The Printerviews

Colin Sinclair McDermott
  • 0.0 (0)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 13. Simon Wheeler from Stylo

    1D AGO

    13. Simon Wheeler from Stylo

    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

    46 min
  2. Episode 11. Bob Raus & Chris Minn

    3D AGO

    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.

    38 min
  3. Season 2. Episode 12. Fiona Robinson from Print.com

    MAR 9

    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.

    41 min
  4. Episode 10. Peter Van Teeseling & Chris Hyde of Dscoop

    MAR 2

    Episode 10. Peter Van Teeseling & Chris Hyde of Dscoop

    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.

    46 min
  5. Episode 9. Gerard Baglieri from Visualize

    MAR 2

    Episode 9. Gerard Baglieri from Visualize

    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.

    36 min
  6. Episode 8. Joanne Gore of Joanne Gore Communications

    FEB 23

    Episode 8. Joanne Gore of Joanne Gore Communications

    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.

    40 min
  7. Episode 7. Lucy Swanston of Nutshell Creative

    FEB 16

    Episode 7. Lucy Swanston of Nutshell Creative

    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.

    46 min
  8. Episode 6. Emily Yepes from Sandler Training

    FEB 9

    Episode 6. Emily Yepes from Sandler Training

    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

    24 min
See All (53)

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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Printerviews

You Might Also Like