The Printerviews

Colin Sinclair McDermott
  • 4.8 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

Real conversations with real people from all aspects of the printing industry sharing experiences, challenges and plenty of useful knowledge to get you thinking differently about your business.

  1. Episode 5. Tom Peire from Four Pees

    3 DAYS AGO

    Episode 5. Tom Peire from Four Pees

    In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott is joined by Tom Peire, CEO of Four Pees and Chief Evangelist at Atomyx. Based in Ghent, Belgium, which is a hub for print software innovation, Tom shares his journey from a high school dropout and aspiring graphic designer to leading a digital transformation agency for the print industry. The conversation dives into the evolution of automation, moving beyond simple downward streams to what Tom calls 'connected automation'. He explains how Atomyx, a cloud-based integration platform (iPaaS), aims to revolutionise production by lowering the barriers to connecting complex IT stacks. Tom also emphasises the human side of technology, noting that their tagline 'Feel the Good Flow' is about managing the emotional transition for both business owners and shop-floor operators. Beyond the technical, Tom reveals his personal passion for tandem cycling, sharing the story of a 5,000Km journey to the North Cape with his wife, an experience he describes as the ultimate relationship builder and a metaphor for the collaboration required in business. Key Takeaways True efficiency requires all systems to be interconnected, allowing data to flow in all directions, not just from artwork to output. Many print shops struggle not because of technology, but due to a lack of clear management vision and a manufacturing-only mindset. To succeed as a fulfilment partner for marketplaces like Gelato or Amazon, printers must provide real-time data and transparency back to the buyer. Investing in software (often ranging from £50k to £100k) frequently offers a return on investment of less than one year by reducing manual touchpoints. Branding in the technical space should address the emotional impact of change, moving from fear of technology to feeling the flow" In the next five years, the ratio of investment in software and sales technology versus heavy machinery must increase for printers to remain competitive.

    44 min
  2. Episode 4. Jon, Dave, Jessica and Chris from She*t for Brains

    26 JAN

    Episode 4. Jon, Dave, Jessica and Chris from She*t for Brains

    In this episode of The Printerviews, Colin is joined by Jon Bailey, Jessica DeCola, Dave Rosendahl, and Chris Minn, the founding team behind the She*t4Brains mental health initiative .   The group shares the origin story of their movement, which began with an unscripted moment on stage at DSCOOP last year, that threw the typical industry script out the window to focus on real life struggles.  The conversation explores the deep exhaustion and trauma felt by industry leaders following years of supply chain disruptions and the personal isolation of running a business .  The team discusses their framework of seven pillars, which covers everything from resilience and substance abuse to the unique challenges faced by working parents.  By hosting quarterly virtual sessions with a strict code of conduct, they have created a safe space where peers can drop their professional veneer and be authentic about their mental health. As they move toward official nonprofit status, the founders outline their vision for the next 18 months, which includes providing tools for the wider community to amplify these vital conversations in their own workplaces.  This episode highlights why breaking the silence around mental health is the key to building a more resilient and connected workforce for 2026 and beyond. Key Takeaways The initiative aims to help one person at a time. Vulnerability encourages others to share their struggles. Cultural differences affect how mental health is perceived. Authenticity in conversations fosters trust and connection. Substance abuse is a significant issue in the industry. The mental health pandemic is a pressing concern post-COVID. The initiative is evolving into a nonprofit organisation. Community support is crucial for mental health awareness. Open discussions can lead to transformative experiences. The importance of humour and lightness in serious conversations.

    47 min
  3. Episode 3. Richard Askam of Print Island

    19 JAN

    Episode 3. Richard Askam of Print Island

    In this episode of The Printerviews, Colin is joined by Richard Askam, the host and founder of Print Island. Richard shares the story of his accidental pivot from a 50-year-old family wine business into the print industry, where he pioneered the use of personalised labels to stay ahead of retail giants. The conversation explores the deeper purpose of print, moving beyond technical specifications to focus on the emotional connection and transformation it provides to the end consumer. Richard also discusses his latest venture, Print Island, a content platform designed to act as the Spotify for print by hosting honest, unvested conversations about what the industry is actually for. Richard emphasises the need for the industry to ditch its technical jargon and reclaim its confidence through authentic storytelling. As a public speaking coach, he also offers advice on how to bridge the communication gap between manufacturers and the outside world to ensure the industry continues to flourish in 2026 and beyond. This episode is a must for anyone looking to understand the intersection of retail trends, consumer psychology, and the enduring power of print.  Key Takeaways Richard transitioned from a 50-year-old family wine business into pioneering personalised labels as a survival strategy. The Share a Coke project was designed as a communication tool to engage a younger generation. Print Island provides an unvarnished, honest space for the industry to tell its story to the outside world. Consumers value the emotional reaction and transformation of a product more than the technical process of printing. Success in modern marketing requires translating technical print jargon into clear consumer English. Personalisation has moved from a luxury to a standard consumer expectation that brands must now facilitate. Public speaking and storytelling are natural human skills that printers must unlock to build confidence.

    42 min
  4. Episode 2. Neil Wallis of Inkwell Printing

    12 JAN

    Episode 2. Neil Wallis of Inkwell Printing

    In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott welcomes Neil Wallis, owner of Inkwell Printing based in Northamptonshire. Neil shares his transition from a software and account management background into the printing industry, eventually taking over the family business from his wife’s parents roughly 11 years ago. We talk about his efforts to modernise the 40-year-old company by replacing manual, legacy equipment with digital-first solutions and advanced finishing technology. Neil discusses his passion for the tactile nature of print compared to software and highlights his strategic focus on workflow automation. He explains that automation is not about replacing staff but about buying back time for team members to focus on value-added tasks and human-to-human customer service. By documenting processes and integrating tools like Artworker and OPS, Inkwell has significantly improved turnaround times and accuracy. The episode concludes with Neil reflecting on the importance of knowing your value as a smaller printer and maintaining a relentless commitment to growth. Key Takeaways Transitioned from a software background to lead a 40-year-old family printing business. Modernised operations by replacing legacy manual presses with Speedmaster and digital finishing equipment. Utilises automation to free up staff time for high-value tasks and customer service. Emphasises the tactile value of print as a key advantage over digital-only media. Documented internal processes to remove manual inefficiencies and gain hours back in production. Advocates for standardising technical language to improve clarity for both staff and customers. Focuses on human-to-human relationships while leveraging tech like WhatsApp and automated job sheets.

    38 min
  5. Episode 1. Dave Leskusky of Printing United Alliance

    5 JAN

    Episode 1. Dave Leskusky of Printing United Alliance

    In this episode of The Printerviews, Colin Sinclair McDermott speaks with Dave Leskusky, President of Printing United Alliance, who reflects on a career spanning three decades in the industry. Dave details his journey from selling magazine classified ads in 1995 to leading the transition of Napco Media into a digital-first media and events organisation before its integration with the Alliance.   The discussion centres on the strategic vision behind bringing multiple trade associations under one umbrella to serve the entire printing ecosystem, from commercial and packaging to apparel and wide format. Dave shares insights from the recent Printing United Expo in Orlando, noting the high energy and the success of new initiatives like the AI Pavilion and expanded student programmes. He explains the concept of convergence, where printers leverage digital technology to diversify their offerings and capture more of their clients' marketing spend.  By focusing on common challenges such as workforce development, legislative advocacy, and technological education, Dave highlights how the Alliance aims to provide the resources and leadership necessary for the industry to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.  Key Takeaways Unified several major associations to create a single, powerful voice for the printing ecosystem.   Cultivated a talent pipeline by growing student membership from 200 to over 2,000.  Encouraged printers to diversify into segments like packaging and promotional products via convergence.   Established the AI Pavilion and consulting services to lead members through emerging technology shifts.   Emphasised the need for consultative sales training to capture more of client marketing budgets.   Provided over $150,000 in free educational courseware to students through the iLearning platform.   Acts as a central advocacy body for legislative affairs, OSHA standards, and sustainability issues.

    50 min
  6. Episode 40 - Karis Copp of Karis Copp Media

    17/11/2025

    Episode 40 - Karis Copp of Karis Copp Media

    This is episode 40, the second one recorded live at Printing United Expo in Orlando, with Karis Copp from Karis Copp Media. Karis started in journalism working with Link Publishing on Print Monthly and Sign Link magazines. Then in 2018 she set up her own PR agency. She works exclusively with print and packaging businesses. And she's very good at what she does. In the podcast we talk about turning technical content into stories people actually care about. How the media landscape is changing. Why authenticity matters more now than ever. Especially with AI everywhere. She shares how she's scaled her agency and how she handles sustainability messaging. We discuss why knowing your worth matters, when to say no to clients who aren't the right fit, and how to build systems you can repeat. We also get into video content and LinkedIn's growing influence. Karis explains why you need a clear mission statement before you start communicating anything externally.  She knows the print industry inside out. She knows how to tell its stories, and she knows what works. Key Takeaways Karis emphasises the importance of storytelling in PR. Building relationships and trust is crucial in communications. The transition from journalism to PR offers unique insights. AI can enhance but should not replace authentic communication. Sustainability in print is becoming increasingly important. Consistency in PR efforts is key to success. Understanding your audience is essential for effective messaging. Karis highlights the value of case studies in showcasing success. Trust your instincts when it comes to client relationships. The print industry is diverse and constantly evolving.

    48 min
  7. Episode 39 - Megan O'Reilly and Maurice Harold of Pitch Black Printing Co.

    10/11/2025

    Episode 39 - Megan O'Reilly and Maurice Harold of Pitch Black Printing Co.

    This episode is different. I recorded it live at Printing United Expo in Orlando with Megan O'Reilly and Maurice Harold from Pitch Black Printing Co. They'd just got married, and they chose the expo as part of their honeymoon. That tells you everything you need to know about how much print matters to them. Pitch Black Printing has been going for ten years. It started with music and DIY screen printing. Now it's a respected Reno business that does fine art, commercial work, and numerous community projects. They're fiercely independent. And they've built something special. We talked about their journey. How they've stayed involved in local causes. Why they charge fairly and keep learning. Their location in the Brewery District serves as both a gallery and a coffee house, allowing them to constantly build relationships with artists and clients. We also got into the challenges. Managing a multifaceted business. Working as partners in life and work. What they've learned along the way. And, as always, there's the quick-fire round that shows their eclectic tastes and some quirky print adventures. This episode is all about embracing creativity, collaboration, and community. Megan and Maurice are doing it right. Key takeaways: Megan and Maurice advocate using print as a gift to support community fundraising and charitable causes actively. The business started when they realised they could screen print their own band's merch cheaper than outsourcing. Their unusual business model includes a front-of-house gallery and coffee shop to attract print customers. A key business lesson learned was the necessity to charge appropriately for their high-quality work. Coming from an art background allows them to use creative problem-solving on commercial print jobs. They stress that true sustainability goes beyond recycled paper and includes eco-conscious operational choices. The co-owners' success is based on their completely opposite and complementary skill sets in art and operations. They are excited about new equipment, like a specialised scanner for capturing oil painting brushstrokes. A highlight for their business was printing covers and wedding stationery for well-known musicians and actors.

    32 min
  8. Episode 38 - Chris Minn of Digital Ink

    15/10/2025

    Episode 38 - Chris Minn of Digital Ink

    In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott speaks with Chris Minn, a prominent figure in the print industry and the founder of Digital Ink. They discuss the evolving landscape of print and marketing, the integration of AI, and the importance of community and mental health within the industry. Chris shares his journey from being a semi-professional athlete to becoming a marketing leader, emphasizing the need for innovation and authenticity in marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the significance of building strong networks and the initiatives like Sheet for Brains that aim to address mental health issues in the print sector. Chris highlights the future of print as exciting, innovative, and inclusive, urging industry professionals to adapt and embrace change. Takeaways Chris Minn is a positive disruptor in the print marketing space. The integration of AI is crucial for the evolution of the print industry. Building a strong community is essential for the growth of the print sector. Mental health awareness is a significant issue in the print industry. Authenticity in marketing content is becoming increasingly important. The print industry is transitioning from traditional printing to manufacturing. Networking and collaboration are key to success in the print industry. AI can empower employees and improve productivity. The future of print is exciting, innovative, and inclusive. Sheet for Brains aims to support mental health in the print industry.

    1h 14m
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4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Real conversations with real people from all aspects of the printing industry sharing experiences, challenges and plenty of useful knowledge to get you thinking differently about your business.

Information

  • Creator
    Colin Sinclair McDermott
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Printerviews

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