The Dscoop Podcast

Bubu's CEO talks about the value of diversification, shares some creative binding techniques and points to a digital future for the company.Bubu has a rich 80-year history in bookbinding. How has its CEO, Thomas Freitag, managed to maintain the company's traditional craftsmanship while adapting to modern digital printing technologies?Find out in this episode of the "Unvarnished" video interview series. It features Thomas and the ongoing evolution of Bubu, based in Zurich, Switzerland.Gain ideas and inspiration from Thomas as he talks about ...Bubu's legacy and evolutionWhat promoted Bubu to diversify into digitally printed photobooks and archival storageCreative binding techniquesMarket demand and growth in SwitzerlandHow the Bubu teams engages with customersSustainability in the bookbinding marketBubu's bright future

What does the next generation of industry talent like? Look no further than these five impressive Ferris State University students.The future of the digital print industry is being created today, thanks to the fresh perspective, skills and passion of young talent around the world. Our profession's rising stars are helping companies transform and shine.As you'll see in this video, some of these stars are forming early, even as early as their sophomore year of college.The group interview features four students enrolled in Ferris State University's graphic media management program in the College of Business. Together, Tara Seth, Maggie Lewis, Mackenzie Griffin, Emalyn Nelson and Faith Robinson are a constellation of young talent that presents an energizing picture of the print communications landscape. They care more about future communication than past convention, and they have a burning desire to make a difference.Soon, Tara, Maggie, Mackenize, Emalyn and Faith will be pioneering new pathways to success in the world of print and marketing communications. Perhaps they will find internships or employment through Dscoop connections. They all networked with Dscoopers at Edge Indy, where during the event Tara also helped to drive an important discussion during an educational session about marketing to different generations.What are they learning in the Ferris State program? What did they discover during Edge Indy? How might they begin to shape their careers?Enjoy the conversation and find out.

In this episode of "The Link," Douglas Gibson, CEO and Founder of Infigo, shares collaboration principles that have shaped his company into a global leader in print and web-to-print technology. He emphasizes the importance of building strong alliances with both partners and competitors.Douglas' journey with Infigo began over a decade ago, rooted in a passion for software and a determination to simplify the print industry’s transition to digital workflows. Live on the Dscoop.com platform, he highlighted how partnerships have played a crucial role in this success. By focusing on the collective success of all involved, Infigo has been able to deliver innovative solutions to clients.He also shared that Infigo’s philosophy is deeply influenced by the Dscoop community, which he praised for fostering an open environment where competitors come together to solve industry challenges.

In this episode, Rusty and Maddy share their experience visiting Riga, a growing hub for top print-on-demand talent. They reflect on their visit to the Printful facility and discuss key 2025 trends, emerging technology needs, and how rising customer acquisition costs are shaping the industry’s future. The conversation also highlights the importance of strong partnerships in driving success in the evolving print landscape. Watch now for valuable insights and industry perspectives!

Fresh from Impressions Expo Long Beach – the leading trade show for decorated apparel – Rusty Pepper and Maddy Alcala caught up with industry leaders to break down what’s ahead for 2025. Optimism is in the air, but so is the need to adapt. Here's what stood out:🔥 What’s shaping the industry? Mergers, acquisitions, and the rise of Print-on-Demand as a mainstream solution. 🚀 Tech evolution: AI-driven customization, the growing role of DTF, and advancements in DTG and embroidery. 🤝 Why events matter: The power of community, networking, collaboration, and celebrating industry milestones.

Dscoop Marketing Director Chris Hyde and Dscoop Content Producer Darin Painter are energized by the idea-sharing happening every day inside the Dscoop global community. They work hard alongside great teammates (we're looking at you, Aina!) to promote and amplify the success of Dscoopers around the world.Listen in as Chris and Darin describe how they approach that big-picture mission for Dscoop. It's a fun cycle that begins with genuine listening, embraces the value of relevant and compelling content in a variety of forms, and places the ideas and inspiration of Dscoopers at center stage.Chris plays with pictures; Darin plays with letters. They try to get those two friends together on a daily basis.Fair warning: Expect some laughter and a few shenanigans. Like, maybe four or five shenanigans, plus a pinch of tomfoolery. Chris and Darin were a comedy duo in a different life, and generally have a difficult time keeping a straight face. It's part of the charm of their "Unvarnished" video interview series, which captures unscripted conversations with industry thought leaders.

The Vomela Companies' Director of ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility discusses the evolving landscape of sustainability in the print industry.In this episode of the "Unvarnished" video interview series, sustainability expert Lou Raiola talks about how The Vomela Companies drives change through its commitment to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.Lou, the company's Director of ESG and Corporate Social Responsibility, has long been a champion of causes that inspire social good, He drives Vomela's ESG efforts in communities nationwide while advancing the company's ESG strategy, and will be a featured speaker Oct. 3 at the Fall Forum in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.In the interview, Lou explains that sustainability efforts at Vomela have been a strategic focus for the past five years. The company, which specializes in visual communications for Fortune 500 brands, has taken a dual approach to sustainability — both internally, by transforming their operations, and externally, by aligning with clients' sustainability goals.One of Vomela's standout projects includes the installation of the largest rooftop solar array in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA, where Vomela’s headquarters is located. Additionally, the team has conducted greenhouse gas emissions analyses (Scope 1 and 2) across all their facilities, reflecting their commitment to reduce Vomela's carbon footprint.One key takeaway from Lou's discussion is the increasing importance of Scope 3 emissions reporting, which focuses on emissions from an organization’s supply chain. Lou emphasized that over 90% of greenhouse gas emissions for large corporations often come from their supply chains, putting pressure on suppliers like Vomela to provide data on their sustainability efforts. This ripple effect of ESG accountability has led Vomela to work closely with clients and suppliers to align on sustainability goals and innovate solutions, such as alternative substrates and reducing the environmental impact of signage.Lou says ESG is not just a box to check — it requires a full, strategic commitment from leadership to be successful.

In this episode of "Unvarnished," we sit down with Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, to discuss the changing landscape of workforce management — and why companies need to rethink retention. The biggest takeaway? People don’t leave jobs; they leave managers. And as Claudia explains, businesses that focus only on hiring, rather than developing strong leaders, are setting themselves up for failure. She also shares why empathy is a leadership superpower and how companies that embrace it will build stronger teams, improve retention, and create better workplaces. Hit play now, and discover why investing in leadership is the best strategy for keeping your best employees.

Rusty Pepper and Maddy Alcala are back with another episode of Print on Demand Playbook! This time, they’re breaking down the biggest moments that shaped the print-on-demand industry in 2024, from unexpected challenges and major mergers to exciting innovations in AI and sustainability. They’ll also share predictions for 2025, including trends to watch, new opportunities, and the evolving landscape of social commerce and enterprise adoption.

Emily and Helena Kellock are shaping the future of the UK label provider.Emily and Helena Kellock are two young professionals driving the family business, Label Apeel, to new heights with their innovative spirit, fresh perspectives and passion for delighting clients. As third-generation leaders, the sisters are following in the footsteps of their father, Stuart Kellock, and taking on crucial roles to shape the future of the company that was started by their grandfather in a garden shed in Leicestershire, UK.The sisters' paths to Label Apeel were not direct, yet they share a deep connection to the business. Helena, who joined first, pursued a corporate career after studying business management. However, the pull of the family legacy was strong, and two years ago, she made the decision to step into the managing director role, where she is now guiding the company through its next phase of growth.For Emily, her journey to Label Apeel came after a realization during her economics studies. “I was halfway through my degree when I started thinking, ‘Is this really what I want to do?’” Emily explains. “Watching Helena have such an impact on the business inspired me, and I decided to take a different path and join Label Apeel 18 months ago.”The Kellock sisters have a unique dynamic that has strengthened their leadership approach. “People are often surprised when they hear we’re sisters working together, but we’ve always been friends first,” says Emily. “That relationship translates to a really strong working bond. There’s no one I’d rather be doing this with.”Label Apeel has long been recognized for its commitment to high-quality label production, particularly in the premium beers, wines, and spirits sector. Under Emily and Helena’s leadership, the company has maintained its reputation for excellence while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in label design and production. “Our motto is simple: if nobody else can do it, come to us. We love a challenge,” says Helena. “And we’re always experimenting, especially with new materials or techniques that customers want to explore.”This adventurous approach is paired with a deep understanding of the importance of branding and packaging. Helena's experience in corporate retail has given her valuable insights. “I used to work for Aldi, and I saw firsthand how much branding influences purchasing decisions. It’s the same with wine, for example—people often choose based on the label. We know how critical it is to get the packaging right.”Emily adds that the company’s focus on customer service goes hand in hand with their technical expertise. “We see ourselves as partners, not just suppliers. It’s not just about delivering a product — it’s about ensuring that every label we produce reflects our clients’ brands perfectly."Together, they're ensuring that Label Apeel remains at the forefront of the industry while staying true to its family roots. Their vision for the future is clear: continue innovating, provide world-class service and maintain the culture of excellence that has made Label Apeel a leader in the UK label industry.

He's bringing together print industry leaders in a new Dscoop series about innovation and the evolving POD landscape.In this fun episode of the "Unvarnished" video interview series, Rusty Pepper, Head of New Markets and Partnerships at Taylor Corporation, talks candidly about his passion for the print-on-demand (POD) market and his journey into the industry.Rusty is hosting a new Dscoop educational series called the "Print On Demand Playbook — go here for past recordings and upcoming sessions — and he plays a pivotal role in leading POD strategies.His career began in the agency and promotions world, where he gained a deep understanding of brand positioning and strategy. That experience helped Rusty recognize the significant opportunities in POD, and he shares his enthusiasm for the POD market in this "Unvarnished" episode.Rusty’s current role at Taylor focuses on partnerships. “We work across all the different ways that companies are using print-on-demand," he explained, highlighting Taylor’s backend print fulfillment model that works with resellers, platforms and marketplaces.Watch the interview to get Rusty's take on the future of POD, why the print and promotional products industries are ripe for transformation and his love for all things Texas.

The Print On Demand Playbook is back and ready for an amazing 2025 season. Hear from Rusty Pepper, Head of New Markets and Partnerships at Taylor Corporation and Maddy Alcala, the President of Gooten, as they discuss what's in store for 2025.

This "Unvarnished" episode shines a spotlight on the general manager of Etiqetas Anver in Barcelona, Spain. She embraces the values instilled by her father while building upon the label provider's approach to innovation and responsibility.For over three decades, Etiquetas Anver has been at the forefront of label printing innovation, blending a rich legacy with cutting-edge technology. Under the leadership of General Manager Elisenda Vergés, the Barcelona, Spain-based company continues to evolve, staying true to the values instilled by its founder — Elisenda's father — while embracing the power of digital transformation.With a background in hospitality, Elisenda brought a fresh, customer-focused approach to Etiquetas Anver. “In hospitality, the customer experience is essential,” she said. “I have brought the same mindset."Her commitment to service and adaptability has been instrumental in the company’s shift from traditional flexographic printing to digital solutions, a change driven by market demand for shorter print runs, personalization and flexibility. Digital technology has enabled Etiquetas Anver to respond faster to customer needs, reduce waste, and maintain precise control over print quality, she said.While the digital transition posed challenges, including the need to educate both staff and clients, it has since become a catalyst for growth. Elisenda notes that digital printing’s speed and flexibility are particularly valuable, saying, “Our clients especially appreciate the quick turnaround times and the flexibility in the number of labels that they can order.” This agility has allowed Etiquetas Anver to attract new customers and expand its capabilities.Sustainability is another core focus for the company. From minimizing waste to utilizing solar power and FSC-certified materials, Elisenda underscores their commitment to eco-friendly practices. “We want to look after our planet, so we have to invest,” she said.

Dr. William Goh is a seasoned, respected professional with extensive experience in print and photography. As Director of Angel Prints Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, he has successfully expanded his business reach through strategic collaborations with over 300 PSPs locally and has established partnerships with printing suppliers in China.His career is distinguished by multiple awards and recognitions, including honorary doctorates in social work and entrepreneurship.Dr. Goh graciously joined us as a guest for "The Link," a conversation series that brings together digital print leaders to share insights on collaborating, to talk about his partnership mindset and strategies.

The Link conversation series features digital print leaders who share insights and experiences collaborating with competitors to achieve big wins for everyone involved. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced expert in the industry, tuning in can help you learn how to grow your business through smart collaboration.The fifth guest of the series is Rachel Crowther, Director of Sales & Marketing at Cober Solutions (Canada) and Dscoop Americas Board Member. Learn how and why Rachel focuses daily on driving global partnerships.

The Link conversation series brings together digital print leaders to share insights on collaborating with competitors to achieve big wins for everyone involved. By including Dscoop members, the conversation provides real stories and tips straight from the pros. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced expert in the industry, tuning in can help you learn how to grow your business through smart collaboration. The fourth guest of the series is Frank Arostegui, Executive Vice President for Sales at American Litho (USA) and Dscoop Americas Board Member. Frank Arostegui is Executive Vice President for Sales at American Litho, one of the nation's fastest growing direct and omnichannel marketing firms. Frank brings more than 25 years of collaborative sales experience to his current role, which he assumed in 2013. As the company's top sales and marketing executive, he sets the direction for ALitho's relationships with Fortune 100 clients around the globe and oversees a staff of 30. Frank began his career in the print industry in 1994, and since that time he has developed and nurtured relationships with clients on behalf of the nation's largest and most prestigious printing companies, including Banta, Moore and R.R. Donnelly. Frank and his wife recently celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary. Together, they have raised three talented and creative daughters: Samantha, 24; Sophia, 21; and Sylvia, 19. In his personal and professional life, Frank has shown the ability to work for comprehensive solutions to the problems he encounters. He seeks to set the same example for his daughters and for all those he works with at American Litho.

The Link conversation series brings together digital print leaders to share insights on collaborating with competitors to achieve big wins for everyone involved. By including Dscoop members, the conversation provides real stories and tips straight from the pros. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced expert in the industry, tuning in can help you learn how to grow your business through smart collaboration.The third guest of the series is Ulrich Schätzl, COO Print & Packaging Elanders Group (Germany) and Dscoop EMEA Board Member.Ulrich came into contact with the printing industry at a young age through his parents' business. The many hours spent in production paved his way into this industry, already during his school years. After graduating from the Munich University of Applied Sciences with a degree in printing technology, Ulrich's path led him to a large and renowned printing company in Bavaria, where he held various positions.In 1997, Ulrich returned to his parents' company and six years later took over sole responsibility and management. Together with his management team in Donauwörth, Schätzl Druck & Medien transformed into an e-commerce specialist in the digital printing sector with a focus on books, calendars, stationary and wall art. Since July 2021, Schätzl has been part of the Elanders Print & Packaging Division headed by Sven Burkhard. Ulrich is responsible for the Mass Customization business unit within the Elanders Group.

As the "Print on Demand Playbook" series unfolds, it’s clear that the future of the industry is bright, driven by technology, creativity and a deepening connection between brands and their customers.The print-on-demand (POD) market is evolving rapidly, and staying on top of its latest advancements is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in this space.That’s why Dscoop's "Print on Demand Playbook" series is underway. Future sessions will be listed here.In the series’ inaugural episode, host Rusty Pepper, a champion for the print on demand market and Head of New Markets & Partnerships at Taylor Corporation, invites three industry experts to share their insights on the print industry’s evolution, growth drivers and future trends.The Expert PanelRusty brings together a diverse panel to represent different facets of the print industry:Mike Scrutton, Director of Print Technology and Strategy at Adobe, discusses software and design advancements.Melissa Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer at Fedrigoni Special Papers / Mohawk, offers perspectives from the supplier side.Craig Lenton, CEO of Hyble, focuses on the aggregator and reseller aspects of the market. Together, these experts explore the major shifts in print on demand and what innovations are driving the market forward.The Evolution of Print on DemandOver the last decade, advancements in print technology have transformed the way businesses approach print. According to Melissa at Fedrigoni, one of the most significant milestones has been the leap in print quality, crediting the HP Indigo for pushing those boundaries. This advancement has opened the door for more complex substrates and uncoated, textured and colorful materials, allowing brands to differentiate themselves in ways that weren’t previously possible.For Craig at Hyble, the ability to connect print services globally through API integration has been a game-changer, allowing his company to plug directly into printers across the world. Automation is another key driver for Craig, as it significantly reduces the time from order to delivery, making print on demand faster and more efficient.What’s Powering the Future of Print?When it comes to growth drivers, all three panelists agree that digital print and automation are at the forefront of innovation. "We’re now seeing huge enterprises move towards on-demand printing," Craig notes, citing the frustration many large brands face when they invest in print marketing materials only to see them languish in warehouses or be recycled.Mike at Adobe adds that the democratization of design tools, such as Adobe Express, is empowering more people within organizations to create their own print materials.AI is the New FrontierAs the conversation shifts to the future, artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage. AI is already being used to streamline design and content creation processes, and Mike believes it will continue to drive efficiency in the print industry. "AI isn’t just a shiny object — it’s a tool that can help us be more productive," he says.Whether it’s helping non-designers create professional-quality templates or automating routine design tasks, AI promises to reduce workloads while maintaining high standards of creativity and quality.Melissa echoes the sentiment but emphasizes the importance of maintaining a...

Collaboration and Rick Bellamy go hand in hand. The experienced print industry leader and current managing director of Inflecton LLC shares inspiring stories and sage advice in Episode 2 of The Link, Dscoop's new conversation series about the value of networking and partnerships in the Dscoop global community.From 2009-2021, Rick was CEO of RPI, and a master at developing the kind of trusting business relationships that earned both sides respect, business and even friendship. Today, in addition to serving as Dscoop's executive chair, Rick is using the same collaborative spirit to help graphic arts companies build diverse teams and embed a culture of sustainability.

Brands that want to stand up to their competition must find creative ways to stand out. That's why more and more brands are turning to The BoxMaker, a custom box manufacturer and packaging distributor that continues to innovate and advance. The company delivers truly stunning and highly effective packaging solutions that conventional print and finishing methods cannot produce. This episode of "Unvarnished" features Katy Hart, Director of Marketing and Communications at The BoxMaker, and Kristi Duvall, the company's Vice President of Sales. They share insight about how The BoxMaker approaches marketing and sales, developing the company's new website, the adoption of new technology in the packaging space, how COVID united the company and more.