company culture, and innovation (24:13) Innovative gluing technology: Nova Glue and Felix Gluer (26:42) Consulting and the value of advice (28:52) Knowledge sharing and mentorship (30:20) Team spirit and mentorship in print (36:33) Integrating new salespeople (41:01) Embracing change in print and apparel (43:01) The power of marketing and memorable promotions (46:01) Building relationships through shared activities (47:02) The limitations and role of AI in marketing (48:02) Impact of personalized business cards (51:02) Fostering connections through personal interests (54:21) The importance of humor and light-heartedness (55:12) Lessons from dog walking and human interactions (57:02) Closing remarks and call to action

From Stamps to Space: Ben Glazier on Designing for Stephen Hawking, NASA, and Beyond

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Ben Glazier explore the intersection of print, design, and space exploration. Ben discusses his journey from Xerox connections to designing iconic stamps for Stephen Hawking and NASA, including ones that landed on the moon. They cover the creative process, approval challenges, and collaborations with figures like Nicole Stott. The discussion includes the evolution of stamp usage, digital printing, and printers' roles in client education. Ben highlights the importance of engaging design education and UV printing's potential. The episode wraps up with insights on balancing passion projects with professional work. (0:00) Introduction and guest background (1:04) Connection through Xerox and previous podcast (1:40) Designing and presenting Stephen Hawking stamps (2:37) Work with the Stephen Hawking Foundation and Isle of Man Government (4:31) Meeting Stephen Hawking and continued collaboration with Lucy Hawking (8:03) Designing stamps for NASA and moon landing anniversaries (10:05) Getting into stamp design through the Worshipful Company of Boyers (13:46) Approval process for stamp designs (16:36) Stamps landing on the moon with Chris Stott's mission (17:18) Collaboration with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott (19:11) Recent stamp set "Oceans to the Stars" (21:42) Philosophical discussion on the overview effect (22:33) Displaying stamp designs at Piccadilly Circus (24:12) Transition from design to space projects (25:46) Designing stamps for the RAF anniversary (28:38) Evolution and future of stamp usage (30:38) Digital printing and customized stamps (32:50) Effectiveness of hand-addressed marketing (35:02) Experience at NASA's Mission Control (39:22) Encouraging students to challenge design briefs (44:08) Importance of engaging teaching in design education (45:44) Current trends in print embellishments (49:22) Importance of engaging designers in print (51:53) Printers' role in educating clients (54:27) Expanding creative possibilities with UV printing (57:10) Collaboration between printers and designers (1:02:07) Passion projects and work-life balance (1:06:17) Inspiration from the space industry (1:07:27) Embracing new skills and adaptability in print (1:08:17) Final words: Challenge the brief and have fun

Erik Norman on swissQprint, Sustainability, and Innovation in Large Format Printing

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt is joined by Erik Norman from swissQprint to discuss the company's new facility and their decision to expand amid economic challenges. They delve into the importance of sustainability, critiquing FSC certification and emphasizing LEED certification. The conversation covers managing costs, delivering client value, and enhancing printing with textures and varnish. Erik shares insights on overcoming legacy thinking, engaging young employees, and the impact of young leadership. They also explore building a positive work culture, managing tariffs, and addressing mental health in the industry. The episode concludes with a call for open dialogue and empathy among printers. (0:00) Introduction and overview with Eric Norman from SwissQ Print (1:14) SwissQ Print’s new facility and building decisions (2:57) Economic challenges and choosing to expand (4:39) LEED certification and sustainability focus (5:02) Critique of FSC certification in printing (6:44) Managing costs in the print industry (8:22) Delivering value to clients (10:08) Enhancing large format printing with textures and varnish (13:20) SwissQ Print’s reliability and service approach (19:26) Notable client projects and applications (24:44) Overcoming legacy thinking in print (25:48) Listening to and learning from younger generations (27:02) Engaging young employees, especially on social media (28:58) Impact of young leadership in the print sector (30:20) Building a supportive and positive work culture (31:57) Starting meetings with positive stories (34:39) Eric Norman’s career path and joining SwissQ Print (36:22) Managing the North American subsidiary (40:25) Navigating tariffs and inventory management (41:59) Identifying the right customers for SwissQ Print (44:04) Common mistakes print buyers make (45:09) Cost-saving measures and productivity impacts (49:47) Addressing mental health in the print industry (51:22) Closing thoughts and upcoming events (52:15) Encouraging open dialogue among printers (53:03) The importance of empathy and OEM support (55:24) Final remarks and call to action

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