Print shops are leaving money on the table — and most don’t even know it. Nick Gawreluk has worked in over 40 countries for Heidelberg, HP Indigo, Taylor Corporation, and now as founder of Print Profit. He’s on a mission to help printers ditch outdated costing models and rethink profitability in real time. In this episode, we dig into: • Why most job costing models are broken (and how to fix them) • The dangers of “cost plus” thinking • How embellishment fits into a real profit strategy • The next wave of disruption in print (spoiler: it’s software) Whether you’re running a small shop or a global operation, this conversation will get you thinking differently about the numbers behind the ink. 👉 Connect with Nick: https://www.printprofit.com/ 👉 Follow Taktiful: https://linktr.ee/taktiful

On this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I'm joined by two amazing guests deeply involved with the DSCOOP community—Darin Painter, storyteller extraordinaire and Editor-in-Chief at DSCOOP, and Chris Hyde, Creative and Marketing Director. We dive into what makes the DSCOOP community uniquely collaborative, how storytelling and creativity powerfully elevate print, and why fun and vulnerability are essential to community building. Oh, and we even cover poker, cornhole championships, and why print still matters more than ever. Don't miss the laughs, insights, and great stories!

This week on Taktiful Tuesdays, I’m joined by an industry legend whose name you’ve definitely heard (probably in a packed conference room somewhere) – Francis McMahon. From Kodak to HP to Canon, and now as President & CMO of Tecnau, Francis has spent over 30 years helping shape the production print space. In this episode, we talk about what keeps him coming back to this industry, how finishing isn't the “end” of anything, and why real impact in print starts by thinking about the final product first. We get into: • Why "starting with the customer" still matters more than tech specs • How embellishment and finishing can be just as creative as ink and paper • What TechNow is bringing to the table and why it’s exciting • The community roots of THINK and the legacy of mentorship in this space • And of course, a little football and a little Grateful Dead Whether you’re a printer, OEM, or just someone who still loves flipping through a beautifully made photo book – this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen, share, and let’s keep growing the pie.

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with the one and only Paul McCarthy, Region Manager at HP Industrial Print and all-around road warrior of the North American print scene. We talk print transformation, strategic partnerships, digital embellishment, and the real secret sauce behind successful M&As (hint: it's not just the tech - it’s the people). Paul shares how he helped guide the merger of Advertek and Custom Colour Labs, the growing importance of hybrid workflows, and why being consultative is the future of sales in print. We also get into motorcycles, travel rituals, and the surprising crossover between print pros and disc golf champs (spoiler: we're both card-carrying members). Whether you geek out on embellishment tech, workflow strategy, or just want a fresh take on where industrial print is headed, this one’s for you. 🎯 Topics we cover: • The truth about digital embellishment myths • Paul’s 6-step consultative approach with partners • Bridging print cultures between Canada and the U.S. • Why the Midwest is the next big growth story • Coffee, motorcycles, and yes...disc golf 📍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss a Taktiful Tuesday.

Paul Hudson went from taping boxes in the back room as a kid to leading one of the most forward-thinking print operations in the country. In this episode, we talk shop with the CEO of Hudson Printing about clean, efficient workflows, hybrid print strategies, and how digital embellishment is changing the conversation with customers. We also cover: • How tactile finishes open doors (and minds) • Why a well-run print shop builds trust • The business case for beauty in commercial print • Paul's love for cast & cure (and trail running) If you geek out on print that wows — or just want to hear from a thoughtful leader who's walking the talk — this one’s for you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if something resonates. #PrintInnovation #DigitalEmbellishment #TaktifulTuesdays #HudsonPrinting #PrintWithPurpose

Big milestone energy in this one. It’s episode 30 of Taktiful Tuesdays, and fittingly, we're joined by Mike Scrutton, who just hit 30 years at Adobe. Mike’s the Director of Print Technology and Strategy, and he’s a total legend in the print world. We talk about his journey, the emotional power of tactile print, and how Project Goldsmith is simplifying the heck out of embellishment workflows. We also get into how AI is changing the game, not by replacing designers but by making the creative process smoother, faster, and more fun. And yes, we also touch on race cars, dogs, and some very nerdy Adobe history. Give it a watch and let us know what your tactile print obsession is. 📍Learn more about Adobe’s embellishment tech: https://adobe.com/go/embellishment

In Episode 29 of Taktiful Tuesdays (which is somehow running AFTER episode 30), host Eric Vessels chats with Erik Norman, President of swissQprint America, about pushing the boundaries of wide-format print. This conversation dives into print innovation and a bold, customer-centric approach – including swissQprint’s unheard-of 36-month warranty that puts customer trust first. Erik Norman shares how textured “pyramid” printing and other digital embellishments (think Braille, lenticular visuals, and tactile effects) are changing the game for designers and marketers. He also explains why sustainability is more than a buzzword – it’s just smart business logic woven into their strategy. Beyond tech, Erik discusses the importance of post-sale support, helping clients succeed long-term, and how leadership grounded in values and community involvement drives company culture. Tune in for insights on innovation, trust, and purpose-driven leadership in print. Whether you’re a creative, a marketer, or a print pro, you’ll gain inspiration and practical wisdom from this wide-ranging discussion! Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with actionable ideas and forward-thinking perspectives. Watch now to see how printing with purpose can transform your business! 🎥 Don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel!

In this Taktiful Tuesdays episode, host Eric Vessels chats with Sabine Lenz – lovingly known as the “Paper Queen” – about the new tactile renaissance in print design and marketing. Sabine, the founder of PaperSpecs, shares her journey from graphic designer to print guru, revealing how print with a purpose is making a comeback. They explore the communication gap between designers and printers and how to bridge it for better collaboration. Sabine also dives into the art of digital embellishment – from shiny foils to textured varnishes – and why less is more when adding these effects. She stresses using embellishments mindfully to enhance a design rather than overwhelm it. Other key topics include clearing up confusing print terminology and inspiring the next generation of creatives to fall in love with print. If you’re a designer, marketer, or print professional looking to elevate your projects with touch and texture, this conversation is a must-watch. Discover how thoughtful print design and digital embellishments can create memorable, sensory experiences that digital alone can’t match, and learn why print is far from “dead” – it’s evolving! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on print, design, and tactile marketing.

What’s up, everyone? Eric here with Taktiful Tuesdays, and this week I finally sit down with the legend himself, Taktiful CEO, Kevin Abergel (yeah, should’ve been Episode 1, but better late than never, right?). We go deep into: - His four-generation print industry legacy (Paris, NYC, offset presses—the works!) - Why starting Taktiful felt like having a third kid (and tougher!) - The “fail fast, pivot faster” philosophy that’s fueling success - Taktify software—the game‑changing tool that’s shifting print from cost + to value‑based pricing - Project Atlas—making embellishment design so simple even a 10-year-old can do it - What’s next: Reactor 3D visualizer, Printing United hype, and more We laugh about cicadas, school each other on branding and content strategy (“consistency is queen”), and share big‑picture fun vibes from Amplify and Boston. This is one for anyone who loves print, tech, entrepreneurship—or just a good friend-to-friend chat. Hit that like button, subscribe, and let’s build embellishment into the next big thing!

This week’s episode of Taktiful Tuesdays is a special one — not only are we live from the Sharp demo center in Montvale, NJ, but it's also our first-ever standing up episode. Big moves only. I’m joined by my longtime friend and industry pro, Dino Pagliarello from Sharp, for a conversation that touches on everything from six-color digital embellishment to family winemaking traditions. We dive into innovation, automation, tactile print (of course), the power of partnerships, and why experimentation and play matter more than ever in the print world. If you’ve been curious about how print shops are differentiating with tactile embellishment or just want to hear how Sicily and a dusty bottle of vino sparked a family tradition, this one’s for you. In this episode: - The creative and technical balance of embellishment - What partnerships like ColorLogic and Duplo mean for Sharp - Why automation is shaping the next era of print - Dino’s advice for newcomers to the industry - A quick detour into homemade wine and the beauty of gathering If you’re heading to Amplify or Printing United, keep an eye out for us (and maybe a bottle of Dino’s wine). Subscribe, share, and leave us a comment — especially if you've ever crushed grapes barefoot. 🍷

Andrew Gunn from Fujifilm is back! In his first appearance, we dove deep into the power of moving beyond CMYK. This time? We go even further. From real-world packaging wins to how brands are secretly crushing shelf velocity, to AI's growing role in the design-to-print pipeline, Andrew drops insight after insight. We talk Revoria, we talk the Aspire program, and we nerd out a bit on agentic AI (spoiler: it’s probably going to change everything). We also dig into design training gaps, how to actually sell embellishment, and why fear might just be your biggest learning ally. This isn’t just another conversation - it’s a look at where print is headed, and how to stay curious enough to keep up. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts 📲 Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments - we'd love to hear them! #DigitalEmbellishment #BeyondCMYK #PrintPodcast #Fujifilm #TaktifulTuesdays

From bagging fish to building one of the most respected names in print, Jeff Howicz’s story is a lesson in hustle, heart, and hands-on leadership. In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Jeff, Chief Commercial Officer at Team Concept Printing, takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in a saltwater fish store to the forefront of digital embellishment innovation. With two decades of experience, Jeff shares how a blend of curiosity, craftsmanship, and community involvement has shaped both his career and his company. 🎙️ Topics we cover: - How digital embellishments like foil and raised UV are changing the game - The importance of designers understanding production - Why tactile print creates deeper customer engagement - Sustainability practices that actually matter (no greenwashing) - Team Concept’s incredible partnership with Folds of Honor - Advice for young people looking to make an impact in print Jeff also previews what Team Concept will be showcasing at Amplify Print, including some special new brochures produced in partnership with Taktiful! 👉 Whether you're a print veteran, design geek, or just love a great story of personal and professional growth, this episode is for you. 🔗 Subscribe for more weekly insights at the intersection of print, tech, and creativity.

In this inspiring episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Jay Mandarino, President & CEO of CJ Group of Companies. Jay shares his incredible journey from overcoming childhood challenges to leading the world’s most awarded printing company. Discover how his passion for craftsmanship and community service led to the creation of CJ Skate Park, one of the largest indoor not-for-profit skate parks. From print innovation and digital embellishments to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, Jay’s story is a must-watch for anyone looking to make an impact. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Meet Jay Mandarino 2:15 – Jay’s Personal Journey & Founding CJ Graphics 7:30 – Building an Award-Winning Print Company 10:00 – The Value of Digital Embellishments 18:20 – The Story of CJ Skate Park & Community Impact 26:00 – Advice for Entrepreneurs in a Changing Industry 35:00 – Cool Projects & What’s Next for Jay

Episode 22 is here - and it’s a strong one. I’m joined by the always insightful Morgan DiGiorgio, Chief Revenue Officer at DirectMail2.0 and Who’s Mailing What. We dig into what makes direct mail actually work in 2025 (hint: it’s all about integration). Morgan breaks down how omnichannel marketing is changing the game, what embellishments and sensory touches really do to lift response rates, and why marketers need to stop thinking about channels in silos. Plus, we go off-script (as usual) and talk about leadership, alignment, and walking away from opportunities that don’t serve your values. She even teaches me a thing or two about tarpon fishing and the life of a competitive gymnastics mom. This one’s loaded—don’t miss it. 🎯 More on DirectMail2.0: https://www.directmail2.com 📬 Connect with Morgan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgandigiorgio ☕ Grab your favorite beverage and join us!

In this special 21st episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with April Lytle, Global Brand Innovation Manager at Scodix, to explore where creativity meets cutting-edge print technology. From holographic foil and glitter effects to SAT materials for the visually impaired, April breaks down why digital embellishment is so much more than “shiny gold.” She also shares her unexpected side hustle in the Renaissance Faire world. Topics include: - The power of SHD and smart print effects - Inclusive packaging and tactile print for accessibility - Design trends in foil, texture, and luxury print - April’s passion project: handmade leather armor Don't forget to like and subscribe to Taktiful Tuesdays!

What’s the future of foil, finish, and shine in print? 🤩 In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Jeff Peterson, Executive Director of FSEA, to talk all things print embellishment — from analog classics to digital disruption. We get into: How FSEA is adapting to a rapidly evolving print landscape Why they launched the Digital Embellishment Alliance (DEA) What to expect at Amplify Print this June in Chicago And of course, we peel back the layers on Jeff himself — Chiefs fan, country music lover, and all-around industry trailblazer. This one’s full of energy, insights, and some behind-the-scenes takes on where the industry is heading. You’ll walk away smarter (and maybe with a new concert playlist). 🎶 👉 Visit https://fsea.com and https://amplifyprint.org for more. #printfinishing #DigitalEmbellishment #FSEA #TaktifulTuesdays #AmplifyPrint

In Episode 19 of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with the one and only Bill Gillespie - 40+ year print industry vet, master storyteller, and sales whisperer. Bill has made a career not just out of selling print, but understanding people. We talk about the evolution of sales, what really matters to buyers, and why asking the right question is often more important than pitching the perfect solution. Bill shares insights from his early days as a print buyer to now consulting with teams across the industry - plus, we dive into why empathy and authenticity still win the day. 💬 Topics we cover: ✅ What’s changed (and hasn’t) in print sales over 40 years ✅ How to move from “vendor” to “trusted partner” ✅ The power of better questions ✅ Lessons from teaching at Clemson ✅ Skiing, fly fishing, and getting schooled by your kids This one’s packed with value - and a few laughs along the way. Let’s go! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your sales team!

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with the one and only Joanne Gore — B2B marketing strategist, print evangelist, and president of Joanne Gore Communications. We go deep into why print still deserves a seat at the marketing table, how to tell your story in a way that resonates, and what most companies get wrong when talking about themselves. Joanne brings decades of experience to the conversation, plus a sharp take on how AI is shifting everything from marketing workflows to how printers can stay relevant. We talk lumpy mail, sustainability that’s more than a checkbox, and how printers can stop selling capabilities and start selling value. Whether you're in print, marketing, or just trying to figure out how to stand out in a noisy digital world — this one’s for you. 🎧 Stick around for: - The biggest misconceptions about print - How to think holistically about sustainability - AI as a lifeline (not a threat) for marketers and printers - The best piece of marketing advice Joanne ever got - Why breathe might just be the best marketing message ever Connect with Joanne: 🔗 https://www.joannegorecommunications.com 📚 Thriving in Chaos - Now available wherever you read

What do rocket launches, snook fishing, and the future of inkjet printing have in common? Michael Poulin. In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Michael Poulin, Senior Manager of Inkjet Solutions at Fujifilm (after I totally botched his title… classic). We talk shop about Fujifilm’s big digital disruption moves, trends in embellishment, and the growing role of automation and AI in streamlining print workflows. Oh, and we also nerd out over SpaceX rockets and Everglades fishing. Whether you're curious about the next frontier for inkjet, looking to future-proof your shop, or just want to hear some fish tales, this episode’s for you. 🧃 Taktiful Tip: Don't miss the story about the business card that was too nice to throw away. 🎣 Featuring: — The evolution of digital embellishment — What’s next for inkjet (spoiler: it’s big) — How Fujifilm is automating the workflow — Michael’s favorite fish (and the one his son always catches better) Like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays!

In this special live episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, we're coming to you straight from the Xerox Partner Summit in Las Vegas. I sat down with my longtime friend and Xerox legend Kelly Leahy - Senior Global Product Marketing Manager - to talk about everything from digital embellishment trends and the Genesis Initiative to the psychology of print, AI in design, and how print service providers can better educate their customers. We also dive into career growth, continuous learning, and yes...baseball tournaments and dogs. If you're curious about where the print industry is headed, how digital embellishments can boost engagement, or just want to hear two print geeks talk shop (and dogs), you’re in the right place. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of print, marketing, and innovation. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & Live from Vegas 1:30 – Kelly’s Xerox journey (26 years strong!) 3:10 – Digital embellishment adoption trends 6:00 – The Genesis Initiative: Design, Market, Price, Sell 8:30 – Why “no one’s asking for it” is a marketing problem 11:00 – The psychology of touch: Why print works 13:30 – What’s next: AI, accessibility & democratization 17:00 – Career advice for the next generation 20:00 – Life outside of print: Baseball weekends & rescue dogs

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, we sit down with industry veteran Ken Huizenga, a print production expert with over 40 years of hands-on experience. From running sheet-fed presses in the ‘80s to embracing cutting-edge digital print and embellishment technology, Ken has seen it all. We dive into: ✅ How print production has evolved over the decades ✅ The growing demand for faster turnaround times and higher-quality print ✅ The role of digital embellishments in shaping the future of print ✅ The skills modern press operators need to succeed ✅ Why preventative maintenance is key to keeping your press running smoothly And on a fun note, we also talk car racing, whiskey, and the thrill of going fast - on and off the press! 🏎️🥃

Welcome back to another episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! 🎉 This week, we’re diving deep into the world of digital embellishments, print design, and creative innovation with none other than Matt Redbear - a design powerhouse and thought leader in specialty printing. From his roots in analog photography to pioneering modern digital embellishments, Matt shares his expert insights on: ✨ The magic of blending artistry with technology ✨ How to make print more impactful and interactive ✨ The importance of negative space and subtle embellishments ✨ How AI and automation are shaping the future of print If you're a designer, brand, or print enthusiast, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Plus, we geek out over vinyl records, creative inspiration, and more! 🎶🔥 🔗 Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/redbear/ 🎧 Listen to Matt's favorite album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLm_x6LH5c&list=PLiljtHvabeo2aHy9c9m_5ARKuZbtsBNgZ 📩 Want to learn more about digital embellishments? Drop us a comment or visit Taktiful’s website: https://www.taktiful.com/ 💬 What’s your favorite design trick for print? Let us know below! ⬇️ #printdesign #DigitalEmbellishments #TaktifulTuesdays #GraphicDesign #SpecialtyPrinting

Welcome back to another episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! 🎉 This week, host Eric Vessels sits down with the legendary Daniel Dejan - a graphic arts industry veteran, creative director at Dejan Associates, and co-founder of MarketWise Academy. With over four decades of experience in print production, paper selection, multi-channel marketing, and digital embellishment, Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ How print has evolved alongside digital media ✅ The profitability challenge for printers in a rapidly changing tech landscape ✅ The rise of digital embellishments (raised varnish, foil, haptics) and their impact on marketing ✅ Why the power of touch makes print more memorable than digital ✅ The future of print in a data-driven, AI-enhanced world 📢 If you're in the printing, design, or marketing industry, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss! 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays! #PrintingIndustry #DigitalEmbellishment #TaktifulTuesdays #Marketing #PrintMedia #AI #Haptics #GraphicDesign

Marketing has come a long way from the Mad Men era to today’s hyper-targeted digital landscape. But have we sacrificed creativity for data? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Gee Ranasinha, CEO of Kexino, to talk about the evolution of marketing, the pitfalls of over-reliance on metrics, and the timeless principles that still drive success. We also dive into: ✅ The 95-5 Rule: Why most of your audience isn’t ready to buy yet ✅ Balancing brand awareness with sales activation ✅ How marketing lost its creative edge—and how to reclaim it ✅ Why bad marketing isn't a tech problem—it's a strategy problem Gee brings 35+ years of experience in branding, storytelling, and marketing strategy, plus a great sense of humor (and apparently, he plays piano too?!). 👍 Like & 🔔 Subscribe for more insights on marketing, print, and business growth. 📩 Follow Gee on LinkedIn for bite-sized marketing wisdom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranasinha/ 📌 Learn more about Kexino: https://kexino.com/ What’s your take on the state of marketing today? Drop a comment below! ⬇️