Andy Fetherman on Finishing, Family, and Leading with Heart

In this episode of Color Bar, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke sit down with Andy Fetherman, President & CEO of Müller Martini North America, for one of the most energizing — and unexpectedly moving — conversations.

Andy has spent over 35 years in the print industry, starting as a press-side technician (yes, he fell for the “box of halftone dots” trick too) and working his way to leading one of the most storied finishing companies in the world. He joined us to talk about the Müller Martini and Hunkeler merger, what it means for print partners, and how the theme “Better Together Than Apart” became more than a slogan — it became a culture.

Together, the group digs into:

• How Andy landed his first job by knowing what a halftone dot was — and nothing else
• The Müller Martini + Hunkeler merger and what a seamless 18-month transition actually looks like
• Attracting the next generation of talent with flexible schedules and open cultures
• AI in the workplace
• Managing with your heart, not your numbers
• And the story of his son Michael that will stop you in your tracks

This one hits differently. Don’t miss it.

AI is Reshaping Print with Harrison Bailey from Smart Elephant

Meet Direct Mail’s “Thoughtful Overachiever” Era with AJ Layo from Sylvamo

In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by AJ Layo of Sylvamo for a conversation that redefines what’s possible in direct mail when the entire ecosystem works together.

From paper mills to printers, technology partners to USPS, AJ shares how true collaboration is transforming direct mail into a smarter, more measurable, and more impactful channel. We dive into Sylvamo’s investment in innovation—from their “Intelligent Paper” initiative bringing AI into direct mail, to their efforts educating brands on how to better leverage USPS promotions to drive efficiency and ROI.

This episode also explores how the role of paper has evolved—from an afterthought to a strategic decision—and why sustainability, data, and performance can (and should) coexist.

One of our favorite moments? AJ describes direct mail as a “thoughtful overachiever”—and honestly, it couldn’t be more accurate when done right.

If you’re thinking about how to create direct mail that performs, proves its value, and stands out in today’s landscape, this conversation is a must-listen.

Leadership and the Power of the Pivot!

This episode of ColorBar is about more than personalization—it’s about pressure, pivots, and what it really takes to evolve.

Our guest, Rich Askam, a pioneer in print personalization joins us. Rich and his team were the force behind Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where they hand-produced 1.6 million personalized bottles in just three months.

But behind that success is a story many in the print and marketing world will recognize.

Rich shares what it felt like stepping into a family business—balancing legacy with the need for change—and the difficult reality that sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go of what came before.

“You’ve got to clear the runway sometimes to let another plane take off.” 

From shutting down a long-standing business to rebuilding from nearly zero, Rich walks through the moments that defined his career—and the mindset that helped him navigate them.

This episode explores:

•  The emotional weight of leading a family-owned business 
•  Why businesses don’t fail overnight—they fade when they stop changing
•  The fear of pivoting vs. the opportunity inside it
•  How necessity drives innovation and creativity 
•  Why personalization is still underutilized—even today
•  The balance between AI, technology, and human creativity 

Rich also shares insights into his upcoming book, Your Name Here, and his personalized children’s series, You Are the Star.

A conversation about embracing change, thinking differently, and why the most defining moments in business often come when everything feels uncertain.

What if we’ve been measuring success all wrong?

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Allie Watt to explore how the next generation of talent is redefining what it means to succeed—and what that means for leaders across industries.

Allie offers a candid, grounded perspective shaped by real experience: this generation isn’t less committed—they’re committed differently. They’re not driven by hours logged or burnout endured. They’re driven by impact, clarity, and purpose.

They want to understand the why behind the work. They expect a seat at the table. And they recognize that without a clear definition of what “winning” looks like, success becomes nearly impossible to achieve.

This conversation challenges long-held assumptions about performance, leadership, and culture. It highlights a broader shift—from effort to outcomes, from hierarchy to collaboration, and from grind to intentionality.

For organizations looking to attract, retain, and unlock the full potential of the next generation, the message is clear: this isn’t a trend to watch—it’s a transformation to lead.

Because the future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here.

The Evolution of Brand Activation with Denise Costello

What makes a brand activation actually work?

In this episode of Color Bar, Denise Costello joins Betsy & Kim to discuss the shift from one-time campaigns to connected brand experiences that drive memory, engagement, and long-term impact.

They cover experiential marketing, pop-ups, influencer strategies, execution pitfalls, and why the best brand moments start with a clear intention.

Chris Minn, CEO of Digital Ink, joining us to talk about where the print industry is headed—and why it’s time to retire the phrase “web-to-print.”

Exploring the future of direct mail with Dave Rosendahl—and how AI is helping it finally find its voice.

How the WiRL Summit and Community Are Transforming Women’s Leadership in the Restaurant Industry

In part two of our conversation with Francis McMahon, we explore the future of leadership, culture, and creativity in print. Francis shares why the next generation of talent wants harmony — to be seen as humans, not just employees — and why health, wellness, and burnout can no longer be treated as weaknesses.

We discuss building culture from a place of caring, surrounding yourself with smart people, and putting the right people in the right seats. Francis also weighs in on AI with an emphatic “Yes. Yes. Yes.” — and how it enables leaders to be more strategic and thoughtful.

We close with what it means to Live in Color: breaking through creative layers, knowing when to lead and when to follow, and letting creativity out.