In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dom interviews Craig Phillips, an experienced account manager in the packaging industry. They discuss Craig's journey from studying packaging at Michigan State to his diverse career experiences, including teaching abroad in Korea. The conversation highlights the various opportunities within the packaging sector, the importance of leveraging technology in sales, and the value of networking. Craig shares insights on using video messaging and AI tools to enhance sales strategies, emphasizing the need to embrace imperfection in communication. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of authenticity in sales and marketing, the impact of point-of-purchase displays, and the significance of design in creating effective marketing materials. They explore common mistakes companies make in display design, the balance between budget and expectations, and strategies for overcoming obstacles in sales. The conversation also touches on finding work-life balance and the diverse career opportunities available in the packaging industry.Takeaways-Craig Phillips has 15 years of experience in the packaging industry.-He emphasizes the diverse opportunities available in packaging, from engineering to sales.-Craig's journey includes teaching English in Korea, which he found to be a transformative experience.-Networking, especially through alumni connections, plays a crucial role in his sales strategy.-He uses video messaging to stand out in sales outreach.-AI tools assist him in crafting emails and visualizing packaging ideas.-The packaging industry is vast, with roles in pharmaceuticals, food, and consumer goods.-Craig's education at Michigan State provided a well-rounded foundation for his career.-He believes in putting oneself out there and not striving for perfection in communication.-Technology is rapidly changing the landscape of sales and packaging. Be authentic and put yourself out there in sales.-Point-of-purchase displays are crucial for capturing consumer attention.-Effective displays can drive impulse purchases and repeat customers.-Packaging plays a significant role in perceived value.-Companies often underestimate the power of displays in marketing.-Choosing the right supplier is essential for quality displays.-Budget discussions are important to align expectations with design.-Sales professionals must learn to overcome disappointments.-Finding balance in life is key to managing work and family.-The packaging industry offers diverse career opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast05:02 Craig Phillips: Journey into Packaging and Sales09:56 Experiences Abroad: Teaching in Korea14:55 Diverse Opportunities in Packaging20:00 Leveraging Technology in Sales24:57 The Future of Packaging and Sales Strategies26:31 Authenticity in Sales and Marketing27:00 The Power of Point of Purchase Displays32:18 Designing Effective Displays34:28 Common Mistakes in Display Design36:55 Balancing Budget and Expectations41:04 Overcoming Sales Obstacles44:22 Finding Work-Life Balance49:28 Opportunities in the Packaging Industryhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-phillips-88385112

SummaryIn this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic Crosson and guest E.J. Swanson discuss the importance of branding, content creation, and clarity in the packaging industry. E.J. shares his journey from ministry to co-founding Bolt, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and leadership. The conversation highlights the need for effective messaging, the power of visuals, and the role of consistency in building credibility. They also touch on the importance of transparency in sharing success metrics and the value of being relevant in the market. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of investing in both equipment and training to enhance business efficiency and product quality. They emphasize the significance of building connections through genuine curiosity and effective communication. The discussion also highlights the necessity of producing high-quality content and understanding the return on investment in branding efforts. They each express gratitude for their business relationships and the role of faith in their professional lives.TakeawaysClarity in messaging is more important than content itself.Visuals play a crucial role in branding and marketing.Consistency in posting builds credibility over time.Sharing numbers and successes can enhance brand perception.Effective branding requires collaboration and expert input.Short-form video is an effective way to showcase processes.Engaging visuals can significantly influence purchasing decisions.Relevancy in content is more valuable than sheer reach.Transparency in business metrics can attract potential clients.Leadership is about sharing success and recognizing team contributions. Investing in new equipment can enhance service quality.Training is essential for efficient operation of new equipment.Building connections is rooted in genuine curiosity about others.Effective communication involves mastering tonality and body language.Quality content creation requires time and professional expertise.Consistency in branding efforts is crucial for business growth.Understanding ROI is key when making investments in branding.Gratitude and faith play significant roles in business success.Collaboration with specialists can enhance overall product quality.The evolution of branding is vital for staying relevant in the market.

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Mark Jacobs shares his extensive journey in the paper industry, highlighting his transition from operations to sales, the value of working in family-owned businesses, and the importance of community involvement. He emphasizes the significance of listening, serving, and building relationships in both personal and professional realms. Mark also discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, including his passion for candle making, and shares travel experiences that have shaped his perspective on life. The conversation concludes with a call to connect and build relationships around shared interests.TakeawaysMark Jacobs has 27 years of experience in the paper industry.He values the culture of family-owned businesses.Transitioning from operations to sales requires a mindset shift.Listening and humility are key attributes for career advancement.The paper industry offers diverse career opportunities.Mark's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create his own candle business.Traveling has provided Mark with personal growth experiences.Community involvement is essential for personal fulfillment.Mark emphasizes the importance of serving others in sales.Building relationships is crucial in both personal and professional lifeChapters00:00 Introduction to Mark Jacobs and His Journey03:25 The Value of Family-Owned Businesses07:52 Transitioning from Operations to Sales12:41 Key Attributes for Career Advancement15:50 Understanding the Paper Industry18:43 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Candle Making21:37 Travel Experiences and Personal Growth23:36 Community Involvement and Giving Back25:37 Final Thoughts and Connections

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm Podcast, Dominic Crosson and Ian Shiemke discuss  the challenges of finding the right talent in the packaging industry, often referred to as 'unicorns.' They explore the importance of understanding organizational needs, defining qualifications, and the significance of internal alignment in the hiring process. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in qualifications and offerings, as well as the value of industry expertise in recruitment. The episode provides actionable insights for companies looking to enhance their hiring strategies and successfully navigate the talent acquisition landscape. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of leveraging connections and resources in hiring, the need for flexibility in salary and qualifications, and the significance of setting clear expectations for new hires. They emphasize the role of communication in aligning expectations and performance metrics, addressing high attrition rates, and creating a supportive onboarding process. The conversation also highlights the necessity of having decisive leadership in the hiring process and building a strong company culture to retain talent.TakeawaysThe packaging industry faces challenges in finding the right talent, often referred to as 'unicorns.'Understanding organizational needs is crucial before searching for a candidate.A unicorn is defined as someone with a very specific skill set and experience.Companies should be open to candidates from adjacent industries.Every day a position remains unfilled impacts the organization financially.Defining, organizing, and prioritizing qualifications is essential for successful hiring.Internal alignment among decision-makers leads to a smoother recruitment process.Flexibility in qualifications and offerings is key to attracting top talent.Transparency and communication with recruitment partners enhance the hiring process.The packaging industry is interconnected, making relationships vital for recruitment. Leverage all available connections and resources for hiring.Flexibility in salary and qualifications can attract better talent.Setting clear expectations is crucial for new hires' success.Regular communication helps align expectations and performance metrics.High attrition rates may indicate internal issues that need addressing.A supportive onboarding process is essential for new hires.Decision-makers should be clear and decisive in the hiring process.Company culture plays a significant role in employee retention.Utilizing technology can enhance recruitment efforts.Engaging in open conversations can lead to better hiring outcomes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast01:52 Defining the Unicorn: Skills and Experience03:45 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Hiring05:46 Analyzing Organizational Needs and Pain Points09:34 Assembling the Leadership Team for Recruitment10:32 Defining Qualifications: Hard and Soft Skills13:01 The Role of Internal Alignment in Hiring16:19 Flexibility in Qualifications and Offerings19:50 Transparency and Communication in Recruitment23:10 Conclusion: The Importance of Industry Expertise24:38 Leveraging Connections and Resources25:33 Flexibility in Hiring and Salary Adjustments27:15 Understanding Market Dynamics and Talent Acquisition30:19 Setting Expectations for New Hires32:35 The Importance of Clear Communication34:20 Aligning Expectations and Performance Metrics37:29 Addressing High Attrition Rates40:39 Creating a Supportive Onboarding Process42:32 The Role of Decision-Makers in Hiring45:37 Building a Strong Company Culturehttps://sparkpackaginginc.com/

In this episode, Derek S. Volk, a third-generation leader at Volk Packaging, shares his journey in the packaging industry, leadership lessons learned from coaching softball, and the importance of taking risks in business. He discusses the difference between fairness and equality in leadership, the significance of small gestures in business, and the value of honesty in communication. Derek also highlights his commitment to giving back to veterans and shares insights from his personal journey as a parent of a child with autism.TakeawaysDerek Volk is a third-generation leader at Bulk Packaging.Leadership lessons can be learned from coaching sports.Taking risks is essential for business growth.Fairness and equality are different concepts in leadership.Small gestures can make a big impact in business relationships.Honesty is crucial in business communications.Giving back to the community is a core value.Understanding limitations is important for success.Building relationships with veterans is a priority.Personal experiences shape leadership and business philosophy.Chapters00:00 Career Journey and Company Values07:16 Leadership Lessons from Softball14:57 Taking Risks in Business15:24 Taking Risks and Going for It19:28 Creating a Flexible Plan23:16 Fair vs. Equal: Understanding Treatment24:23 The Importance of Small Ball in Business31:34 Swinging the Right Bat: Knowing Your Limits37:22 Giving Back: Supporting Veterans43:19 Chasing the Rabbit: A Journey with Autism

In this episode of the Packaging Paradigm podcast, Trent Halasek, a young leader in the packaging industry, shares his journey from accounting to sales management. He discusses the importance of understanding both the financial and operational aspects of the business, the significance of networking through organizations like AICC, and strategies for building a successful sales team. Trent emphasizes the need for continuous personal development, adapting leadership styles to different generations, and the importance of celebrating team wins. He also highlights the value of authenticity in personal branding, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn.TakeawaysTrent Halasek is a sales manager with a diverse background in accounting and operations.Understanding both financial and operational aspects is crucial for sales success.Networking through organizations like AICC can provide valuable industry connections.Building a world-class sales team requires passion, drive, and the right fit for each role.Young leaders must establish credibility through knowledge and hard work.Continuous personal development is essential for career progression.Adapting leadership styles to different generations is key to effective management.Celebrating team wins fosters motivation and a positive work environment.Authenticity in personal branding resonates more than corporate messaging.Sales professionals must lead with professionalism while building relationships. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trent Halasek and His Journey05:26 Transitioning from Operations to Sales Management08:43 Navigating Customer Relationships and Sales Solutions12:12 Involvement with AICC and Networking Opportunities15:26 Building a World-Class Sales Team19:00 Early Career Accomplishments and Leadership Growth24:03 The Importance of Continuous Learning and Development29:54 Building Credibility as a Young Leader35:00 Celebrating Wins and Team Motivation40:02 Authenticity in Personal Branding and Leadership

SummaryIn this conversation, Chris Hardwick shares his journey from a long-term career in one company to transitioning into a new role in sales. He discusses the importance of personal branding, the interview process, and how to set oneself apart in a competitive job market. Chris emphasizes the value of follow-up, creating memorable experiences, and being present in interactions with clients. He also highlights the significance of social media, particularly LinkedIn, in building a personal brand and connecting with others in the industry. In this conversation, Chris discusses the significance of personal branding and authenticity in building connections within the industry. He shares insights on navigating relationships, the importance of family legacy, and recent project wins. The dialogue also touches on effective sales strategies, the creation of a disciplined approach to sales, and the role of faith and family in making significant life decisions.TakeawaysChris Hardwick shares his journey of transitioning to a new company.The importance of personal branding in sales.Follow-up is crucial in the interview process.Creating memorable experiences for customers sets you apart.Being present in conversations enhances relationships.LinkedIn is a powerful tool for building a professional brand.Handwritten notes can make a significant impact.Sales is fundamentally about service.Confidence in your solutions is key to success.Networking and learning from others is essential for growth. Building relationships is key in business.Authenticity and personality attract connections.Industry relationships can last a lifetime.Sales success requires discipline and hard work.Understanding industry changes opens new opportunities.Family values influence career choices.Networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.Discipline is more important than motivation.Faith plays a crucial role in decision-making.Success is a combination of hard work and support.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast02:01 Chris Hardwick's Journey and Transition to Texas05:55 Navigating Career Transitions and Overcoming Fear09:17 The Shift to Sales: Insights and Experiences11:00 Setting Yourself Apart in the Interview Process14:03 Creating Memorable Customer Experiences18:14 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn23:25 Building Authentic Relationships in Business27:30 Navigating Industry Changes and Opportunities35:00 Achieving Sales Success Through Discipline42:25 Family, Faith, and Major Life Decisions

In this conversation, Jake Hall, known as the Manufacturing Millennial, discusses the importance of automation and workforce attraction in the manufacturing industry. He emphasizes the need for companies to engage with their local communities and showcase their workforce through social media. Jake also highlights the trends in automation, the push for sustainability in packaging, and the significance of STEM education in preparing the future workforce.TakeawaysAutomation is essential for attracting a younger workforce.Engaging with local communities can improve workforce familiarity.Social media should highlight company culture and employee experiences.Short videos are effective for communicating brand messages.Sustainability is becoming a priority in packaging innovations.Companies need to make processes more worker-friendly, not just automated.STEM education is crucial for developing future talent in manufacturing.Younger generations prefer learning through video content.Building a community around the industry can foster future opportunities.Investing in local talent can lead to long-term workforce stability.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Automation and Workforce Attraction04:53 Trends in Automation and Robotics09:12 Sustainability and Packaging Innovations12:05 Engaging the Workforce: Community Involvement18:43 Social Media's Role in Workforce Attraction24:14 STEM Education and Future Workforce Development

In this episode of The Packaging Paradigm Podcast, host Dominic Crosson welcomes Jonathan "JD" Darling who is a seasoned sales coach and leader. They discuss his journey in the packaging industry, the importance of automation, and the changing perceptions of manufacturing careers.JD shares insights on sales as a service, the qualities of successful salespeople, and the ripple effect of leadership. He also opens up about overcoming challenges and finding his voice in the industry, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique paths and strive for personal growth.If you got value out of the podcast, please be sure to share and leave a review!TakeawaysThe packaging industry offers diverse career opportunities.Automation is essential for modern manufacturing.Sales should be viewed as a service to others.It's important to change perceptions about manufacturing careers.Grit and resilience are key qualities in sales.Leadership should focus on developing others.Personal growth comes from overcoming challenges.Being true to oneself leads to success.Today is the best day to take action.Attitude influences effort and competition.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Packaging Paradigm Podcast01:20 JD Darling's Journey in Sales and Packaging05:58 The Importance of Automation in Packaging10:25 Changing Perspectives on Manufacturing Careers15:35 Sales as a Service: A New Approach24:27 Qualities of a Successful Salesperson32:00 Leadership and the Ripple Effect36:15 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Your Voice40:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this conversation, Kevin B Ploth  joins Dominic and shares his extensive journey in the food industry, from his early experiences in the kitchen to his current ventures in hot sauce production and distribution. He discusses the importance of packaging, the challenges of the food industry, and the lessons learned from his culinary background. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of various roles in the food supply chain and emphasizes the significance of understanding business fundamentals in the culinary world. In this conversation, Kevin B Ploth discusses the importance of maintaining authenticity in business, the challenges faced by small businesses due to the influence of large corporations, and the critical role of communication and accountability in fostering healthy business relationships. He emphasizes the significance of customer service, personal growth, and family values, while also advocating for community connection and support. The discussion highlights the need for individuals to prioritize others and engage in meaningful interactions to create a positive impact in their industries and lives.TakeawaysKevin's journey in the food industry began at a young age.He emphasizes the importance of packaging in food distribution.The hot sauce industry is experiencing significant growth.Understanding the supply chain is crucial for success in food production.Business education is often overlooked in culinary schools.Collaboration with others is key to success in the food industry.Quality control in packaging can impact profitability.The food industry is interconnected with various sectors.Learning from experience in the kitchen is invaluable.Maintaining food safety is essential in food production. Authenticity in business is crucial and should not be compromised.Big corporations often impose their will on small businesses, affecting their operations.Communication and accountability are essential for successful business relationships.Customer service should be a top priority for any business.Personal growth is intertwined with professional success.Family values play a significant role in shaping one's business ethics.Community connection is vital for both personal and professional fulfillment.Saying 'yes' to opportunities can lead to unexpected growth.It's important to listen and engage in meaningful conversations.The human connection is the foundation of successful business interactions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background12:11 The Journey into the Food Industry21:54 The Hot Sauce Venture30:00 Packaging and Distribution Insights36:01 Business Lessons and Culinary Education38:24 Maintaining Authenticity in Business42:44 The Impact of Big Corporations on Small Businesses49:10 The Importance of Communication and Accountability56:04 Customer Service as a Cornerstone of Success01:01:08 Personal Growth and Family Values01:17:37 Final Thoughts on Community and Connection