The Print & Pkg Lab - Practical conversations for print and packaging professionals - Powered by PIA MidAmerica

Teresa Campbell, PIA MidAmeica, discusses compensation strategy, retention, culture, career growth, and workforce trends shaping the printing industry.

Learn how AI sales prospecting can improve outreach, accelerate qualification, uncover opportunities, and help sales professionals work more efficiently.

Lena Thompson, ColorMark, shares lessons on mentorship, service, quality, and passing industry knowledge to the next generation of print professionals.

Learn practical ways to build internal community, strengthen employee engagement, and improve retention without additional budget or HR resources.

Jessica Sanchez, PIA MidAmerica, discusses workforce development, changing job roles, technical skills, and the future of careers in print production.

Learn how high-intent SEO keywords help print companies attract qualified prospects, improve search visibility, and generate better leads.

Filip Buyse, Venture 10, explains how print business owners can prepare for a sale, improve valuation, and avoid common succession planning mistakes.

Discover why relationship selling remains a powerful competitive advantage and how human connection helps sales professionals stand out in an AI-driven world.

Zach Fargo, Trabon, shares how relationships, community involvement, and a service-first mindset create stronger sales and business growth.

5 Things Gen Z Wants From Your Workplace (That You Can Actually Deliver) As more Gen Z employees enter the workforce, many organizations are working to understand what motivates them, how they prefer to communicate, and what they expect from an employer. While generational stereotypes often dominate the conversation, the reality is that many of

Hazardous waste management is about more than disposal—it impacts safety, compliance, operational risk, and cost control. In this Production Foundations episode, Zan Post of Clean Earth and Teresa Campbell discuss hazardous waste handling, employee training, waste classification, documentation requirements, and common mistakes that can create regulatory and financial challenges. Learn how print and packaging companies

Learn how print buyers research vendors online and discover strategies that help your company become a preferred choice before the first sales conversation.

Automation is transforming how print companies operate, reducing manual touchpoints while improving quality, efficiency, and throughput. In this Deep Dive, Chris Manley of Graphco explores the evolution of print technology from traditional reproduction methods to today's integrated digital workflows and smart finishing systems. The conversation highlights how automation helps companies reduce costs, improve consistency, address

Learn modern B2B prospecting strategies that help sales professionals stay visible, build trust, and connect with buyers through multiple touchpoints.

PIA MidAmerica Board Chairman, Rob Styacich, discusses business relationships, reputation, leadership, and the realities of growing and owning a print business.

Learn how psychological safety improves communication, trust, safety, quality, and problem-solving throughout print and packaging operations.

Learn how operational leadership, communication, and continuous improvement drive performance in print and packaging operations.

Discover a simple marketing system that helps print companies promote their business consistently without hiring a dedicated marketing team.

Learn how to use PIA MidAmerica GraphEx print industry awards to build credibility, strengthen client relationships, and support business growth.

Learn how sales habit stacking helps build consistency, improve prospecting activity, and create sustainable business development results over time.

Learn how leadership, workforce development, and long-term industry investment help strengthen and grow print and packaging companies.

Learn how to create workplace accountability through clear expectations, consistent follow-through, and leadership that balances compassion with performance.

Explore how root cause analysis strengthens operations across both manufacturing and corporate environments. With a background in printing and current experience in product safety, Nikki shares practical insight into applying Lean thinking in real-world settings.

Learn why prospects disengage during the buying process and discover practical ways to reduce sales funnel drop-off and improve conversion rates.

Discover practical strategies to maintain sales motivation, overcome setbacks, and build habits that support long-term success in business development.

Learn how dye sublimation printing supports apparel, signage, promotional products, customization, and new revenue opportunities.

Learn how the Keeper Test helps leaders build high-performance teams through accountability, trust, clear expectations, and stronger talent decisions.

Learn print shop safety fundamentals including OSHA compliance, machine guarding, chemical handling, lockout/tagout procedures, and EPA regulations.

Today's print buyers have more information than ever before. They research vendors, compare options, read reviews, and often form opinions long before speaking with a sales representative. Understanding modern print buyer behavior is essential for building trust, improving marketing performance, and creating meaningful customer relationships. In this episode of Thrive: Marketing, we explore how print