The Printerviews

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Chris Edwards, Director of CVI Group and the CVI Training Centre. Chris is an industry veteran with over two decades of experience, but his start in the graphics world was entirely accidental. From washing cars on cold weekends to making Tasmanian Devil stickers layer by layer, he built his skills from the ground up on driveways and in workshops long before the advanced materials of today existed. We dive into Chris’s personal philosophy of getting comfortable being uncomfortable. This mindset shift has been the catalyst for his recent success, pushing him to overcome a lifelong fear of flying to judge the World Wrap Masters and to take on high profile projects like wrapping Eddie Hall’s truck. Chris also shares the reality of opening a dedicated training facility, discussing both the financial challenges and the immense reward of seeing young talent transform in just a few days. Whether he is talking about his passion for ice hockey or the technical nuances of a shark fin aerial, Chris’s energy for the trade is infectious. We explore why he believes every day is an apprentice day and why an open mindset is the single most important tool for any professional in the print and wrap industry today. Key Takeaways Accidental Beginnings: Chris entered the industry after getting fed up with cold hands while washing cars at a local garage. The Power of Mindset: Adopting the motto "get comfortable being uncomfortable" has been the key to accelerating his career in recent years. Overcoming Barriers: He conquered a major fear of flying specifically to accept a role as a World Wrap Masters judge. Training Reality: Opening a training center involves significant financial risk and "lessons" rather than just instant success. Youth Development: Chris has seen 15 and 16 year old students surpass expectations by being receptive "sponges" for new information. The "Shark Fin" Test: A signature part of his training involves teaching students to wrap a shark fin aerial in one piece to build their confidence. Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with associations like Fespa UK and the BSGA provide a "work family" that prevents the isolation of being a one man band. Eddie Hall Project: One of his proudest technical achievements was wrapping Eddie Hall’s truck with zero paint left on show. Continuous Learning: Despite 22 years in the game, Chris lives by the rule that "every day is an apprentice day". Openness to Help: He believes the industry would thrive if more people were willing to share knowledge and access the training resources available.

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel, a primary resource for knowledge sharing and innovation within the textile and interior decor industries .  With a career spanning nearly 30 years, Debbie shares her journey from working as a designer in vertical manufacturing to pioneering digital textile printing in the UK .  We dive into the evolution of CAD, the early days of printing fabric on desktop HPs, and how her manufacturing background gave her a unique perspective on the entire product journey from design to the retail shelf .       We explore the current state of the industry, which Debbie describes as being at a tipping point where digital technology and consumer behaviour are finally aligning .  We discuss the growing demand for customisation and on-demand manufacturing, as well as the critical need for circularity and transparency in the supply chain .  Debbie explains why the biggest disconnect currently sits between design and production and how savvy printers can bridge that gap by sharing more technical data and specifications with their creative clients .       Finally, we look toward the future, touching on the upcoming Digital Product Passport and the importance of remaining naturally curious in an ever-changing landscape .  Whether you are a traditional large format printer looking to move into decor or a creative wanting to understand the production floor better, this episode is packed with practical insights on staying ahead of the competition and making print less wasteful .  Key Takeaways Texintel's Mission: A hub for knowledge sharing and innovation designed to help the industry navigate the complexities of textile and decor printing  A Tipping Point: The industry is accelerating into a phase where technology and consumer demand for personalisation have reached a perfect alignment  Closing the Gap: The most significant disconnect in the industry is between the design process and the production floor   Waste Reduction: Up to 15% of material is often wasted on the cutting table; digital cutting and on-demand printing are essential for recapturing that profit   The Future of Ink: True circularity may involve inks that do not last forever, allowing for easier recycling of the underlying components   The Digital Product Passport: A major regulatory shift is coming that will require printers to provide detailed data to their customers regarding sustainability   On-Demand Benefits: Manufacturing on-demand eliminates stock waste, but it requires deep collaboration to avoid causing chaos in the plant  Democratisation of Print: Modern technology allows for a high-end textile mill setup to exist within the footprint of a standard garage   Staying Curious: To move forward in this market, professionals must remain in a state of continual learning to stay ahead of the competition   Defining Sustainability: The term is often overused; genuine responsibility involves efficient technology, collaborative knowledge flow, and innovation 

In this interview, Colin McDermott talks to Simon Wheeler to discuss his career, personal experiences, and his perspective on the future of the print industry.  Simon shares deeply personal stories, ranging from his battle with cancer at age 20 to unique professional highlights like meeting the Queen.  The conversation highlights Simon's commitment to vulnerability as a professional super weapon, arguing that being open and asking for help allows for the development of stronger, more authentic business relationships. The discussion centres on the evolution of technology, from photographic and digital to 3D and Artificial Intelligence. It also covers the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent. And, in a Printerviews first, Simon even shares a poem, written specifically for the podcast, which is a call to action for veteran industry professionals to mentor and support younger staff.  The interview concludes with an emphasis on the work being done by Fespa UK’s Next Generation initiative to educate and entice new talent into the field. Key Takeaways Opening up to others builds stronger and more authentic professional relationships Treat seeking assistance as a professional super weapon rather than a weakness Veteran professionals must guide the next generation to ensure long-term industry success The industry has evolved from traditional print to 3D and artificial intelligence Utilise Fespa UK to help educate and entice new talent into the field  Training staff may feel like a hardship but it pays big dividends later Choose authentic personal expression over AI-generated content to truly connect with others Personal hobbies like poetry can humanise and enhance your professional identity  Reach out to colleagues or Fespa UK to begin developing your staff  Use LinkedIn or direct email to maintain professional connections and industry dialogue

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.  

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.  

In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott hosts Peter Van Teeseling and Chris Hyde to discuss the Dscoop community, its evolution, and the importance of engagement within the digital print industry. They explore the mindset required to benefit from community events, the impact of COVID-19, and the role of AI in marketing. The conversation highlights the value of sharing knowledge, bridging generational gaps, and creating meaningful connections at events. Personal anecdotes and insights into the community's dynamics provide a deeper understanding of the unique culture within Dscoop. Takeaways The Dscoop community has evolved over 20 years, focusing on collaboration. Engagement in the community leads to greater personal and professional growth. Sharing knowledge is essential for collective success in the printing industry. The mindset of leaning in is crucial for maximizing event experiences. COVID-19 brought the community closer through shared challenges and support. Personal connections made at events can lead to lifelong relationships. Generational gaps exist in the industry, but there's a push for understanding. AI enhances marketing efforts but requires a strong storytelling foundation. The sense of abundance in sharing knowledge fosters growth for all members. Misconceptions about Dscoop being an HP event need to be clarified.  

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Gerard Baglieri, a partner at Visualize with over 35 years of experience in technology sales across global giants like Motorola, Cisco Systems, and Avaya. From his home turf in Denver, Colorado, Gerard joins the podcast to discuss his extensive background in sales execution and his upcoming session at Dscoop in March. He shares how his journey as an individual contributor, manager, and executive has shaped his approach to building effective sales journeys across various vertical markets. Gerard explains the power of the Value Selling framework, a methodology he first adopted as a client before becoming a partner at Visualize. He highlights how this process allowed him to grow business by over 100 per cent during a three-year stint in Southeast Asia, managing eleven different geographies. This conversation bridges the gap between high-level tech sales and the print industry, using his recent work with local print shops to demonstrate that successful sales execution always aligns with the specific goals of the client. The discussion delves into common sales team gaps, such as the struggle to reach economic buyers and the importance of speaking an executive's vernacular. Gerard provides practical advice on using AI for research, the necessity of being a proactive listener, and why print providers must shift from selling products to solving problems. He also emphasises the value of regular, purposeful communication cadences to expand existing accounts and avoid becoming unhooked by the competition. Key Takeaways Sales success relies on a consistent Value Selling framework. Focus on solving customer problems, not just pushing products. Access economic buyers by speaking their specific business language. Listen more than you talk to uncover client needs. Use AI tools to research and tighten customer profiles. Expand relationships beyond single contacts to create account stickiness. Leverage real-world customer impact metrics to drive new business. Maintain regular, purposeful communication cadences with your existing accounts. Differentiate your business by highlighting your specific technological edge. Every sales conversation should start with a clear goal.

In this episode of The Printerviews, I am joined by Joanne Gore of Joanne Gore Communications, a full-service B2B marketing agency specialising in the print industry. With a 30-year career as a corporate marketer and a former graphic designer, Joanne is on a personal mission to help printers sell more print by bridging the gap between how buyers decide and how the industry sells. We discuss her journey from managing global print production for tech giants to launching a virtual agency that helps companies get out of their own way. As we prepare for Dscoop in the Rockies, Joanne shares details of her upcoming session on moving from confusion to conversion through messaging playbooks. We explore the concept of 'AI slop' and why having a unified story is vital in today's market. Joanne explains how these playbooks provide the foundation for effectively training AI and ensuring every team member tells the same story. The conversation also covers the 'science of touch' and why print remains a powerhouse for brand awareness and customer satisfaction. Joanne provides practical advice on stretching marketing dollars by repurposing content and using niche lead magnets to stay proactive. We look at the future of the industry, where hyper-personalisation, smart packaging, and integrated digital experiences like QR codes will define the next generation of print communications. Key Takeaways Eliminate generic AI content by training agents with specific data. Use messaging playbooks to unify your brand story and team. Physical touch increases brand engagement and a sense of ownership. Stretch your marketing budget by repurposing every piece of content. Move beyond data reporting to find the why behind metrics. Create niche lead magnets to position your business as proactive. Sell the solution to the customer problem, not press speeds. Bridge physical and digital experiences with interactive elements like QR codes. Focus on hyper-personalisation and paper packaging to drive future growth. Evaluate your sales experience by viewing it as a consumer.

In this episode, I am joined by Lucy Swanston, the Managing Director of Nutshell Creative and Chair of the Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP). With over 20 years at the helm of Nutshell, Lucy shares her journey from starting a business in her back bedroom during a recession to leading a multi-award-winning agency that bridges the gap between creative strategy and print production. We discuss the importance of staying in your lane while remaining agile, and how print remains a vital, enduring ecosystem in an increasingly digital world. The conversation delves into the shift from a 'manufacturing-led' mindset to one that leads with value and strategy. Lucy explains why consistency is the most critical word in marketing, warning against the 'New Year’s resolution' approach to social media that quickly falls by the wayside. We also explore the surprising resurgence of direct mail among younger generations and why, as we look towards 2026, building credibility and human trust is more important than simply churning out automated content. Key Takeaways Consistency is the foundation of visibility and long-term marketing success. Transitioning from a 'printer' to a strategic partner requires leading with value rather than machinery. Younger generations have a high engagement rate with physical mail because it feels tangible and personal. Authenticity in AI-generated content is vital to maintaining trust with your audience.  Specialising in a specific sector or 'vertical' allows you to become a specialist rather than a generalist. Values like trust and transparency must be lived and breathed, not just used as marketing buzzwords. Effective time management is the biggest challenge for print leaders trying to grow their business. Integrated campaigns that blend digital and physical channels are far more powerful than single-channel efforts. Leadership success often comes from hiring for personality and cultural fit first. Print is a resilient, thousands-year-old ecosystem that continues to evolve rather than disappear.

In this special edition of The Printerviews, Colin Sinclair McDermott hits the Road to the Rockies to catch up with Emily Yepes from Sandler Training.  Emily brings a wealth of experience from the print world, having spent years selling print advertising before moving into sales training and leadership development. Her organisation specialises in helping businesses that cannot sell by price alone, particularly within the print and packaging sectors.   This conversation sets the stage for her upcoming appearance at DSCOOP in Denver, focusing on how to evolve sales strategies in a rapidly shifting market.  The discussion looks into the psychology of sales, specifically tackling the universal dread of prospecting. Emily explains that while many salespeople feel like a pest, success comes from running toward the problem and taking action despite the fear.  They also explore the 'freedom within a framework' approach to sales scripts and the vital role of technology.   Looking ahead to 2026, Emily highlights why every sales organisation needs to focus on specific AI use cases like call recording to provide clarity and relief for business leaders.   Key Takeaways  Strong sales teams require a leadership team that believes in a growth mindset   Mid-to-premium printers must sell on value because they will always lose on price   Prospecting is the single most important responsibility for new business development   You must address prospecting through the three lenses of attitude, behaviour, and technique   You do not have to like prospecting, but you must do it to create new results   Rejection of a sales conversation is never a personal rejection of you   In 2026, B2B sales involve multiple influencers rather than a single decision maker   Frameworks provide the freedom to deliver a message through your own personality   Leaders should ignore the noise and focus on specific AI use cases for their teams   Call recording is a vital tool for both salesperson focus and external coaching