Join Eric Vessels, Taktiful’s Chief Experience Officer, as he dives into an exciting conversation with Ryan Moskun, Marketing Manager at Harris & Bruno International. From Ryan’s journey into the print industry to groundbreaking digital embellishment technology like the ZRX, this episode is packed with insights, music, and a touch of humor. Stick around for Ryan’s life-changing advice at the end—you won’t want to miss it! 🎸 Digital Print Meets Rock & Roll 🎸 #TaktifulTuesdays #DigitalEmbellishments #HarrisAndBruno #PrintInnovation #ZRX

Ready to see what’s next for digital print? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels, CXO at Taktiful, sits down with Andrew Gunn of FujiFilm to pull back the curtain on the evolving world of digital embellishment. Curious about how to move beyond CMYK, unlock new ROI opportunities, and truly stand out from the competition? Andrew shares insights on the cutting-edge Revoria lineup, Fujifilm’s Aspire program, and the power of industry collaboration—plus why curiosity, passion, and asking the right questions matter more than ever. Want to know what’s coming and how to position your business at the forefront of print’s future? Tune in and discover what’s possible when technology, training, and creativity converge. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays—your go-to source for the latest in digital print innovation.

Welcome back to another engaging episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! In this installment, host Eric Vessels sits down with his longtime friend Frank Mallozzi, the President of Konica Minolta’s Industrial Print and Production (IPP) Group. This conversation takes you on a journey through Frank’s unexpected return to the industry and his mission to drive innovation in the world of industrial printing. After a successful 25-year career at EFI, where he last served as the Chief Revenue Officer, Frank contemplated retirement. However, a call from Sam Errigo, CEO of Konica Minolta, changed his plans. Intrigued by the opportunities within Konica Minolta’s IPP Group, Frank felt the familiar spark of passion reignite. He couldn’t resist the challenge to lead a division focused on groundbreaking technologies in the printing industry. Frank shares insights into the three key segments that the IPP Group is concentrating on: 1. B2 Inkjet Technology: Exploring advancements in the shift from analog to digital printing, and how Konica Minolta is at the forefront of this transition. 2. Electrophotographic Label Printing: Discussing their significant market share in this area and the introduction of new products that enhance quality and efficiency. 3. Digital Embellishment: Delving into what Frank refers to as the “crown jewel” of their offerings, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize how businesses add value to print materials. Throughout their discussion, Eric and Frank address the challenges that come with introducing new technologies to the market. They emphasize the importance of educating customers, not just about the products themselves but about how these innovations can create new revenue streams and differentiate them in a competitive landscape. Frank underscores that success in this arena isn’t about competing on price but about offering unique value that customers can’t find elsewhere. The conversation also highlights the potential partnership between Taktiful and Konica Minolta. Both Eric and Frank express excitement about collaborating to provide education, training, and software solutions aimed at simplifying the adoption of digital embellishment technologies. They believe that by combining their strengths, they can make a significant impact on the industry and help customers overcome common hurdles. In a more personal segment, Frank opens up about the lessons he’s learned over his extensive career. He speaks passionately about the power of networking, the importance of execution over mere strategizing, and the value of leading by example. Frank recounts his own experiences, such as becoming the youngest director at Ricoh Corporation and recently completing his MBA after 35 years—a testament to his belief in lifelong learning and five-year planning. Eric and Frank wrap up their conversation by reflecting on the significance of relationships in business. They note how their professional paths have crossed over the years and how maintaining strong connections has been beneficial both personally and professionally. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how networking and mutual support can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Don’t miss this insightful and heartfelt episode that not only explores the future of industrial printing but also offers valuable leadership lessons and career advice. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there’s something in this conversation for everyone. Stay connected with us: • Taktiful: www.taktiful.com • Konica Minolta: www.konicaminolta.com Make sure to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on future episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays! Join us as we continue to bring you in-depth discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping the future of print.

In this exciting episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels, Chief Experience Officer at Taktiful, chats with Richard Romano, Senior Editor at WhatTheyThink, about the future of digital embellishments and the critical need for industry standards. 🎨✨ They dive into: ✅ The evolution of digital embellishments ✅ Challenges printers face: selling, pricing, and educating customers ✅ The importance of creating universal standards for gloss, foil, embossing, and more ✅ Insights from Taktiful & WhatTheyThink’s groundbreaking industry surveys And of course, they redefine “Taco Tuesday” as “Taktiful Tuesdays” 🌮😉 📊 Get involved! Participate in the digital embellishment survey (link below) and help shape the future of printing. As a thank-you, receive a free executive summary with actionable insights and a link to last year’s study. Don’t miss this insightful (and delicious) conversation! 🙌 🔗 Links: Take the digital embellishment survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Taktiful25 Watch the Digital Embellishment Panel: https://youtu.be/vqiiQJ3qPT8 Learn more about Taktiful: www.taktiful.com Printing Outlook Survey: https://store.whattheythink.com/downloads/printing-outlook-2024 Subscribe for more episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays, where we bring you the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the printing industry! 🚀

In the grand premiere of “Taktiful Tuesdays”—yes, we’re making Tuesdays a thing now—host Eric Vessels rolls out the virtual red carpet for none other than Kevin Abergel, CEO and founder of Taktiful, and Morten Reitoft, the editorial wizard behind @INKISH. This episode shines a spotlight on their shared dream to jazz up the printing world with a dash of digital dazzle. Their master plan? To educate and empower print service providers (PSPs) and converters worldwide—because who doesn’t want global empowerment on their résumé? They’re all about helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies to stand out from the crowd and, naturally, boost those profit margins. Both teams are buzzing with excitement about the partnership and are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful content that might just make the paper it’s printed on blush.

This week on Taktiful Tuesdays, we’re joined by Paul Furse – aka the digital embellishment guy – who recently stepped into a new role as Global Director of Marketing and Head of Business Development Americas at Harris & Bruno. We talk about his journey from growing up in a third-generation sign-painting family in New Orleans to helping brands scale digital embellishment across packaging, publishing, and beyond. Paul shares insights from his time at Scodix, Konica Minolta, and now Harris & Bruno – and we dig into why education and accessibility are still the biggest barriers (and opportunities) for this industry. We cover: • How Paul got pulled back into print after trying to leave it behind • The impact of digital embellishment on short-run, personalized, and regional packaging • What Harris & Bruno is doing differently with X-MAT, X-Foil, and sustainability • The future of design, AI, and the next 10 years of embellishment We even talk hiking, teenagers, and QR code tattoos. Yep, it’s that kind of episode. Watch. Listen. Rub your hands on a nice soft-touch finish while you do. This one’s a good one.

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with my longtime friend and print industry legend, Chris Curran - VP of Media and Events at Printing United Alliance. From his first hands-on experience printing t-shirts at summer camp to shaping the voice of the industry's biggest expo, Chris has built a career on curiosity, connection, and a genuine love for print. We talk about: • His wild ride through Heidelberg, HP, Landa, and beyond • Why listening between the lines is the next level of consultative sales • How Printing United Expo is becoming a true crossroads of the industry • The power of physical print in a digital world • And of course, what it means to be a good steward of the print community We also geek out on sensory marketing, rugby, and the real reason those cinnamon rolls in the mall smell so damn good. 🎧 Tune in, share it with a print friend, and don't forget to subscribe — lots more ahead. Register for the PRINTING United Expo: https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=284 🎟️ Learn more about the Embellishment Technology Tour we're running at this year's Printing United Expo: https://web.cvent.com/event/5a51b380-3ac8-41a0-9ab4-10d1c42b8bbe/summary

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays (#40!), I’m joined by my longtime friend and industry badass Sean Roberts, National Director of Digital Embellishment at Konica Minolta Industrial Print. We dive deep into his journey from Rubylith and Goldenrod paper to leading the charge on digital embellishment and helping reshape how printers add value beyond CMYK. Sean shares his perspective on how print has evolved over the decades, why mentorship matters more than ever, and how digital embellishment is aligning perfectly with today’s market needs. We also nerd out on why short-run packaging is exploding, what’s driving innovation at Konica Minolta, and how printers can use embellishment to boost margins and differentiation. Oh, and we definitely talk about Printing United Expo and what folks can expect when they stop by booth 5200 for the Digital Embellishment Technology Tour.

What happens when print stops being a commodity and starts becoming a luxury? In this week’s episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with someone I’ve admired for a long time - Marco Boer, VP at IT Strategies and one of the most respected thought leaders in the print industry. We talk about where print is heading, why embellishment is finally hitting its stride, and what the “haves and have-nots” trend means for your business. We also cover: • Why inkjet embellishment is turning a corner (finally) • What finishing automation is solving for print shops right now • The rise of specialization and the death of “generalist” printing • Why taxonomy actually matters (and how it can help your shop get found) •The surprising profitability of wide format • Marco’s sailboat (yes, really) It's a deep and honest conversation about where this industry is going and why the next five years might look very different than the last five. And trust me, if you're a progressive printer—or want to be—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric sits down with Ashley Roberts, Content Director at Printing Impressions, for a real, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about taking the reins from industry legend Mark Michelson and shaping the next generation of industry media. They get into everything from digital embellishment trends and storytelling to personal branding, imposter syndrome, and building trust with your audience. Ashley also shares her passion for travel, Stephen King novels, and her two rescue pups. Whether you're in print, content, marketing, or just figuring out how to be yourself while honoring the work that came before you — this one's for you. 👀 Watch the full episode to hear: • Ashley’s career journey and what it’s like stepping into big shoes • The evolving role of media in the print space • How print and digital storytelling can dance together • Why personal brand matters more than ever • What makes digital embellishment so powerful right now • A preview of the upcoming Embellishment Tech Tour at Printing United Expo! 📍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. New episodes drop every Tuesday!

We’re back with another Taktiful Tuesdays! In this episode, I sit down with Taktiful CEO (and my good buddy) Kevin Abergel to catch up on all the exciting things we’ve been building and rolling out. We cover: • The growth of Taktiful’s training, consulting, and software arms • Updates on Tactify – our AI-powered pricing tool for digital embellishments • The upcoming launch of Reaktor (with a K!) – our groundbreaking 3D embellishment preview tool • A sneak peek at Creator – the next evolution in embellishment design • A full breakdown of the Embellishment Technology Tour powered by Taktiful happening at Printing United This one’s packed. Whether you're in the thick of the embellishment game or just starting to explore it, there’s something here for you. 👉 Make sure to subscribe, hit that like button, and if you're headed to Printing United Expo, don’t miss the tour. Limited spots! Register here: https://cvent.me/bAVWEM

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Dan Johansen, VP of Sales and Product Management at Roland DGA. Dan’s been at the leading edge of innovation in wide format and industrial print for decades — from Creo to Kodak, Ricoh to Roland. And let me tell you, the man knows a thing or two about what actually drives success in this industry. We get into the intersection of wide format and embellishment, the shift toward value-driven print, and how curiosity and creativity are fueling the next wave of innovation. Dan also shares his thoughts on helping small businesses grow, how Roland is expanding beyond traditional signage, and why it’s all about the why — not just the what. We also go off the clock to talk motorcycles, music, writing, and what it really means to lead with compassion in business. This one’s packed with insight and inspiration. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. 🖨️ Topics We Cover: • The evolution of wide format print • Why small print businesses are the heartbeat of the industry • Applications that go beyond banners and signs • Roland’s approach to innovation and market expansion • The value era of embellishment (yes, it’s real) • Creating emotional connection through tactile print • Why curiosity is the best business strategy

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.