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.
🎧 Listen to Episode 38:
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]]>AI is Reshaping Print with Harrison Bailey from Smart Elephant
In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Harrison Bailey, founder of Smart Elephant, to discuss how AI, automation, and next-generation talent are reshaping the print and marketing industries.
Broadcasting from Vietnam while traveling across Asia, Harrison shares how businesses around the world are facing many of the same challenges — and opportunities — when it comes to adopting AI. From workflow automation and AI-powered quoting tools to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI-driven customer experiences, this conversation explores the practical ways companies can become more efficient, innovative, and competitive.
The episode also dives into Smart Elephant’s unique university partnership model, connecting top-performing students specializing in AI, software engineering, and data analytics with real-world business challenges.
Whether you’re curious about AI, trying to understand where the industry is headed, or looking for ways to future-proof your business, this episode delivers fresh insight, practical examples, and an inspiring perspective on the future of work.
🎧 Listen to Episode 37:
The post Colorbar Episode 37: Don’t Ignore the Elephant in the Room appeared first on Sandy Alexander.
]]>Dinetec in Action
Optimizing Menus for Higher Margin Performance
When a regional LSR brand wanted to drive more attention to its high-margin menu items, it turned to a more strategic approach to menu design across both digital and printed touchpoints. While the existing menu boards and handheld menus effectively displayed offerings, they weren’t intentionally guiding customer focus or influencing purchase behavior.
To solve this, Dinetec analyzed the brand’s current menu boards and point-of-purchase materials, layering in financial data to better understand the relationship between menu placement, creative design, and profitability. Using mapping technology and performance insights, the team restructured menu sections, repositioned key items, and introduced refreshed creative elements—including imagery, specialty icons, and updated layouts—all while staying aligned with brand standards.
The final optimized menu system was rolled out across all customer touchpoints, creating a more strategic and visually engaging experience that naturally directed attention toward higher-margin items. Beyond the immediate redesign, Dinetec also established a scalable framework for ongoing menu updates and continuous optimization, giving the brand a smarter, data-driven approach to menu performance moving forward.
To further discuss or learn more about implementing similar tech solutions in your restaurants, please contact us at [email protected] or reach out to your Sandy Alexander sales representative.
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]]>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.
🎧 Listen to Episode 36:
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]]>Dinetec in Action
Driving Efficiency and Cost Savings in Menu Management
A national casual dining concept was struggling with slow, manual menu change processes that made it difficult to efficiently update pricing and items, manage multiple menu versions, and align print production with actual ordering needs. This resulted in longer time to market and higher production costs for menu updates.
The Solution? Leveraging Dinetec’s menu management technology to gain time and efficiency in menu production.
- The application’s versioning platform was utilized to automate menu changes including price and item revisions
- Similar menu versions were grouped together which allowed client to analyze the financial profitability of menu consolidation
- Menu ordering patterns were integrated with print quantities to analyze percentage of inventory waste
Versioning technology resulted in an annualized savings of $100k and a 25% reduction in production time; menu consolidation netted an annual savings of $319k; and reduced inventory waste resulted in $85k annualized costs savings.
To further discuss or learn more about implementing similar tech solutions in your restaurants, please contact us at [email protected] or reach out to your Sandy Alexander sales representative.
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]]>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.”
In this episode of Color Bar, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke welcome Chris Minn, CEO of Digital Ink, joining us live from the UAE, for a global perspective on where the print industry is headed—and why it’s time to retire the phrase “web-to-print.”
Chris challenges legacy thinking and makes the case that print’s future isn’t about storefronts or ordering portals—it’s about workflow, automation, AI, and integration. The conversation explores how data, robotics, and intelligent production systems are reshaping manufacturing floors and enabling true print-on-demand at scale.
Together, the group discusses:
- Why “web-to-print” no longer reflects reality
- How AI and automation are streamlining production
- The role of data in smarter decision-making
- Adapting to evolving customer expectations across global markets
The message is clear: print companies that embrace technology, collaboration, and innovation won’t just survive—they’ll lead.
🎧 Listen to Episode 32:
The post Colorbar Episode 32: Web-to-Print Is Dead. Long Live Smart Print. appeared first on Sandy Alexander.
]]>Exploring the future of direct mail with Dave Rosendahl—and how AI is helping it finally find its voice.
In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Dave Rosendahl of MindFire to explore the future of direct mail—and how AI is helping it finally find its voice.
Betsy Davis, Kim Opdyke and Dave Rosendahl dig into how data, automation, and AI-powered experiences are transforming direct mail from a static channel into an interactive, measurable, and deeply personal marketing engine.
The group announces a new Sandy Alexander + MindFire partnership, highlighting innovations like personalized QR codes, AI-driven conversations, and real-time engagement tracking that seamlessly connect print and digital. They unpack smarter campaign planning, early collaboration between partners, postal incentives that reduce costs, and how AI is reshaping how marketers think about attribution and performance.
The conversation also takes a thoughtful turn, touching on mental health awareness in the print and marketing industries—and why people matter just as much as technology.
The episode wraps with an invitation to join upcoming campaigns and educational events, leaving listeners with a clear message: direct mail isn’t just alive—it’s interactive, intelligent, and measurable like never before.
🎧 Listen to Episode 31:
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]]>Highlighting our partnership with SCREEN Americas, bringing the revolutionary InkJet Web technology to our state-of-the-art facility!
This cutting-edge inkjet solution allows us to meet the rising demand for personalized print solutions with unmatched quality and efficiency.
This collaboration is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a reflection of our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation. We’re excited to see how this partnership will continue to shape the future of print at Sandy Alexander.
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]]>The App for Salesforce Direct Mail Integration & Automation
The newest technology from Sandy Alexander automates direct mail and improves response rates.
The MailPath App is available on the Salesforce AppExchange and is specific to Journey Builder within Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Clifton, NJ – April 6, 2022 – Sandy Alexander, Inc. announced the launch of MailPath, a direct mail app available on the Salesforce AppExchange.
In a busy marketplace, it’s more important than ever to make sure your word gets heard. By adding direct mail into your digital communications, you can increase response rates by double digits. MailPath allows you to seamlessly integrate direct mail into your digital platform. If you use Journey Builder to trigger digital communications, MailPath allows you to send direct mail as easy as email.
MailPath Perks & Security
- Secure workflows – HIPAA and SOC II Type II compliant
- Turnkey – technology solution with print and mail distribution
- Multiple formats – flexibility in the direct mail formats produced (postcards, letters, kits, etc.)
- Scalable – from 100’s to millions of pieces mailed in each campaign
- Easy – simple integration of application into the Journey Builder environment, no need to use other applications!
“More and more of our clients across a multitude of verticals; healthcare, retail, automotive, pharmaceutical and others, have been utilizing Journey Builder for triggered delivery of their digital communications but quickly recognized the gap of automating the delivery of direct mail,” explained Betsy Davis, EVP & Chief Marketing Officer at Sandy Alexander. “Understanding the importance of direct mail, we took this opportunity to provide the MailPath application as a solution to incorporate direct mail as another channel within their journey’s and improve their response rates.”
For more information about Sandy Alexander and it’s capabilities, please feel free to reach out to Sandy Alexander at [email protected].
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]]>New Year, New Us! Kind of…
Orlando, FL – January 18, 2022 – We are pleased to announce the launch of the new Dinetec website, still found at dinetec.com. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, which launched in 2017, specializes in creating and delivering intelligent dining solutions for the restaurant industry. At its core, Dinetec is dedicated to our customer’s success in this marketplace as we use the latest technologies and marketing strategies to develop custom solutions tailored to your brand and guests.
For over 30 years, our team members have been developing solutions for global brands. We are a blend of Dining Specialists, Software Developers, Marketers, and Print Production Experts with the common mission to improve your marketing outcomes within and outside of your restaurants.
As we begin 2022, we hope the fresh feel of our new website reflects our commitment to our clients as leaders in marketing communications. We know that it is all about the guest experience, so we hope you enjoy your time as guests on our website! Check it out here.
Dinetec specializes in creating and delivering intelligent solutions for the restaurant industry, offering guest-facing technologies, data management, menu programs, ADA compliance as well as mobile and intelligent Wi-Fi integration.
Call Dinetec at 833-dinetec (833.346.3832) or email [email protected]
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