The Think Factory Podcast

The Think Factory Podcast

di The Think Factory

Amministrazione Marketing

Dennis Leblanc, Senior Product and Business Development Manager, Drytac

On this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, we dive into the science—and strategy—behind what really makes things stick with Dennis LeBlanc of Drytac. From celebrating 50 years in business to supplying adhesive-coated solutions in over 80 countries, Drytac is far more than a materials manufacturer—it’s an innovation engine focused on solving real-world pain points across visual communications, architectural films, retail, and industrial markets. Dennis unpacks the company’s “Adhesive Sciences” approach, cold-weather and specialty surface technologies, and the growing push toward sustainability without a “green tax.” We explore how smarter material choices—like water-based adhesives, polypropylene films, and new recyclable peel-and-stick papers—are reshaping the industry, why mandates are accelerating change, and what’s next in sustainable product development. If you’ve ever wondered how performance, profitability, and environmental responsibility can truly align, this conversation sticks. Disclaimer

Karen Norheim, CEO, American Crane & Equipment Corporation

On this episode of the ThinkFactory Women’s Roundtable, Karen Norheim, CEO of American Crane & Equipment Company, shares her remarkable journey from reluctant recruit in her family’s manufacturing business to second-generation leader of a thriving, highly engineered crane company serving industries from nuclear energy to NASA’s Artemis program. Karen opens up about the immigrant grit that shaped her father’s legacy, the evolution of their “Always Lift, Never Quit” mantra, and how she intentionally builds a culture rooted in perseverance, heart, and integrity. From championing women in manufacturing and mentoring future leaders to CEO’ing her own health and navigating rapid technological change, Karen offers candid insights on resilience, stewardship, and what it truly takes to lead with strength and authenticity in today’s world. Disclaimer

Timothy Peters (Business Development Manager) & Louis Rouhaud (VP Sales and Marketing), Polyart Americas

In this episode of the ThinkFactory Podcast, Timothy Peters and Louis Rouhaud of Polyart explore how synthetic paper is reshaping print, packaging, and labeling through durability, printability, and sustainability. The conversation dives into how Polyart eliminates lamination steps, reduces carbon footprint and waste, supports recyclability with post-consumer materials, and helps printers and brands cut costs while improving efficiency—offering a compelling look at how innovation in materials can drive both environmental and business impact. Disclaimer

Blair Jason-Brown (Director of Marketing) & Arika Stoecker (Director of Business Development), Case Paper

Case Paper’s Blair Jason-Brown and Arika Stoecker share how an 80+ year–old company stays relevant by blending deep industry expertise with creativity, humor, and a people-first mindset. From custom-sized paper and packaging solutions that reduce waste and boost profitability to bold educational tools like “Case Paper TV,” they discuss what it truly means to be “On the Case”—building real partnerships, empowering customers through knowledge, and rethinking how print and packaging can inspire, perform, and tell better brand stories. Disclaimer

Michael Seagram (President ) & Mark Witkowski (Chief Technology Officer), Publishers Storage and Shipping

In this episode, listeners hear from Mike Seagram, President, and Mark Witkowski, CTO of Publisher Storage and Shipping (PSSC), as they explore how modern technology is reshaping book fulfillment and distribution. From print-on-demand and inventory optimization to data-driven forecasting, AI, and navigating Amazon’s influence, the conversation offers an inside look at how publishers can ship more, store less, and make smarter decisions across the supply chain. It’s a deep dive into how a traditionally “legacy” business is evolving through smarter data, tighter integration, and collaborative partnerships to keep publishers competitive and profitable. Disclaimer

Kris Hanchette, President, EngView North America

This episode takes a deep dive into how AI-powered software is transforming the printing and packaging industries, moving far beyond buzzwords into real-world productivity, creativity, and efficiency gains. The conversation explores how EngView Systems has been building AI-driven, parametric design tools for decades, enabling packaging manufacturers, designers, and printers to reduce errors, shorten turnaround times, and automate complex structural design tasks that once took hours or days. Kris also discusses how AI, automation, and connected workflows are reshaping everything from cost estimation and sustainability to virtual prototyping, augmented reality, and short-run production. From smarter material optimization to safer, more efficient factory floors, this episode offers a forward-looking view of how embracing intelligent software can help companies stay competitive, profitable, and ready for what’s next. Disclaimer

Mark Priede, Vice President of Sales and Worldwide Marketing, Xante

This episode explores how Xante is helping democratize print technology by making advanced equipment and workflow tools more accessible to print service providers of all sizes. From digital envelope printing to UV flatbeds, roll-fed systems, and DTF solutions, the conversation highlights how Xante enables shops to add new revenue streams, increase efficiency, and reduce labor costs in an increasingly competitive print market. Disclaimer

Oscar Perez, US CFO, Snøhetta

In this episode, Oscar Perez, CFO of global design firm Snøhetta, offers an inside look at how the company blends architecture, landscape, interiors, and product design to create people-centered spaces around the world—from a groundbreaking presidential library in the North Dakota badlands to a border-bridging children’s museum in El Paso. He reflects on his non-linear career path, the importance of collaborative leadership in creative environments, and the challenges of guiding an international organization through uncertainty, cultural differences, and the post-COVID shift in how teams work. Oscar also shares insights on financial stewardship in a design-driven firm, empowering teams to innovate responsibly, and the evolving balance between personal and professional life as leaders navigate constant change. Disclaimer

Allen Taheri, CEO, 1Vision

In this episode, Alan Taheri shares how he grew One Vision from a tiny copy shop into a nationwide marketing execution powerhouse serving major brands and political campaigns. He dives into the company’s blend of automation, data-driven operations, and wide-format production, explains how listening—not selling—drives their client partnerships, and reflects on the role of AI and robotics in shaping the future of custom manufacturing. Alan also discusses his entrepreneurial origins, One Vision’s acquisition strategy, and why a commitment to problem-solving—even chartering planes when needed—has earned the company long-term loyalty and rapid growth. Disclaimer

Matt Marzullo, President, Ironmark

In this episode, Ironmark president Matt Marzullo shares how the company has evolved from a traditional print operation into a tech-enabled, omni-channel marketing powerhouse. He discusses Ironmark’s growth through 18 acquisitions, the development of a national footprint, and the talent-driven culture that keeps former owners actively contributing years after joining the organization. Matt breaks down how predictive analytics, AI, and proprietary software are transforming campaign strategy—driving attributable ROI, smarter targeting, and seamless integration between digital and print. He also reflects on industry consolidation, the resurgence of print within modern marketing, and why Ironmark’s collaborative, people-first culture remains its greatest advantage. Disclaimer

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