Language Spanish - Subtitles Spanish/English At LabelExpo Mexico, Esteban García represented CERM as their Business Development Manager for the United States, Mexico, South America, and Latin America. With his deep understanding of the industry, García shared CERM’s focused vision and the value their specialized software brings to companies in the label and packaging sector. CERM, a Belgian company with over 30 years of experience, develops software tailored specifically for businesses in labeling, flexible packaging, and corrugated cardboard. García emphasized that CERM deliberately concentrates on this niche, believing that actual value lies in specialization. “This is what we do,” he noted, underscoring the importance of doing one thing exceptionally well rather than spreading resources too thin. During the event, García highlighted the challenges many companies in the sector face—particularly labor shortages and competition from larger, more modern operations. In response, CERM’s software is designed to streamline workflows, reduce unnecessary steps, and capture key production data accurately. This efficiency empowers companies to remain competitive without overhauling their equipment or expanding their workforce. One of the CERM system's most compelling features is its ability to deliver real-time quotes in minutes—a critical need in today’s fast-paced business environment. García explained how CERM eliminates redundant data entry across the production process, allowing information to flow seamlessly from quoting to invoicing, including inventory and warehouse management. The result is a fully integrated solution that supports operational excellence. CERM is making its debut at LabelExpo Mexico after attending the event as a visitor. Pleased with the experience, the team returned to showcase their platform to companies that may not have had the opportunity to attend LabelExpo in Brussels or Chicago. The goal is to introduce more Latin American businesses to CERM’s capabilities through live demos and direct interaction. When asked about the company’s performance in the Mexican market, García reported positive momentum, noting strong client relationships in Mexico and South America. He expressed enthusiasm about the future, sharing that CERM’s regional team has already tripled in size during his five-year tenure and continues to expand rapidly. Looking ahead to 2025, García remains optimistic. “We are growing fast and doing very well,” he said, reinforcing CERM’s commitment to innovation and industry collaboration. As the conversation concluded, García invited all attendees at LabelExpo Mexico to visit the CERM stand. “We’re excited to meet more people from the industry and build new partnerships,” he added. Interviewer: Nayelli González Menéndez · Revista El Impresor

L'entretien a été vraiment sympathique et détendu avec la grande dame d'Esko France & Benelux. Esko est connu en tant que leader dans le monde des étiquettes et du packaging, et le groupe est présent à C!Print, "le" rendez-vous en France. Isabelle Manche a révélé en première et devant les caméras d'INKISH certaines informations concernant le groupe mère Danaher, actuel propriétaire des marques Esko, Pantone, Xrite et TiliaLabs. Un entretien à ne pas manquer.

CERM's booth at LabelExpo was busy. Not only with demos and meetings, but a considerable percentage of the booth was reserved for panel debates where attendees could listen to different customers' stories about CERM. Editor Morten B. Reitoft attended one with Marco Oude Nijeweme from the Dutch label printer Eshuis and got the chance to talk to him after the debate. In this session, the topic was planning. Nijeweme explained how CERM helps them optimize job planning and even how scheduled maintenance and rush jobs can add to the planning, which dynamically changes to realities and SLAs. Interesting story to learn from.

It's always nice talking to Erwin Busselot from Ricoh. His knowledge of the inkjet space goes way back, and in this interview, we talk about Ricoh, a less-than-20-year-old company that has developed into a global player in digital print. It's a fantastic story, and Busselot adds personal spice to it. Enjoy!

At Printing United 2025 in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets Errol Moebius, President and CEO of IST America, for a conversation about UV curing, innovation, and the company’s evolving role in the print and packaging markets. Errol, who has led IST America for several years, explains how the company’s strength lies in its combination of engineering depth, flexibility, and a broad product range. “IST has a great history and a very wide portfolio,” he says. “We work across multiple markets — sheetfed, flexo, digital, and industrial — which allows us to provide complete curing solutions tailored to every customer’s needs.” He clarifies a common misconception in the industry: “People often think UV is just UV, but that’s not true. The technology you choose depends entirely on the application. Some jobs are best suited to mercury, others to LED, and we’re increasingly using excimer systems for advanced surfaces and special substrates. It’s never a one-size-fits-all scenario.” Errol explains that IST’s approach is consultative rather than transactional. “We’re not just selling lamps — we’re providing engineered solutions,” he says. “From compact LED modules for digital presses to large-scale mercury curing systems, we focus on what fits the customer’s process today and what will serve them in the future. Flexibility and long-term value are key.” A major part of that value, he notes, comes from Smart Cure, IST’s intelligent control and monitoring platform. “Smart Cure gives real-time insights into power consumption, temperature, and lamp performance,” Errol explains. “It automatically adjusts output to optimize curing efficiency. For example, if full power isn’t needed, the system runs at 70% instead of 100% — saving energy, reducing heat, and extending lamp life.” That data-driven control, he continues, is not just about efficiency but sustainability. “Energy costs keep rising, and customers are more focused on sustainable production than ever. Smart Cure helps them cut operating costs, reduce waste, and achieve consistent performance — all without sacrificing quality.” Asked how IST America differentiates itself in a competitive market, Errol points to reliability and integration. “Every supplier brings something different, but IST stands out through engineering precision, global service, and deep OEM partnerships,” he says. “We support our customers through consultation, testing, and long-term service — ensuring the system performs exactly as promised.” He concludes on an optimistic note: “UV technology keeps evolving. Whether it’s mercury, LED, or excimer, our mission is to help printers and converters choose the right solution for their workflow — and make sure it runs efficiently, sustainably, and profitably.” Morten smiles and thanks him for his insights. Errol replies with a grin, “Always great to see you, Morten — and always great to talk about where this industry is heading.”

Great meeting with Erik Norman, who became President of SwissQprint North American in October 2022. With a solid background in the wide format industry and, of course, supported by super products, Norman sees nothing but growth ahead of the company's operation in North America. Enjoy!

Erik Holdo works for Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA. In this 'Over the Skype' session, we get the chance to talk about technology, printing companies, the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibitions, and maybe also how new technology can offer everybody new ways to experience products in the future. Great session that we really enjoyed!

It's not so often we have time to get behind the person. We meet at tradeshows and talk about technology and customers, but on a two-day trip with Koenig & Bauer in New Berlin and Bloomington, we had plenty of time, so here is an interview with Erik Frank from Koenig & Bauer. The interview ranges from attracting young talent to the industry and how Erik Frank personally invests time mentoring young people to digital transformation and everything in between. Super interview - Great inspiration!

LinkedIn Profiles: Eric Vessels: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericvessels/ Nick Gawreluk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-gawreluk-7631801a/

Do you know why WhatTheyThink! has the name WhatTheyThink!? Did you know that WhatTheyThink! was one of the first media in the printing industry that launched a daily newsletter, and that Eric Vessels and Adam Dewitz was literally chasing news every night to get enough content for their newsletter? So many great and amazing stories, and who's better to tell the story than Eric Vessels who is one of the three owners of WhatTheyThink! WhatTheyThink! is one of the most recognized media in the printing industry, and we are happy to call them friends - thank you for finally getting in front of the camera Eric! As with all our ‘Over the Skype’ interviews, quality is limited to bandwidth, web-cams, and ability to literally LIVE mix the conversations. However, it works, and with Over the Skype, we will bring you more than 20 exciting people, and angles on the industry as it is right now. Enjoy!

Eric Hawkinson is the VP Marketing, Canon Solutions America, and in this, Over the Skype session we get a great insight not only about new products, but also how Canon and their people get input from the industry by visiting printing companies, and from the user-conference thINK Ahead. We also get an insight into how Canon position themself to a future after the corona - GREAT conversation, really fun. As with all our ‘Over the Skype’ interviews, quality is limited to bandwidth, web-cams, and ability to literally LIVE mix the conversations. However, it works, and with Over the Skype, we will bring you more than 20 exciting people, and angles on the industry as it is right now. Enjoy!

At Printing United Expo in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH meets Eric Dominguez from Expressdocs Partners, a Fort Worth, Texas–based company specializing in high-volume direct mail and real estate marketing. Expressdocs handles a mix of offset and digital printing, producing millions of mail pieces each month—about 60% of its business is centered on real estate. “A lot of postcards, a lot of first-class mail,” Eric explains. “It’s all about getting jobs out fast and on time, so automation and reliability are key.” Within the Fort Worth facility, Standard Finishing and Horizon equipment play a central role. “We’ve got three RD4055 die-cutters,” Eric says. “We die-cut most of our postcards on them, and they just run. We also have a folder-creaser and an AFC-746 folder. My employees love the Horizon machines—they’re reliable, simple to use, and the interfaces are consistent across models. Once you know one, you can operate the others.” That ease of use, Eric says, helps address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: skilled labor. “Good operators are hard to find,” he admits. “But with Horizon, we can move people between machines without a full retraining. That flexibility saves time and helps us stay efficient.” Automation remains a top priority. “We haven’t added the ICE Link system yet,” he says, “but we’re looking at it seriously. I like the idea of real-time performance data, scheduled maintenance alerts, and automatic prompts. It’s the kind of system that keeps you proactive and productive.” Discussing the market, Eric smiles. “Texas is a great place to do business—busy, competitive, but full of opportunity. Real estate can fluctuate, but we stay steady. Things slow down a bit toward the end of the year, but by January we’re running full speed again.” At the show, Eric says Expressdocs isn’t shopping for anything specific. “We’re mainly looking around, seeing what’s new. It’s been a couple of years since we last came to a big expo, and it’s great to see where the technology’s headed and how we can make our operation even more efficient.” “Fantastic,” Morten says with a grin. “Thank you, sir,” Eric Dominguez replies.

Still among the most impressive 3D printers in the market, and in this combined interview and walkthrough by CEO Erez Zimerman, you get a bit of both - one exciting takeaway is that large format printers delivery instore and outdoor is among the segments Massivit addresses as large 3D printed 'products' can be used in combination and draw traffic - the booth give excellent examples. But also for prototyping and even for mold production, Massivit now has solutions!

Eran Lazar has only been with HP Indigo for ten months, but what ten months. First at drupa and now at HID25. In this interview, we get to learn about the HP Indigo 120K, new inks and consumables - and great application examples. We, of course, also get to talk about HP's slogan, Better Together, which is a powerful message of how PageWide and Indigo integrate so well. Enjoy!

Epson cherche à optimiser les processus, à rationaliser la technologie et à apporter une vision au secteur de l'impression. Tout cela et bien plus est réuni sous leur devise « ReThink your style ». Bonne discussion avec Bruno Destribats sur la façon dont ils veulent changer le jeu en 2024. —— Epson seeks to optimize processes, streamline technology and bring vision to the printing industry. All this and more comes together under their motto “ReThink your style”. Good discussion with Bruno Destribats on how they want to change the game in 2024.

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at EFI, to discuss the game-changing innovations in the digital print world. From the revolutionary EFI X5 Nozomi and its impact on on-demand box production to the Pro 30H hybrid printer and the growing role of sustainability in print technology, this conversation is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. Ken also shares his thoughts on digital embellishments, the analog-to-digital shift in the industry, and practical advice for print service providers looking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Plus, they dive into personal favorites—travel destinations, grilling tips, and even a little football talk! 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Learn more about EFI: www.efi.com EFI ESG Sustainability Report: https://www.efi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/EFI-Impact-Report-2023.pdf EFI PackSize X5 Nozomi in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6OFLXDnSoc 🔥 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us for more engaging conversations every Tuesday! #DigitalPrint #EFI #PackagingInnovation #Sustainability #TaktifulTuesdays

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, host Eric Vessels sits down with the renowned print industry analyst and consultant David Zwang to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital embellishments, workflow automation, and what’s on the horizon for the printing industry. Topics Covered: • How digital embellishments moved from niche novelty to industry game-changer • Why packaging leads the way in eye-catching, tactile print innovation • Common production workflow inefficiencies and strategies for optimization • The power of automation and data-driven processes in modern print manufacturing • The importance of industry standards (including the Ghent Workgroup) for consistent, reliable results • Practical steps for PSPs to implement new technologies—and boost profitability • A fun wrap-up on their favorite cocktails (tequila and mezcal, anyone?) If you’re looking for insights on enhancing print with special effects, upping your workflow efficiency, and staying competitive in a connected, digital world, this episode is a must-watch! Subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays episodes, where we break down the latest trends and best practices in the print industry. Like & Share if you found this conversation valuable. Thanks for tuning in—see you next Tuesday!

Welcome to Episode 6 of Taktiful Tuesdays! Eric Vessels from Taktiful sits down with Warren Werbitt, aka "The Print Whisperer," to dive deep into the world of print, entrepreneurship, and the passion that drives the industry forward. 🌟 In this episode: 🔹 Warren shares his journey into the printing industry, starting from his father’s small print shop to becoming a renowned industry leader. 🔹 The viral video that made Warren a print icon and lessons on authenticity in building a personal brand. 🔹 Insights on the latest trends in printing, including embellishments, AI, and the evolving technology shaping the future. 🔹 Why relationships, authenticity, and passion are the keys to a successful business. 🔹 Warren's new podcast, Printing's Alive, and his ongoing mission to connect and inspire print professionals everywhere. Whether you're a printer, marketer, or just curious about how print impacts our lives, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights! 👉 Follow Warren: LinkedIn: [Insert Warren's LinkedIn link] Website: [Insert Warren's website link] 🎙️ Tune in every Tuesday for more engaging industry conversations on Taktiful Tuesdays! 💬 Drop a comment below: What's your favorite printing industry trend right now?

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, I sit down with Brad Drever, the founder and driving force behind Skandacor. Brad shares the wild ride of starting out in a garage with a laminator and a dream, to becoming one of the most innovative forces in the digital embellishment game. We talk about the brand new Finish Pro 3D1623 - a machine that's shaking up the market by making high-end inkjet embellishment actually affordable for smaller shops. If you're a printer who's been priced out of this space in the past, you're going to want to hear this. But it’s not just about machines - Brad drops some serious wisdom on design, implementation, and why training and creativity matter more than ever in the value era of print. And as always, we go beyond the business and dive into what drives Brad personally, from his passion for reimagining education to the teachers and mentors that shaped his path. Don't miss this one – it’s full of heart, hustle, and ideas that could change your business.