With great sorrow, we share the passing of our friend and former colleague, Katherine O’Brien. Katherine served for 18 years as American Printer’s editor-in-chief, North America’s oldest publication, founded in 1883. Her reputation as the print industry’s “investigative reporter” resulted from insightful questions and to-the-point follow-up queries...

In this episode, Thayer talks with Andy and Julie Plata, Co-CEOs of the OutputLinks Communications Group, American Printer’s parent company. Andy and Julie have served the industry in many capacities - as printers, service providers, analysts, and media providers. They share insights into our changing industry and what it will take for businesses t...

Texas’ power infrastructures imploded, and we sat for days in our dark, cold Texas home. All because energy managers ignored upgrades for changing weather patterns. are print managers prioritizing infrastructure upgrades for changing business communications? Not prioritizing needed upgrades cost Texans dearly. Let’s discuss what printers can learn...

Harvey Levenson, Professor Emeritus at Calpoly State University, responded to Andy and Julie’s article Thriving Beyond 2021. Harvey shares the underlying need has always been the most effective and influential means of delivering meaningful information. Harvey’s response gets into rhetoric and communication, as well as Aristotle’s definitions of Et...

In the past, digital and automation were considered cost-saving investments. But now, they need to be recognized as strategic competitive strategies. To thrive in 2021 and beyond, print professionals must prioritize deep upgrades to their automation and digitization technologies. Business is gained or lost based on a company’s ability to support th...

Information silos are more about management style than about structures or technologies. Fostering a work environment built on trust, sharing, and accountability is your best bet for improving cross-departmental collaboration. Can your businesses increase collaboration by creating regular check-ins between teams to discuss new processes and workflo...

Jay Williamson, a 4th generation printer, shares his family’s 151-year print history. His Great Grandfather started in print in 1869 and then formed an Indianapolis printing company in 1900. His business survived a World War, a pandemic, and the Great Depression. All without the internet, zoom, or stimulus money. Read more…

In today’s unprecedented business climate, Professor Tom Nicholls is right when he advises managers that “We cannot function without trusting in the expertise of others.” However, executives often resist calling for consultative assistance due to a perception that nobody else knows more about their business than they do. However…

Postmaster General and White House responded to growing alarm related to harming vote by mail. The Postmaster suspended previously announced USPS changes until after the election, “to avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail.” At a critical time, print losses if companies lack confidence in mail’s timely delivery. 

Your clients (and employees) will be asking, “What have you done to protect me from a COVID infection?” The new CX experience will focus on items like contactless delivery, printed material sanitization, and personal interactions. Companies who have enacted meaningful Post-COVID safeguards will gain new revenue and those who don’t …