Every Friday afternoon, I hold a company-wide Zoom meeting. We begin with a review of the latest news on COVID. New developments and understandings set the stage for what we talk about. Like most businesses, our plans for the future track closely with developments in the ongoing pandemic. That future is hard to plan for […] Read More
This has been a difficult year, and it’s easy to focus on the consequences and challenges brought on by COVID. But lately, I’ve been avoiding my usual stops on social media and finding more time for contemplation. I’ve come to realize that even in this dark and frustrating time, it’s easy to find things to […] Read More
The consequences of climate change are real. It’s time to focus on the opportunities. Last week, I found myself driving behind an early 1970s muscle car. It brought back memories: the gurgling sound of the V8 engine, the pea green metallic paint, Def Leppard on the radio, and the stink. Yes, it literally stunk—”roll up […] Read More
Many years ago, in an attempt to create a broader middle class, the Clinton administration experimented with housing. They created a US mortgage market financed heavily through investment banks—which eventually led to the 2008 financial crisis—which in turn created greater wealth inequality and a lower labor participation rate—which created the frustration and anger necessary for […] Read More
This post is going to sound a bit dark for an optimist like me, but remember—optimism is about accepting a changed world; happiness isn’t a requirement. Few of us will forget 2020: a global health pandemic, a reckoning on racism, online learning for our children, online work for us, and yes, murder hornets. Just halfway […] Read More
We are in desperate need of optimism today. I believe it could save us. Now, I’m not talking about blissful ignorance or feelings of hopefulness towards future events. We need the kind of optimism focused on the half empty glass in front of us. The one that needs filling. We need optimism focused on today—not […] Read More
We’ve been struggling with an identity problem for years. If I were to ask you to describe us to a friend or coworker, what would you say? Would you portray us as a printing company—a proficient manufacturer of books and direct mail? Would you describe us as engineers of experiential graphics—producing trade show booths, product packaging or any of that odd stuff that is printed but not called printing? Or would you be wholly confused by all of this print talk and instead describe us as a creative agency that builds websites or writes brand strategy? And let’s not forget those of you who subscribe to one of our SaaS products or data processing tools. What do you call all of this? Read More