Unpacking the Brand

What’s really happening in the flexographic printing industry right now? In this special episode of Unpacking the Brand , recorded live at InfoFlex 2026 in Milwaukee, hosts Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler talk directly with industry leaders to get an unfiltered view of the market. From supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty to AI adoption and workforce development, this episode captures t...

Trade shows are evolving and most brands are still doing them wrong. In Episode 10 of Unpacking the Brand , Rich Rodrigues, Director of Growth and Strategy at Pinnacle, breaks down how to turn trade show booths into immersive brand experiences that actually drive ROI. From booth design and staffing to sales alignment and long-term strategy, this episode challenges everything you think you know abo...

Community isn’t a buzzword—it’s a business strategy. In this episode of Unpacking the Brand , Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler sit down with Peter van Teeseling, Executive Director of dScoop, to explore how trust, collaboration, and shared purpose create real competitive advantage in the digital print and packaging industry. Peter shares real-world examples of competitors working together, practical...

LabelExpo is now LOUPE — but why? In this episode, Jade Grace of Informa Markets explains the data, the strategy, and the industry shifts that led to one of the biggest rebrands in packaging history. We cover: • Why the label industry has outgrown traditional definitions • The 6-year process behind the rebrand • How younger industry professionals viewed the LabelExpo name • The emergence of flexib...

From woodenware to high-speed digital printing — few companies have balanced legacy and innovation like New Packaging & Display . In this episode, President Ben Urquhart joins hosts Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler to unpack nearly 200 years of evolution in corrugated packaging. Ben shares how his seventh-generation family business continues to thrive in a changing market from navigating tariffs...

Join Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler as they sit down with Alain Paquette, President of Artcraft; a Canadian company delivering premium sustainable pressure-sensitive print solutions for packaged goods brands. Alain shares why loyalty and resilience are at the heart of his business, how he navigated losing a major client right before COVID, and why refreshing your brand every 10 years helps companie...

Label Expo Europe is heading to Barcelona for the first time, and Labels & Labeling ’s Chelsea McDougall joins Unpacking the Brand to share what’s ahead. From automation breakthroughs to flexible packaging opportunities, Chelsea gives a behind-the-scenes look at the event and the trends shaping the packaging industry in 2025. Chapters 0:00 – Welcome and introductions 2:23 – Chelsea’s journey f...

In Episode 4 of Unpacking the Brand , hosts Randy Kessler and Ken Theriot sit down with Nathan Ridnouer, President of the nonprofit Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), to discuss his journey from managing a movie theater to leading one of the most impactful trade associations in the packaging world. Discover what Nathan’s doing to modernize industry education, promote volunteerism, and build...

Join us for Episode 3 of Unpacking the Brand as we sit down with printing industry veteran Paul Teachout to explore his 45-year journey through flexographic innovation, leadership, and relationship-building. Paul shares how he went from apprentice to executive, shaped industry associations like TLMI and FTA, and continues to drive progress in automation, clean-hand technology, and workforce develo...

In this episode of Unpacking the Brand , hosts Ken Theriot and Randy Kessler sit down with Katie Graham , Regional Marketing Communications Manager at Bobst North America , to explore how customer-centric marketing is changing the face of industrial branding. From long sales cycles to global communications challenges, Katie breaks down what makes manufacturing marketing so unique — and how alignin...

In this debut episode of Unpacking the Brand , hosts Ken Theriot (TheRiot Agency) and Randy Kessler (Labels and Labeling) are joined by John Hirko , Director of Growth at TheRiot Agency. Together, they explore the evolving role of growth leaders and how companies can align sales, marketing, and customer success through systems that scale brand intimacy. From CRM adoption to bridging relationship s...

Episode Description: Welcome to Unpacking the Brand , your go-to podcast for everything business, branding, and innovation! Hosted by industry experts Ken Theriot (TheRiot Agency) and Randy Kessler (Labels and Labeling) , this show explores what it really takes to build, grow, and differentiate a brand in today’s competitive landscape. In this teaser, get a sneak peek at the exciting conversations...