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.

On Episode 44 of Taktiful Tuesdays, we're sitting down with Bryan Topham — a marketer, technologist, and former rugby player who’s seen it all in the world of print. From wide format to packaging to digital embellishment, Bryan brings the kind of creative energy and practical insight we love around here. We talk about the evolution of label and packaging, how embellishments drive brand decisions, what sports teach us about leadership, and how curiosity (and a willingness to break the rules) opens doors. There’s even a Jayhawk wall decal story in here. Whether you're a print geek, a packaging nerd, or just someone who believes in the power of collaboration and great design, this one’s worth your time. 👀 Watch. Like. Subscribe. Let’s go.

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.

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