The Think Factory Podcast

The Think Factory Podcast

di The Think Factory

Tim Murphy, President, Printware LLC

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, our host Chris Santomassimo speaks with Tim Murphy, President of Printware LLC, about the evolution of the printing industry and the rise of inkjet. From tactile engagement to lasting impressions, Tim shares stories that highlight how print—especially direct mail—is still a highly effective customer touchpoint. The conversation dives into user experience, the evolution of packaging, and how personalization in print can spark action. It's a compelling discussion on how something as simple as an envelope can be the gateway to powerful brand storytelling. Disclaimer

Antonio Martinez, PE, PP, President & CEO, Colonel U.S. Army Reserve, Renaissance Global Services

In this episode of the Think Factory podcast, host Marco Gonzalez chats with Colonel Antonio Martinez, U.S. Army Reservist and CEO of Renaissance Global Services (RGS), a veteran-owned firm specializing in project and construction management. Colonel Martinez shares how his military background shapes RGS’s hands-on, mission-driven approach, empowering teams to make decisions that keep projects moving and clients happy. He highlights a standout success — leading the complex consolidation of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s labs without disrupting operations — and explains how RGS grew from a small veteran-owned startup into an award-winning player. Martinez also addresses potential challenges on the horizon, including shifts in government funding and diversity certification policies, but emphasizes RGS's readiness to adapt, rooted in its military-inspired operational flexibility. Disclaimer

Gia Lacqua, Renowned Empowerment Coach

In this episode of The Think Factory, Gia Lacqua opens up about her personal journey from corporate burnout to discovering her true calling. She shares how years of chronic stress and the pressure to constantly achieve led her to a breaking point, ultimately realizing that she had been chasing someone else’s definition of success. Gia dives into the importance of listening to your intuition, unlearning unhealthy habits, and redefining success on your own terms. She also highlights the widespread struggles of high-achieving women, backed by her recent national research study, which found that many women feel pressured to "grin and bear it" despite exhaustion, leading to a cycle of burnout and settling in both personal and professional life. Gia's framework, Radical Prioritization, is designed to help women reclaim their energy, clarity, and sense of identity. Through her upcoming book and online course, she provides a blueprint for breaking free from the hustle culture and building a healthier, more intentional path forward. Join us as Gia discusses her work, including a powerful live event for women leaders, and the importance of paving a new path for the next generation of women—one that prioritizes self-care, wellness, and true fulfillment. Disclaimer

Andrew Lynch, President & Co-Founder, Zipline Logistics

On this episode of The Think Factory, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most underestimated drivers of success in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) world: logistics. Andrew Lynch, President of Zipline Logistics, joins us to share real-world lessons on why making sure your product is on the shelf every time your customer shows up is what sets the winners apart from the rest. Whether you’re a brand founder, a retail seller, or just someone curious about how products make it from idea to aisle, this conversation with Andrew is full of insights. We dig into how brands can avoid the costly mistake of treating logistics as an afterthought and hear how a missed shipment can quietly cost you market share. Andrew also explains why controlling your transportation strategy is not just operational but strategic. Tune in to learn why logistics isn't just backend stuff —it's your frontline defense in today’s hyper-competitive retail game. Disclaimer

Amy Kritzer Becker, Founder of What Jew Wanna Eat, Author of Sweet Noshings and President of ModernTribe

What do jello shots, bagel earrings, and Hanukkah pajamas have in common? Amy Kritzer Becker! In this episode of the ThinkFactory podcast, host Susan Kleiner chats with Amy—Jewish food blogger, entrepreneur, and co-owner of ModernTribe.com about her inspiring and unconventional career journey. Amy shares how she got her start with What Jew Wanna Eat, a blog she launched during a personal and professional reset. At a time when content creation wasn’t yet considered a business, she carved out a niche by blending Jewish tradition with creativity and humor. Her path was anything but linear, but through a mix of saying “yes” before she was ready and trusting the process, Amy turned her passions into a successful business. She also opens up about running ModernTribe alongside her brother, the joy of working with independent Jewish artists, and the thoughtful design work behind their holiday products—like menorahs and Hanukkah pajamas that actually reflect the culture. From culinary creativity to meaningful entrepreneurship, Amy’s story is a celebration of doing what you love, embracing your roots, and building something uniquely your own. Disclaimer

Gilad Segev (known as The Collaboration Man), a Business Growth Advisor

In this episode of the Think Factory podcast, we’re chatting with Gilad Segev, a business advisor with experience in various industries. Gilad specializes in helping small and medium-sized companies scale through strategic partnerships with multinational corporations. Gilad shares his unique journey from law to business development, explaining how his "Collaborate for Success" method helps companies leverage collaborations—not just for financial growth but to unlock new markets, enhance credibility, and accelerate innovation. He also emphasizes the importance of thinking globally, especially in uncertain time. Gilad’s advice is clear: no matter the size of your company, there’s always an opportunity to scale and think beyond borders. For an in-depth, systematic guide to creating fruitful collaborations, grab a copy of his book, COLLABORATE for SUCCESS: The Single Most Powerful Marketing Strategy for Low Cost Leads & Major Profit on Amazon today. Disclaimer

Daniel Rosenbaum, President & CEO, and Jessica McCarthy, Chief Human Resources Officer of NextGen Label Group

In this episode of The Think Factory podcast, Chris Santomasimo visits NextGen Label Group in Syracuse, NY — a 100% employee-owned company making big moves in the world of packaging and labels. CEO Dan Rosenbaum and HR leader Jessica McCarthy share how NextGen came together from three legacy companies and built something bigger than the sum of its parts. They get into everything from the new 15-color hybrid press that helps customers experiment and scale faster, to their RFID label capabilities, shrink sleeve tech, and even a resealable label that replaces plastic lids and helps products stay fresher, longer. The conversation also covers how they’ve cut waste, earned sustainability awards, and built systems that allow them to shift work between facilities and keep things running smoothly. And with rising costs and global uncertainties, Dan and Jess share how they’re staying ahead, investing in talent, and keeping the culture strong across all locations. Listen to them as they talk tech, talent, and what it’s like being 100% employee-owned. If you want to learn more about NextGen Label Group, whether you're a brand owner looking to innovate, or someone interested in becoming part of a growing, employee-owned company—visit them at www.nextgenlabelgroup.com or follow them on LinkedIn for the latest updates. Disclaimer

Carin Laniak, President, Excelsus Solutions, LLC

In this episode, Carin Laniak, President of Excelsus Solutions, shares her journey from the production floor to leading a thriving print company. She also shares her experience stepping into a leadership role at a company her father helped build, motivated by his legacy and later reflecting on how things changed after his retirement. Carin talks about how Excelsus has stepped up its marketing game—something the company hadn’t really focused on before. After working with the Economic Gardening program, they began to rethink their approach, from strengthening their online presence to joining industry associations and identifying new markets. The result? A fresh focus on areas like interior décor and manufacturing, where their creativity and technical skills really shine. Looking ahead, Carin is excited about the possibilities in the décor space—wall graphics, unique materials, and long-lasting custom installs. Whether it's printing on burlap, metal, or creating custom aisle units for retailers, Excelsus is all about figuring things out and making it happen. Disclaimer

Jen Jimenez, Development Director, National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)

In this episode of The Think Factory, host Susan Kleiner welcomes Jen Jimenez, a dedicated arts advocate and fundraiser, to discuss how the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) is revolutionizing vocal education. They explore the power of affinity groups in creating support networks for voice teachers across different career stages and backgrounds. Jen also highlights the National Student Auditions (NSA), where young singers showcase their talent in classical, musical theater, and commercial music, often launching careers on Broadway and beyond. Jen shares her own journey—from running a thriving independent music studio to leading fundraising efforts for NATS—illustrating the importance of music education and community support. She also introduces NSA Generations, an exciting new initiative aimed at fostering lifelong connections among past and present participants. Through candid reflections, she offers advice on career growth, the value of flexibility, and how the arts continue to enrich lives. Disclaimer

Jennifer Eccles, Senior Director and Head of Clinical Genetics, Genomic Prediction Clinical Laboratory

In this thought-provoking episode of Think Factory’s Podcast Alka Bahal welcomes Jennifer Eccles for an in-depth discussion on the role of genetic counseling in modern reproductive medicine. As genetic testing becomes more advanced and widely available, Jennifer highlights the ethical and emotional complexities that come with helping patients make informed choices. From IVF clinics across the globe to the growing integration of AI, this conversation explores the delicate balance between technological innovation and the deeply human experience of fertility treatment. Beyond the science, Jennifer and Alka explore the human side of genetic counseling, from the comfort and reassurance counselors provide to the weight of responsibility they carry. They also discuss how AI and automation are reshaping the field, making processes more efficient while ensuring that the personal touch remains at the heart of patient care. Disclaimer
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