The Printerviews: Daily Summaries Delivered

Episode 18. Theresa Hegel

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at the Advertising Specialty Institute. Theresa has spent 12 years at ASI, built the industry's leading sustainability hub Promo for the Planet, won the Jesse H. Neal Award three times, and co-hosts the Branding Together podcast. Before ASI, she designed front pages under deadline at daily newspapers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. We get into convergence, where print and promo are already overlapping and where the gap still lies. Theresa makes the case that the two industries share more clients, campaigns, and opportunities than most people realise, and that the main barrier is not opportunity but language. We also cover what commercial printers get wrong about moving into promo, starting with the assumption that it requires significant capital investment. Sustainability takes up a good stretch of the conversation. ASI ran a joint study with European partners and competitor PPAI comparing the carbon footprint of promotional products against five advertising mediums including digital. The headline finding was that promo has an eight times smaller carbon footprint than digital advertising, which surprises most people. Theresa explains why it makes sense, and why the industry needs to be part of that conversation now rather than waiting to be dragged into it. Key Takeaways Print and Promo Are Already Converging: The same clients, the same campaigns. The industries are more intertwined than most people realise. No Equipment Needed to Get Into Promo: The promo distribution model runs on consultative sales and supplier relationships, not machinery. Promo Has an Eight Times Smaller Carbon Footprint Than Digital Advertising: The finding from a joint ASI and PPAI study that most people do not expect. Do Not Wait for Clients or Regulation to Force the Conversation: The businesses ahead are building capability now, not waiting for permission. Collaboration Across Competitors Is Possible: ASI ran the carbon study jointly with PPAI — a direct competitor — because sustainability is bigger than any one company. The One-Stop-Shop Opportunity Is Real: Clients do not want to shop separately for print and promo — if you can offer both, the door is already open. Use AI for Transcripts, Not for Writing: Theresa's team use it to surface quotes and save time in interviews — they do not use it to write articles. TikTok Is Worth Watching Even If You Are Not Posting: Trends in branded merch often surface there first — keeping an eye on it gives you a head start on what clients will want.

Episode 17. Jessica DeCola from Blooming Color

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Jess DeCola, who has recently movedfrom substrate distributor GPA to Blooming Color as their Director of Brand and Strategic Growth. With over a decade in the print industry spanning thermal films, food packaging, distribution, and marketing, Jess shares what it feels like to be on day five of a brand new role and why it already feels like coming home. We explore what drew her to Blooming Color, from the leadership style to a culture where the CEO can tell you something personal about every single employee. Jess opens up about her eight and a half years at GPA, how she walked into a contractor role and told them they would have to hire her, and why she believes culture is the single biggest thing print businesses underinvest in. We also dive into the She*t for Brains sessions at Dscoop in Denver, which left both of us still processing weeks later. From the keynote on resilience and leadership to audience members grabbing the microphone and sharing deeply personal stories, the sessions proved that our industry is hungry for spaces where people can be honest about what they are going through. Plus, Jess shares her advice for the next generation, inspired by an unforgettable panel moment where a room full of seasoned print professionals were told that they need to catch up with the younger generation. Key Takeaways New Chapter at Blooming Color: Jess has joined Blooming Color as Director of Brand and Strategic Growth, bringing her decade of experience from the supply and distribution side to a PSP working directly with brands and end users. Culture Is Everything: Blooming Color's leadership is visibly present on the floor, personally invested in their people, and building a team that genuinely wants to work hard because they feel valued in return. Sheet for Brains Continues to Grow: The Dscoop Denver sessions created powerful, emotional breakthroughs with audience members opening up in ways nobody expected, proving the industry needs more safe spaces for honest conversation. Chase the Minnows, Not Just the Whales: PSPs often focus on landing the biggest accounts, but the real missed opportunity lies in partnering with smaller, growing businesses and building loyalty from the ground up. Invest in Your People: The single most impactful thing a print business can do tomorrow is invest in its team and its culture, because if your people are not okay, your business is not okay. Women in Print Are Making Progress: Visibility and voice for women in the industry are growing through organisations like Women in Print and the Women in the Printing Alliance, but there is still a long way to go. Advice for the Next Generation: Show up with enthusiasm and passion, advocate for yourself, and set boundaries early. Mackenzie Griffin's message to the industry was clear and confident: you need to catch up with us. The Power of Vulnerability: Men in particular struggle to show their vulnerable side in professional settings, and the ripple effect of one person speaking up at the Sheet for Brains sessions opened the floodgates for others to do the same. Find Your Safe Space: Whether it is therapy, a coach, or a trusted person, investing in yourself first makes everything around you feel a little bit easier.

Ep. 16 Mark Stephenson, The Spark Organisation

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Mark Stephenson, who recently concluded an incredible 27-year career at Fujifilm. With nearly 50 years of experience in the print industry, Mark shares his journey from starting as a letterpress apprentice to selling Apple Macs in 1989. We dive into the massive technological shifts he has witnessed over the decades and how his passion for seeing printed products jump from someone's brain into physical reality has kept him captivated by the industry. We explore the current state of inkjet technology, which Mark describes as finally becoming mainstream. We discuss its ability to outperform offset when printing on expensive stocks by delivering a perfect first sheet with zero waste, as well as its dominance in high-speed variable data jobs. Mark also reveals his brand-new venture, The Spark Organization, where he will be using his extensive network to serve as an MC, host, and presenter for the industry. Whether you are a seasoned print boss needing to get a grip on your margins or someone looking to leverage trade shows for real networking, this episode is packed with invaluable advice. Plus, we announce Mark's upcoming role as a host for our Print Mastermind sessions. Key Takeaways The Spark Organisation: Mark is launching a new venture to act as a host, MC, and presenter, helping organisations share their value face-to-face or online. Inkjet Goes Mainstream: Inkjet technology has reached a tipping point and offers massive potential, particularly for zero-waste printing on high-value substrates. Proof of Concept Before Purchase: Avoid buying new technology like embellishment equipment without a ready audience; outsource the work first to build demand before investing. Simplify for the Buyer: The industry often makes print too complex by putting the burden of file formatting and problem-solving onto the customer instead of bringing them solutions. Know Your Numbers: The biggest area print business owners overlook is understanding the nuts and bolts of their business, specifically knowing their costs and pricing for margin. The Power of Face-to-Face: While digital connections made during COVID were valuable, in-person trade shows remain essential for breathing life into industry networking. The Comfort Zone Debate: Contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs to leave their comfort zone; there is massive value in employees who are happy and productive right where they are. Long-Term Leadership: Alongside his new business, Mark has mapped out the next five years of his career taking on leadership roles within the IPIA, culminating in a future presidency. Print Mastermind Expansion: Mark is officially joining Colin and Jack to host upcoming sessions of the Print Mastermind community.

Episode 15. Chris Edwards from CVI Group

Episode 14. Debbie McKeegan from Texintel

13. Simon Wheeler from Stylo

Episode 11. Bob Raus & Chris Minn

In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott hosts Chris Minn and Bob Raus to discuss the upcoming Dscoop event and the significance of community and collaboration in the print industry. They reflect on the previous year's event, the excitement surrounding the upcoming hackathon, and the importance of AI and automation in business. The conversation highlights the launch of the Automation Club, practical applications of AI, and the need for ongoing dialogue within the community to navigate industry challenges. Takeaways The Dscoop community fosters collaboration and friendship. Hackathons are designed to inspire and train participants. AI is a critical tool for business growth and efficiency. The Automation Club will provide ongoing support and resources. Participants can learn practical applications of technology. Community engagement is essential for overcoming industry challenges. The hackathon will focus on business perspectives, not just technical skills. Networking at events leads to real-time problem-solving. Continuous learning and adaptation are vital in the print industry. The importance of faith and good intentions in business relationships.

Season 2. Episode 12. Fiona Robinson from Print.com

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Fiona Robinson, the UK Country Captain for print.com. With over 20 years in the industry, Fiona has worked in almost every department of a print business, from sales and marketing to finance and operations. We discuss her journey through the explosive growth of the printing.com franchise network and how she eventually transitioned from being an employee to an employer by running her own print franchise. We explore the unique origin story of print.com, a pan-European platform that was co-created alongside 100 print professionals. Fiona explains how the business started with a domain name and a customer-first perspective rather than a printing press, allowing them to build a 'sweet shop' for marketing professionals. We also discuss the importance of the human element in a digital-heavy world and why print.com relies on 'test pilots' to refine their offering for the UK market. Fiona shares her insights on the current resurgence of tactile print experiences, specifically in packaging, booklets, and gifting. We look at the challenges creatives face when specifying print and how tools like unbranded 'look books' help bridge the knowledge gap. Key Takeaways print.com was co-created with 100 customers to ensure a customer-first perspective. Diverse experience across all departments builds a better understanding of the print ecosystem. To keep good staff, you must keep their roles interesting and evolving. Transitioning from employee to employer provides a vital perspective on supporting a network. Print is a tactile, physical experience that digital cannot fully replace. The 'no human eyes' rule helps identify which jobs need a sanity check. Providing choices for specific printing methods online gives trade customers more control. Physical 'look books' are essential for helping creatives understand papers and finishes. Packaging and gifting are currently seeing a major resurgence in the market. Successful print businesses focus on the creative experience, not just the product.