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. 4 days ago

    Episode 26 with Amy Servi-Bonner of PRINTING United Alliance

    AI only creates value when it hits the P&L. Amy Servi-Bonner explains why most print companies are getting AI wrong, and how to build the governance, metrics, and knowledge capture needed to make it pay off - before the hype leaves you behind. Colin Sinclair McDermott, the Online Print Coach, continues the Printing United Expo series with Amy from Printing AI, whose career spans 30 years of business technology transformation, ERP, e-commerce, cloud, retail operations, and now sovereign AI in print. Amy shares how she moved from California to Michigan and into the print industry, how an early AI workflow for customer inquiries changed her perspective, and why she became convinced that AI is not a trend to watch, but a capability to manage strategically. You'll discover why so many AI projects fail to deliver commercial value, why the print industry's history of failed ERP and MIS rollouts has made teams understandably cautious, and why starting with the tool is almost always backwards. Amy breaks down her MAP-style governance approach through decision authority, override ownership, baseline metrics, and review cadence, and explains why the right question is not "What can AI do?" but "What problem are we solving, and how will we measure it?" She also makes a strong case for sovereign AI and knowledge sovereignty, arguing that one of the biggest opportunities in print is capturing the tribal knowledge locked inside experienced operators, estimators, and production leaders before it walks out the door. With the average commercial inkjet operator now around 48 years old, the stakes are real: if that knowledge is not captured, businesses risk costly disruption, lost customers, and a dangerous overreliance on tools that do not understand their workflow. Amy also previews the Printing AI Pavilion at Printing United Expo in Vegas, where the focus is on real P&L impact, curated sponsors, deeper conversations, and practical use cases, not a vendor petting zoo. Add in her book Owning the Machine, her no-nonsense take on overhyped AI use cases, and a quick-fire round that reveals the tools and processes she actually trusts, and you have an episode packed with straight-talking insight for print leaders who want to move from experimentation to real business outcomes. Essential listening if you're in print, operations, technology, or leadership and you want AI to do more than entertain you.

    Episode 26 with Amy Servi-Bonner of PRINTING United Alliance

  2. 19 Aug

    Episode 25 with Joshua Carruth of PRINTING United Alliance

    Trade shows are not dead - they are where industries still make the deals, meet the people, and spark the ideas that change everything. Joshua Carruth, Executive Vice President of Expositions at Printing United Alliance, reveals why the best events are built on buy-in, serendipity, and a lot of controlled chaos. From hurricane evacuations on dive boats in the Cayman Islands to bomb threats, sprinkler disasters, and even a live goat request, Josh shares the wildest moments from a career spent keeping major expos running when everything threatens to go sideways. But this conversation goes deeper than behind-the-scenes stories - it’s a sharp look at what makes a truly great trade show, why virtual events can’t replace real-world connection, and how Printing United is building spaces where the right conversations happen on purpose. You’ll discover: Why exhibitors, not organizers, are the real owners of a great trade showHow convergence is reshaping print and why technologies spread faster when industries collideWhat the Spilled Ink District is designed to unlock for attendees, from peer roundtables to headshots and workforce supportWhy the AI Pavilion is becoming a must-see destination for practical, business-changing ideasHow unexpected hallway conversations can lead to business shifts you never planned for Joshua also explains what surprised him most after entering print through the apparel world, why the industry is far more connected than outsiders realize, and why live events came roaring back after COVID. If you care about trade shows, print, or the power of getting the right people in the same room, this one is essential listening. Perfect for exhibitors, printers, marketers, and anyone who believes the best opportunities still happen face-to-face.

    Episode 25 with Joshua Carruth of PRINTING United Alliance

  3. 17 Aug

    Episode 24 with Ford Bowers of PRINTING United Alliance

    In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott speaks with Ford Bowers, CEO of PRINTING United Alliance, about his unconventional path into print, the lessons he learned running production operations, and why he believes the industry is stronger when it works together. Ford also shares the thinking behind Printing United Expo, the challenges of membership growth, and why advocacy, workforce development, and promoting print as essential are now central to the alliance’s mission. Key Topics Covered How Ford accidentally entered the print industryLearning print production from the ground upManaging a vertically integrated retail print operationThe collegial, supportive culture within printThe difference between running a print business and leading an associationHow SGIA evolved into Printing United AllianceWhy unified industry advocacy mattersWorkforce development and attracting new talentThe role of Printing United Expo in the industryMembership growth, value, and the challenge of long-term engagement

    Episode 24 with Ford Bowers of PRINTING United Alliance

  4. 11 Aug

    Episode 23 with Warren Werbitt - The Print Whisperer

    In this episode of The Printerviews, host Colin Sinclair McDermott sits down with Warren Werbitt, the Print Whisperer, for a candid and entertaining conversation about print, marketing, leadership, resilience, and reinvention. Warren shares the story of building Pazazz into a multi-million-pound print business, why marketing and culture were always central to his approach, and how a simple, fun video helped put him on the map across the industry. He also opens up about the hard lessons that came later - from financial crisis and bankruptcy protection to losing the business he spent decades building - and what he learned from navigating some of the toughest moments of his life. Together, Colin and Warren explore what successful print businesses often underestimate, why transparency and follow-through matter so much, and how personal branding, mentorship, and honest conversations can make a real difference. They also touch on mental health, coaching, industry change, and why supporting the next generation in print is so important. Funny, honest, and full of hard-earned insight, this episode is a must-listen for print business owners, marketers, and anyone who wants to build a stronger business while staying true to themselves. Listen now for real-world lessons from one of print’s most outspoken and passionate voices.

    Episode 23 with Warren Werbitt - The Print Whisperer

  5. 27 Jul

    Epsiode 22 with Angelo Coletta of Zakeke

    Most print businesses are missing a game-changing opportunity to enhance customer experience and cut costs, without adding complexity. Angelo Coletta, CEO of Zakeke, reveals how visual commerce and AI are transforming the print industry from the front end to the back, enabling companies to personalize faster, reduce errors, and future-proof their operations. In this episode, Angelo shares his journey across multiple careers - from system integration to startups and how those experiences shaped his innovative approach with Zakeke. You’ll discover how a platform that simplifies customization has helped businesses of all sizes, from family-run shops to global brands - cut costs by up to 50% and boost customer loyalty through seamless, personalised experiences. We break down the specifics: how augmented reality, AI-driven customization, and omni-channel experiences revolutionise the visual commerce landscape. Angelo explains how industry players can leverage AI safely, the importance of cybersecurity in automation, and why personalisation isn’t just an add-on but a core strategic advantage - one that your competitors are already rushing to adopt. With insights into the future, Angelo advocates for a shift from technology as a problem to technology as a confidence-builder for customers. He emphasises that the biggest shift is in mindset - moving from "printing better" to delivering personalised, emotionally engaging products faster and more securely.  If you want to understand how to reduce costs, elevate customer experience, and harness AI without fear, this episode is essential listening.

    Epsiode 22 with Angelo Coletta of Zakeke

  6. 20 Jul

    Epsiode 21 with Jayson Tompkins of STAHLS' Fulfill Engine

    Most print companies are running chaotic, legacy systems that limit growth - until Jason Tompkins reveals how a wild journey from software engineering to apparel printing turned into a trillion-dollar industry-shaking platform. Discover how identifying operational pain points first led him to build Fulfill Engine, a solution now transforming global printing operations and partnerships. This episode unlocks the behind-the-scenes truth about scaling print businesses in today's fast-paced e-commerce world. Jason shares how early chaos - think Frankenstein workflows, Spaghetti code, and manual bottlenecks- became the stepping stones to a data-driven infrastructure that supports multi-million-dollar volume growth. You'll discover how internal struggles with supply chains, automation, and product data inspired a software revolution with enormous ripple effects across the industry. We break down: the incredible power of partnerships, the importance of industry transparency, and the value of building solutions that serve your own pain first. Jason dives into how embracing AI, vibe coding, and continuous industry evolution opens new opportunities for decorators, suppliers, and brands alike. His insights show that understanding your operational leaks and data capabilities is key to future-proofing your business, whether you're a small shop or a scaling e-commerce empire. Why ignore these operational lessons at your peril? With global fulfillment expectations rising - think same-day shipping and regional on-demand printing - those who don’t build resilient, automated workflows risk falling behind. This is your blueprint to scale smarter, strengthen partnerships, and unlock the next wave of innovation - before your competitors do. Perfect for print shop owners, ops managers, and industry innovators eager to future-proof their business - this episode offers a candid look into the real challenges and bold solutions shaping the industry's future. Want your print business to thrive in a connected, fast-moving world? Hit play now, and learn from a trailblazer who's building the software and partnerships to make it happen. Jason Tompkins is founder of Fulfill Engine, now part of Stalhs' and a recognized pioneer for transforming print operations with innovative software solutions. His journey from software engineer to industry disruptor highlights the importance of solving your own pain points first and how that insight sparks industry-wide change.

    Epsiode 21 with Jayson Tompkins of STAHLS' Fulfill Engine

  7. 17 Jul

    Episode 20 - Nita Odedra of Blue Rhine Industries

    In this episode, I’m joined by Nita Odedra, Strategy Director at Blue Rhine Industries, to explore how the Middle East is redefining digital signage and the built environment. We talked about how digital signage has moved far beyond simply displaying information. Today, it’s becoming part of the customer journey, the architecture, and the overall experience itself. Nita shared how projects like Expo 2020, the Dubai Fountain digital hoarding, and King Abdullah Financial District show just how powerful signage can be when it’s integrated early and thoughtfully. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of communication. These projects are never just about the technology. They depend on collaboration between developers, architects, designers, engineers, operators, and content teams. When that conversation starts early, the results can be seamless, intuitive, and far more impactful.We also discussed the rise of AI and hyper-personalisation in digital signage, and how the future of wayfinding and visitor experience is becoming more connected, more responsive, and more human. From stadiums and malls to airports and hospitals, the goal is no longer just to help people get from A to B - it’s to create meaningful, emotionally intelligent experiences. Nita also shared a fascinating perspective on how the Middle East is influencing global expectations in signage and digital environments, and why the industry still has a lot to learn around education, collaboration, and long-term thinking. A really insightful conversation from the show floor at FESPA Global Print Expo about innovation, ambition, and the future of experiential environments.

    Episode 20 - Nita Odedra of Blue Rhine Industries

  8. 3 Jul

    Episode 19 - Verity Fox

    In this episode, Colin Sinclair McDermott sits down with Verity from Dominion Print, Live at FESPA Global Print Expo, to explore what it really takes to lead a family-run print business through change, growth, and responsibility. Verity shares how her journey through production, finishing, and operations shaped her leadership style, and why hands-on experience matters at every level of the business. The conversation goes beyond print production and into the realities of retail, where print influences customer movement, supports storytelling, and often goes unnoticed until it fails. Verity explains how different retail brands use print in very different ways - from energetic, fast-paced visuals to calm, directional signage, and why understanding the customer journey is essential. They also discuss the importance of investing in new equipment, building a strong workplace culture, training the next generation, and leading with fairness, integrity, and empathy. A standout moment comes when Verity speaks candidly about personal loss and the need for more openness and humanity in the industry. A thoughtful and practical episode for anyone interested in print, retail environments, leadership, and the people behind the process.

    Episode 19 - Verity Fox
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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
    66
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Colin Sinclair McDermott
  • Show Website
    The Printerviews

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