The IRS Has No Chill, But Your Receipts Should, with Tanya Lawrence
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Taxes drain more profit than most owners realize, and that single fact changes how we build, run, and sell a creative business. The Dead Pixels Society sits down with accounting expert Tanya Lawrence to map out the moves that protect cash today and increase valuation tomorrow—without drowning in jargon or guesswork.
She starts with the foundation: Choosing the right tax treatment as your company evolves. Lawrence explains why an LLC is a legal shell, not a tax status, and how to time a shift from sole proprietor to S corporation as profits grow. From there, we dive into bonus depreciation and asset strategy for studios, labs, and print shops—how to expense gear in the year you buy it, when to spread deductions, and why leasing isn’t a shortcut to bigger write-offs. She also walks through a crucial point for anyone planning an exit: buyers and banks focus on the last three years, so a business needs clean books that show profit while still using assets and intangibles to optimize taxes.
The conversation gets practical fast on compliance and audits. Bank statements aren’t enough; receipts prove purpose. We share simple systems for digital receipts, the 75-dollar rule, and the pitfalls of vehicle deductions when personal use overlaps. We also reframe your website and SEO as intangible assets to amortize, not just marketing spend—especially relevant for photo retailers and labs whose storefronts now live online. On cash flow, Lawrence breaks the P&L myth and shows how principal payments and owner draws drain cash, even when profits look strong. For seasonal operators, we outline a multi-account setup that moves peak revenue out of sight and keeps the lights on in the slow months.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Announcer: Erin Manning
Why Knowing Your Audience Beats Trend-Chasing Every Time
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if the problem isn’t your logo, but the foundation under it? We sit down with brand strategist Jessica Adanich to explore how real positioning, consistent visuals, and honest storytelling turn a business from forgettable to first choice. Adanich’s journey from sculpture and glass blowing to leading marketing at Mace, then launching Design Pod Studio, sets the stage for clear, field-tested advice: Branding is the sum of every touchpoint, not a mark on a shirt.
We dig into the brand discovery process—questions that force owners to name their five and ten-year goals, define target audiences, and pinpoint which aesthetics actually fit. Adanich shares a candid misstep about launching with a clever but confusing agency name, then rebuilding for clarity. From there, she maps how to move from transactions to experiences: packaging that earns price, photography that signals authenticity, and customer responses that build trust. If you want to charge more for a bar of soap or a specialty product, the unboxing, the booth, and the email all matter. Consumers are sharp; they spot stock photos and AI artifacts. Original images and a consistent tone of voice are no longer optional.
Adanich explains how to articulate your purple cow—the differentiator that justifies your price and attracts the right buyers—then proves it with a case study of a niche recoil pad brand that scaled by aligning product, visuals, and content. On tech, she’s pragmatic: AI and templates are tools, not strategy. Keep the human taste, use the tools to move faster, and make brand decisions with intent. Along the way, we cover email cadence that respects the inbox, how to test legacy tactics without sinking the budget, and why comparison is the thief of joy in marketing.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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How A Nightlife Photographer Invented A Proposal Planning Business In New York
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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A musician’s tour, a borrowed camera, and a rowboat on Central Park’s lake: that’s the unlikely path that led Ash Fox from nightlife photography to building a full-service proposal planning studio in New York. This interview digs into how a niche chose her, why proposals feel more honest than weddings, and the exact steps that turn a fantasy location into a smooth, unforgettable yes.
Fox breaks down the difference between a proposal photographer and a proposal planner, and why most couples actually need both. She shares candid stories about early gear mistakes, the collapse of the rock revival scene, and the moment she realized proposals required coaching, logistics, and decoys as much as lenses and light. You’ll hear how she guides clients away from crowded icons like the Brooklyn Bridge into vantage points that protect privacy, control timing, and preserve the surprise. We also explore how Instagram and TikTok changed expectations, when to add video, and how to build decor that matches the couple’s personality rather than chasing trends.
With more than 3,000 engagements planned and photographed, Fox offers practical advice on booking timelines, private rooftops, and what to do when your partner plans everything. She’s frank about viral “no” videos, why they’re often staged, and the real markers that a relationship is ready for marriage.
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IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Inside SPAC: The Largest Conference Shaping School, Sports, And Volume Photography
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The Dead Pixels Society sits down with SPAC’s leadership, Coree Cooper and Calvin Harrell Jr., to unpack how a volunteer-driven nonprofit became the world’s largest gathering for school, sports, and volume studios—and why its focus on workflows, profitability, and community sets it apart.
Harrell describes how SPAC evolved from film-era hotel meetups into a global hub with attendees from Europe, South Africa, and beyond. We get specific about what matters to operators right now: RFPs, data and capture workflows, ecommerce platforms, on-demand print, AI-enhanced processes, and the sales moves that win and retain school and league accounts. The SPAC agenda is designed for impact—Schools 101, Sports 101, and Volume 202 for scaling teams; a dedicated trade show with 100+ volume-first vendors; and a Workflow Walkthrough that lets you compare cameras, lighting, backgrounds, extraction, and software in side-by-side pods before you buy.
Cooper also dives into SPAC’s culture of access: scholarships for first-timers, 15-minute coaching sessions that often turn into year-long mentorships, and the live-voted King/Queen of the Hill session where peers pitch ideas that save or make real money. Expect smart ways to raise average order value with banners, ornaments, and yearbooks, plus a look at a new digital yearbook solution set to debut. Beyond sessions, curated excursions—Valley of Fire portfolio shoots, Atomic Golf, and the neon museum—build real connections. New this year, the SPAC Zone on the trade show floor creates a quieter space for meetings, quick coaching, and networking.
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IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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How Stewart Cohen Built A Photography Career Beyond The Shutter
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What does it really take to build a creative career that lasts—from film backs and FedExed portfolios to AI search and virtual production walls? The Dead Pixels Society sits down with commercial photographer and stock photo library owner Stewart Cohen to trace a candid arc across decades of change, revealing what fades, what scales, and what never stops mattering.
Cohen starts with the old-school apprenticeship: assisting legends, traveling light, and learning how to manage clients when the stakes are high. He explains why he chose commercial work over weddings, the thrill of annual reports that sent him around the world, and how he built trust before online portfolios existed. When digital upended the economics—killing film costs while introducing tech overhead—he didn’t flinch. He rebuilt the business model, focused on relationships, and found leverage in licensing by treating every frame as an asset that can pay again and again.
Cohen then digs into ownership and strategy. He shares why he acquired Superstock, how he invests in metadata and modern search, and where AI currently fits: powering discovery and efficiency rather than chasing loss-leading generative tools. He talks about the market’s swing away from over-retouched perfection toward authenticity, and how video workflows are transforming with virtual production walls, smarter post, and lighter gear. Through it all, one theme anchors the story: deliver on time and on budget, but bring heart to the picture. Tools change; trust and taste don’t.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Pricing Confidence For Creative Businesses, with Miriam Schulman
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Pricing isn’t the problem—meaning is. We sit down with author and podcaster Miriam Schulman to unpack the mindset and mechanics behind selling creative work without racing to the bottom. From her journey off Wall Street into a thriving art career, Schulman shares a practical framework for moving past fear, charging premium prices with confidence, and helping buyers answer the real question on their minds: Am I worth this investment?
Schulman explains the belief triad—belief in yourself, in your product, and in your buyer—and why that third piece is the missing ingredient in most pitches. Instead of listing specs, we show how to sell the destination, not the plane: the captured safari shot you would have missed, the portrait your grandkids will treasure, the brand identity that finally fits. Schulman explains how price signals trust, why “reassuringly expensive” can convert better than discounts, and how to align your personal story with what collectors and clients value.
Sustainability matters as much as the initial win. You’ll learn the four-hour rule for creative genius, what to stop doing immediately (hello, vanity metrics), and what to double down on to build a lasting business. She also tackles AI with a clear-eyed take: it’s a powerful car that needs a skilled driver. Use tools that save time—smart prompts, clipping, research assistants—while protecting the original ideas that make your work irreplaceable.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Inside HistoryIT: Strategy, Metadata, And True Digital Preservation
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if your archive could fund your mission? We sit down with HistoryIT founder and CEO Kristen Gwinn-Becker to reveal why most organizations are far less “digital” than they think—and how a smart strategy can turn dusty boxes, dying tapes, and scattered drives into a living, searchable asset that powers storytelling, alumni engagement, and real fundraising results.
Gwinn-Becker walks us through the essentials: Start with strategy, not scanners. We delve into why PDFs are not a reliable form of preservation, how master files and standards safeguard against obsolescence, and why metadata is the engine that makes evidence discoverable. From NFL teams to fraternities and historical societies, she explores how unified metadata lets users click a single name and surface photos, plaques, film clips, and documents in seconds. The result is access that feels magical—and measurable. Hear how one membership organization achieved a 791% jump in its day of giving by making history personal and instant.
In this conversation, we also tackle the hard choices. Should you decide what’s “important” before digitizing? Gwinn-Becker explains the risks of guessing, the urgency of preserving magnetic tapes and obsolete formats before “last play,” and the real role of AI in accelerating metadata without surrendering quality control. We share practical steps to future-proof born-digital content: define owners, formats, intake checklists, and routine ingestion so the next twenty years don’t become another rescue project.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
How Audio Makes Photo Memories Stick, with Geoffrey Stern, VoiceGift
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if your photo books could talk back? Not with another app or QR code maze, but with a small, tactile device that lets you record and play stories, songs, and memories at the press of a button. The Dead Pixels Society sits down with Geoffrey Stern, the founder of Voice Gift and the longtime audio mind behind Build‑A‑Bear’s wildly successful “sounds,” to unpack how voice transforms printed images into living experiences—and why that shift boosts both emotion and sales.
Stern explains the psychology behind audio as a memory trigger and the practical reasons customers finish purchases when they add their own voice: ownership deepens, abandonment drops, and the keepsake becomes personal. He discusses VoiceGift Play, a $59 handheld recorder that ties numbered audio tracks to photo pages, framed prints, wedding albums, travel books, and recipe collections—no apps, Wi‑Fi, or screens required. With 10 hours of storage, USB‑C backup, and standard MP3 files, it’s simple to share recordings across multiple copies or import music like a wedding playlist to soundtrack an album. There’s also a kids’ version with pictograms and stickers that turns storytime into an interactive, confidence‑building ritual, and accessibility use cases ranging from braille overlays to guided routines for dementia care.
Along the way, we talk about the shift from digital overload to analog delight, the “don’t add steps” mantra for photo retailers, and how self‑playing audio breathes new life into printed products without complicating production. From Build‑A‑Bear’s immersive retail lessons to practical upsells for photo labs and online platforms, this conve
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
From Prints to Immersive: How Niche AI Reimagines Volume Photography for Schools, Events, and Theme Parks
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if the best photo you take is just the start? The Dead Pixels Society sits down with Heath Lassiter, founder of Niche AI, to explore how volume imaging is transforming from prints and proofs into living, brand‑ready media—think fusion assets mapped to body parts, refined face replacement, and motion‑from‑stills that parents and guests can’t wait to share. Lassiter's roots at Express Digital and deep work across schools, theme parks, events, and cruises give him a rare, pragmatic lens on what actually scales: fast inference, lower COGS, consistent brand aesthetics, and real privacy compliance.
Lassiter unpacks Niche AI’s core offerings—precision cutouts, fusion scenes, and immersive face swaps—built to operate at enterprise speed and quality. The conversation gets tactical on GPU throughput, cost curves, and why off‑the‑shelf AI often produces generic looks or drifts from target demographics. Heath explains how his team blends proprietary models with in‑house design to nail placement, mood, and age‑appropriate results, and how that approach translates into higher conversions and repeat purchases across e‑commerce.
Schools get a spotlight: extend fall capture slightly and replace the operationally heavy spring shoot with AI-driven products—seasonal themes, cap‑and‑gown automation (colors, tassels, even hands and diplomas when needed), and short motion clips for social. We cover data handling, GDPR, API vs on‑prem, and why once‑reluctant enterprises are now opening the door to responsible generative and non‑generative workflows. For parks and events, the image becomes both souvenir and marketing engine, turning guest photos into shareable media that drives reach and revenue.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Announcer: Erin Manning
Mistake-Proof Your Small Business, with William Holsten
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Ever notice how a new boss “fixes” a process that wasn’t broken—and six months later everyone is quietly doing it the old way again? That loop is costly for small businesses, and we sought a more effective approach. William Holsten, a business mistake prevention specialist, author, and former brand leader, will unpack why errors repeat and how to prevent them with simple, durable habits.
Holsten starts with the real first step after a leadership change: get out of the office and into your customers’ world. He lays out a practical script for face-to-face conversations that actually get the truth, plus ways to map the entire customer journey in a photo retail context—from file transfer and on-site kiosks to packaging, archival storage, and digital asset handling. From there, he breaks down his $10,000 mistake checklist: “no one actually needs this,” “death by assumption,” the “vanishing wallet” cash-flow squeeze, and “flying without a map.” Each comes with field-ready fixes: test-and-learn prototypes, quick price sensitivity checks, weekly cash forecasts with tripwires, and a one-page plan that nails proposition, differentiation, and unit economics.
Holsten also shares the origin and rebuild of PitchBurst, a dunk-tank alternative that delighted early users but failed on materials—until a full engineering rethink made it bulletproof. The lesson translates to imaging: validate not just demand but durability and workflow under real conditions. We explore using AI to cut through analysis paralysis, the value of mentors, experts, and naive observers, and a favorite tool he calls “uh-ohology”—learning from other people’s mistakes so you don’t pay the tuition yourself. Expect actionable tactics like pre-mortems, design thinking sprints, and daily “parachute checks” for backups, insurance, and lab mainte
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Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Announcer: Erin Manning
Speed, Reliability, and Innovation: Why Dye-Sub Printing Still Matters with Jeffrey Huang, HiTi Digital
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The physical photograph is making a powerful comeback, and dye sublimation printing technology stands at the forefront of this renaissance. In this eye-opening conversation with Jeff Huang, corporate officer of Taiwan-based HiTi Digital, we explore how this 25-year-old company has positioned itself as a unique force in the printing industry by manufacturing both printers and consumables in-house.
What makes dye sublimation printing superior to inkjet for event photography? According to Huang, it comes down to "speed, speed, and speed." While inkjet printers place individual dots, dye-sub printers transfer entire lines simultaneously, dramatically reducing printing time. Beyond speed, the technology offers remarkable reliability—printers can sit unused for months and still work perfectly when needed, a critical advantage for seasonal businesses like photo booths and event photography.
We dive deep into the growing markets where physical prints remain highly valued. Photo booth operators are thriving at weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, where guests crave tangible mementos of special moments. Sports photography represents another booming sector, with parents willingly spending $60-100 for high-quality prints of their athletic children. These aren't just photos—they're treasured keepsakes that capture fleeting moments in ways digital images simply cannot.
Huang also addresses how technological advancements have overcome historical concerns about dye-sublimation print longevity. Through multiple formula revisions and the addition of specialized protective layers, modern dye-sub prints maintain their quality for years, even under challenging conditions.
Discover why, in a world saturated with digital images, the physical photograph continues to hold powerful
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Building Emotional Brand Connections, with Jean-Pierre Lacroix
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Step into the psychology of branding with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, a veteran branding expert and leader of Shikatoni Lacroix Design, whose career spans creating iconic retail concepts like the Kodak Image Center. This eye-opening conversation challenges fundamental assumptions about what makes customers loyal to brands and why even industry giants sometimes catastrophically misunderstand their own value.
Lacroix reveals true branding begins far deeper than logos or slogans – it starts with a clear value proposition that connects emotionally with customers. "80% of all buying decisions are done emotionally and in a split second," he explains, sharing why his book "ThinkBlink Manifesto" focuses on winning that crucial moment of decision.
Through fascinating case studies, including Cracker Barrel's recent rebranding disaster, Lacroix explores how companies destroy customer loyalty when they abandon their emotional equity. He contrasts this with success stories like Chick-fil-A, whose owners greet customers personally and create "shareable emotional moments" that foster true brand loyalty.
For photo retailers specifically, Lacroix offers actionable strategies: celebrate photography as an art form, showcase local photographers' work, host classes that build community, and create in-store "selfie moments" that customers want to share. He emphasizes that competing on price or product selection alone is a losing strategy – the real opportunity lies in creating a sense of belonging that online giants can't replicate.
Discover the seven tenets of emotional branding from Lacroix's book, from understanding your core emotional equity to future-proofing against disruption. Whether you run a specialty retail
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Reimagining How Parents Shop for School Photos and Yearbooks, with Captura
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The traditional world of school photography is undergoing a remarkable transformation, blending time-honored practices with cutting-edge technology and data-driven marketing approaches. In this revealing conversation, Tim McCain, Chief Evangelist of Captura, and Michelle Federschneider, VP of Commerce, take us behind the scenes of this evolution.
McCain shares the fascinating journey of unifying multiple photography platforms (ImageQuix, PhotoLynx, Skylab, and others) into Captura's comprehensive solution. "It's like a big marriage of different families with different ways of thinking," he explains, detailing both the challenges and benefits of creating a unified approach to school photography technology.
The conversation takes a particularly interesting turn when Federschneider, who brings a fresh perspective from her 17 years at Vistaprint, reveals how data-driven marketing is revolutionizing parent engagement. Through rigorous testing and parent feedback studies, she's discovered counterintuitive insights about what actually drives purchases. "80% of our traffic comes from mobile," she explains, "so messaging needs to be punchy and to the point." Her approach has transformed traditional marketing assumptions in the industry, showing how simplified messaging often outperforms elaborate designs.
Yearbooks emerge as a compelling opportunity for photographers who are already capturing school images but missing out on additional revenue streams. McCain passionately advocates for the enduring value of print in an increasingly digital world: "Mom can take photographs of their kid themselves, but they can't create a yearbook." This authenticity becomes increasingly precious in an era of AI-generated content, with McCain noting how people are "longing for stuff that isn't made up."
Wheth
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
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Humanizing Your Digital Presence, with Wes Towers, Uplift360
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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From construction industry websites to photography businesses, the digital landscape is transforming at breakneck speed – and those who adapt will thrive while others fade away. When Wes Towers received a business valuation three years ago, identifying AI as an existential threat to his company, he faced a pivotal choice: resist or evolve. His decision led to his most profitable year ever.
"We're calling it search everywhere optimization," Towers explains, describing how customer search behavior has fundamentally changed. People no longer search with disconnected keywords but engage in full conversations with search tools. This shift toward natural language is actually humanizing digital interactions rather than making them more robotic. The key differentiator for businesses navigating this landscape? Authenticity.
Your content must sound uniquely like you – not the generic, faux-enthusiastic tone that permeates so much AI-generated content. Towers advocates using AI as your "first terrible draft" while ensuring the ideas and voice remain authentically yours. "You want to be the master of the AI, not the other way around," he advises, recommending businesses develop clear style guides before employing generative tools.
For smaller businesses competing with larger entities, Towers offers counterintuitive wisdom: embrace your size as an advantage. While larger companies might offer more services, small businesses provide direct access to passionate founders who truly care about outcomes. By niching down and becoming specialists in targeted areas, even tiny companies can attract significant clients searching for genuine expertise.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Digital Twins and Virtual Models: The BetterPic Revolution You Didn't See Coming
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What happens when an entrepreneur with no background in photography or AI sees an opportunity in the headshot market? In this conversation, Ricardo Ghekiere, founder and CEO of BetterPic, reveals how he transformed a small startup he acquired for just $1 into a multimillion-dollar AI imaging company.
Ghekiere shares his remarkable journey of growth, from setting what he thought was an ambitious goal of $50,000 monthly revenue to actually reaching $114,000 monthly in just one year. This dramatic underestimation of the market reveals just how hungry consumers and businesses are for AI-powered imaging solutions that eliminate the hassle and expense of traditional photography.
Ghekiere also explains his newest venture, BetterStudio, which creates digital twins of real models for fashion brands. Unlike controversial fully AI-generated models, BetterStudio works with actual modeling agencies to digitize real people, allowing brands to dress and style them virtually for e-commerce and marketing campaigns. This approach not only preserves jobs in the modeling industry but also addresses ethical concerns about AI-generated people.
Particularly fascinating is Ghekiere's insight into identity ownership in the AI age: "You own your eyes. If the eyes change, the person changes, but if the eyes remain the same, that's you." This principle has helped shape how BetterPick approaches the creation and licensing of digital content in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.
The geographic differences in AI adoption also play a crucial role in BetterPic's strategy. Despite being based in Belgium, most of their headshot revenue comes from the United States, with Europe typically adopting AI technologies "two years later." For their fashion industry product, however, they've taken a "Europ
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Photo Imaging CONNECT
The Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 1-2, 2026, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, N
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Your Team Is Holding You Back, But Not In The Way You Think, with Brandon Pflieger
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What's really holding your business back from reaching its full potential? The answer might surprise you. In this eye-opening conversation with Brandon Pflieger of Capital Growth Partners, we uncover the often-overlooked foundations of business growth and the uncomfortable truth that many entrepreneurs need to hear.
Pflieger brings a refreshing perspective shaped by his diverse background spanning retail, marketing, fitness entrepreneurship, and business consulting. His "Turnaround Blueprint" cuts through the noise to focus on what truly matters: people, systems, offers, and strategic marketing.
The most startling revelation? In 70-80% of struggling businesses, the owner themselves is the primary obstacle to growth. Through compelling real-world examples, Pflieger illustrates how well-intentioned micromanagement suffocates potential and how stepping back can paradoxically accelerate success. "You're going to care about your business more than everyone else," he acknowledges, before offering practical strategies for building team investment through customized incentive structures.
For businesses wrestling with pricing pressures, Pflieger delivers invaluable insights on maintaining margins without joining the "race to the bottom." His approach to crafting compelling offers centers on customer outcomes rather than overwhelming options—"Nobody cares how they're going to lose 30 pounds. They care THAT they lose 30 pounds."
Digital presence gets equal attention, with Pflieger dismantling common misconceptions about websites and marketing budgets. His rule of thumb? Companies in growth mode should allocate 5-10% of total revenue to marketing, with approximately 60-70% directed toward digital advertising—numbers that shock many small business owners currently spending a fraction of that amount.
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
The Louisville Lensman Who Built Two Companies By Removing Customer Friction
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Ever wondered how successful entrepreneurs spot untapped market opportunities hiding in plain sight? Carl Armijo's journey from civil engineer to thriving business owner offers a masterclass in customer-focused growth.
When COVID-19 disrupted traditional career paths, Armijo pivoted to real estate photography—a choice that perfectly balanced his need for family flexibility with pandemic-era social distancing requirements. Rather than approaching photography purely as a creative venture, he applied his engineering mindset to build systems that prioritize customer service, consistency, and frictionless experiences.
What sets Armijo's business approach apart is his relentless focus on removing obstacles for his clients. Through sophisticated online booking platforms, next-day delivery promises, and streamlined media delivery, he's eliminated the frustrations that plague typical service businesses. His real estate agent clients can order, schedule, and receive their marketing materials without the endless back-and-forth that wastes precious time.
Most impressively, Armijo transformed a common client complaint into an entirely new business opportunity. After repeatedly hearing real estate agents grumble about unreliable cleaning services, he launched Louisville Cleaning Pros—a separate company that complements his photography services while potentially doubling revenue from each property. This strategic move demonstrates how attentive listening and problem-solving can unlock unexpected growth avenues.
Armijo's naming strategy reveals his forward-thinking business acumen: while "Carl Armijo Photography" ties the brand to him personally, "Louisville Cleaning Pros" was deliberately named to facilitate potential future sale—a subtle distinction that highlights the importance of considering long-term exit strategies from day one.
For photographers, service providers, and entrepreneurs alike, this conversation offers practical insights on pricing strategy, handling inevitable s
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Stop Treating SEO Like Wizardry and Start Getting Results, with Steven Schneider
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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Struggling to make sense of SEO for your photo business? You're not alone. Search engine optimization often feels like arcane wizardry to small business owners—a necessary evil that's either too complex to understand or constantly shifting beneath your feet.
Steven Schneider, co-founder of TrioSEO, shatters these misconceptions in this enlightening conversation. "It's not all witchcraft and wizardry," he explains, revealing how quality content and authority form the scientific foundation of successful SEO. For photo retailers and photographers who rely on white-label platforms, Schneider offers practical strategies to regain control of your digital presence through strategic blogging and targeted content creation.
The podcast dives deep into what really matters for photography businesses online. Discover why topical authority works like an iceberg (with your specialized content forming the powerful mass below the surface), how to refresh seasonal content like "fireworks photography tips" to maintain relevance, and why Pinterest remains an untapped goldmine for photography businesses. Schneider shares his 90-day sprint approach to SEO, explaining why meaningful results typically appear within three to six months when targeting the right niche keywords.
Perhaps most valuably, Schneider addresses the elephant in the room: artificial intelligence. While AI tools can generate content quickly, they lack the human touch that makes truly effective SEO content. "The AI isn't going to know how to add custom quotes and testimonials unique to your personal experience," he cautions, explaining why his agency remains committed to human-written content despite industry trends.
Visit trioSEO.com for a complimentary, hand-crafted site audit that examines ten core aspects of your web
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Polar Bears and Piracy: How AI is Challenging Traditional Copyright with Dan Miller
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The intersection of copyright law and artificial intelligence represents one of the most challenging legal frontiers of our digital era. In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. C. Daniel Miller (The Copyright Detective) unpacks the complex world of intellectual property rights when machines can generate content indistinguishable from human creation.
From his unique background spanning higher education, NASA projects, and over a decade in copyright clearance, Dr. Miller offers a balanced perspective on AI as both an innovative tool and a potential legal minefield. He explains that while copyright fundamentally exists to encourage creativity by granting creators exclusive rights, AI systems have disrupted this framework by training on millions of works without permission or compensation.
Perhaps most surprising is the current legal status of AI-generated content: images created solely through prompts remain uncopyrightable according to the US Copyright Office. Neither the user nor the AI can claim ownership, effectively placing such creations in the public domain. Meanwhile, major lawsuits loom large over the industry, with Disney and Universal Studios taking on Midjourney for creating near-perfect replicas of iconic characters, and potential damages in other cases potentially reaching billions.
For creators concerned about protecting their work, Dr. Miller emphasizes the critical importance of copyright registration within 90 days of publication. Without registration, creators cannot sue for infringement and lose access to statutory damages that make legal action financially viable. He also warns about "AI hallucinations," noting studies showing up to 79% of content from newer AI platforms may contain factual errors, reinforcing his mantra: "Don't trust and always verify."
Whether you're a photographer concerned
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
AI, Retro Appeal, and Creator Economy: Navigating Visual 1st with Hans Hartman
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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In this interview, Hans Hartman describes the seismic shifts in the imaging industry and how the Visual 1st Conference stands at the epicenter of these changes. Moving to KQED's spacious headquarters for its 13th edition, this year's gathering promises an elevated experience with theater-style seating, immersive displays, and the industry's most forward-thinking voices.
Visual 1st creates a uniquely candid environment for industry dialogue. Join us Oct. 28-29 in San Francisco to experience firsthand the technologies and trends shaping the future of visual communication.
Agentic AI represents the next frontier beyond the generative AI revolution. Unlike systems that simply create content from prompts, agentic AI accomplishes complex visual goals with minimal user direction. This technology promises to transform everything from editing workflows to print production, potentially creating a "zero click" future for many imaging tasks.
Counterbalancing this technological acceleration is the surprising durability of retro imaging. What many dismissed as a passing fad has become an enduring consumer preference, with Fujifilm's Instax leading substantial market growth and companies like Ricoh/Pentax doubling down on film cameras. The conference explores the rejection of "too perfect" digital imagery, examining why authenticity resonates so powerfully with consumers seeking tactile, imperfect visual experiences.
The conference culminates with its legendary Show and Tell sessions, where innovators demonstrate their breakthroughs in lightning-fast four-minute presentations. These rapid-fire demos consistently earn the highest audience ratings.
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Digital Strategy in the AI Era: Tactics for Photo Retailers with Max DesMarais
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The digital marketing landscape has transformed drastically, forcing photo retailers and imaging businesses to rethink their strategies. In this illuminating conversation with Max DesMarais, Director of Strategy at Vital Design, we explore how small photo businesses can effectively compete against industry giants despite limited marketing budgets.
DesMarais reveals a significant shift that's reshaping the marketing world: organic search visibility is declining as "pay-to-play is becoming more important than ever." With Google's expanded ad space and AI features consuming the search results page, there has been a dramatic drop in organic click-through rates. This doesn't mean small businesses, however, should abandon hope - quite the opposite.
Local photo retailers possess unique advantages that national companies can't match. Through Google's local customization, smaller businesses can achieve higher visibility in their specific markets. DesMarais emphasizes overlooked yet powerful tactics like optimizing Google Business Profiles and leveraging relationships with other local businesses through cross-promotion and interlinking - signals that establish legitimacy and boost organic rankings.
We dive deep into conversion optimization through A/B testing, with DesMarais suggesting approachable starting points like testing email subject lines and comparing designed emails against plain text versions. His insights on landing pages are particularly valuable: "Almost always a designated landing page is going to outperform," he explains, challenging the common retail instinct to showcase every product at once.
Perhaps most compelling is DesMarais's evidence that video content directly drives transactions. "When we include videos on pages, it's extremely rare for us not to see a bump in conversion," he reports. Beyond improving conversion rates, videos enhance organic rankings and open additional discovery channels through platforms l
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Abundance Mindsets and the Art of Selling Without Selling, with Marc Von Musser
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if everything you've been taught about sales is actually holding you back from extraordinary success? Marc Von Musser, sales expert and founder of Soar and Roar, challenges conventional wisdom with a refreshing perspective that could transform your approach to business.
Growing up as the son of a renowned photographer who captured 150 national magazine covers in a single year, Von Musser learned early that success comes not from transactions but from capturing essence and creating value. This foundation, combined with his journey from a nine-year-old newspaper delivery boy to Tony Robbins' director of coaching, has given him a unique lens on what truly drives sustainable business growth.
In this compelling conversation, Von Musser dismantles the tired notion that "sales is a numbers game," replacing it with a human-centered approach that produced staggering results—increasing Tony Robbins' coaching revenue from $2 million to $30 million annually, and product sales from $11,000 to $2.1 million in just six months.
You'll discover why competing on price is "a race to the gutter," how to position yourself as a trusted advocate rather than a salesperson, and why an abundance mindset unlocks creativity that scarcity thinking suffocates. Through captivating stories—from helping his tattoo artist brother generate $5,000 in just 13 days after making zero income, to explaining why he willingly paid $15,000 for a sauna available elsewhere for $4,000—Von Musser reveals the profound impact of heart-driven selling.
Ready to tap into what Von Musser calls the "six to seven figures of business potential" sitting in your phone contacts right now? Whether you're in photography, retail, professional services, or any other field, this episode offers actionable insights to transform your approach and dramatically enhance your results.
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Emotional Intelligence: The Untapped Resource in Your Workplace with Michelle Howe
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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The quiet power brokers in your organization aren't always who you think. Michelle J Howe, founder of Empath Evolution, reveals a startling truth on the Dead Pixels Society podcast: Roughly 25% of your workforce consists of highly empathic individuals who dramatically influence your company's energy, culture, and success.
As Howe shares her transformation from structured accountant to empathic mentor, she uncovers the hidden dynamics playing out in workplaces everywhere. These empaths—people who can absorb and process others' emotions—often excel in sales, leadership, and relationship-building roles. Yet without proper understanding and boundaries, they risk burnout, exhaustion, and ultimately leaving your organization.
"When you're very empathic, you best beware," Howe cautions, "because you're going to need that mental health day." She distinguishes between true empathy and those who use emotional intelligence manipulatively, offering practical guidance for identifying and nurturing empathic talent during interviews. Her insights challenge the dismissive notion that emotional intelligence is merely "touchy-feely" business speak, instead positioning it as a critical competitive advantage.
Howe discusses toxic workplace personalities and their outsized impact. "If companies recognize this is a lose-lose situation," she explains, employees must be held accountable for the energy they bring to work daily. This responsibility extends to leaders, who set the emotional tone through their own behavior and communication style.
Whether you're an empath seeking to understand your heightened sensitivity or a leader looking to create a healthier work environment, this episode offers valuable perspective on the unseen forces shaping your organization's success. Discover practical strategies for emotional boundaries, authentic leadership, and cultivating workplaces where both empaths and non-empaths can thrive together.
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
Contact us at gary@thedeadpixelssociety.com
Visit our LinkedIn group, Photo/Digital Imaging Network, and Facebook group, The Dead Pixels Society.
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Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Sell Without Selling: The Power of Personal Branding with Jorge Olson
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What's the secret to taking five companies public and raising over $100 million? According to Jorge Olson, it all comes down to personal branding—a philosophy he's refined across decades as an executive marketer, brand expert, and serial entrepreneur.
From his earliest days studying influence as a 12-year-old to becoming a VP of Marketing by 27, Olson reveals the counter-intuitive strategies that have fueled his success across multiple industries. His journey began in software before a strategic pivot to beverages, where he recognized the power of selling products people buy daily. "When I did the math, I realized people go into a 7-Eleven and buy coffee, Monster, or Coca-Cola every day," Olson explains. This observation became the foundation for building his beverage empire.
At the heart of Olson's approach lies a radical philosophy about failure. "F is for fabulous, not for failure," he insists, challenging conventional wisdom about entrepreneurial setbacks. By openly sharing his mistakes—from growing up without running water to his early business struggles—Olson creates authentic connections that transform into business opportunities. This vulnerability, rather than projecting an image of flawless success, becomes the cornerstone of what he calls "Marketing Karma."
The results speak for themselves. Olson describes clients who approach him saying, "I already know who you are, I already know what you're about. I feel I know you, I know how much you charge. Here's my credit card." This frictionless selling process emerges not from aggressive tactics but from consistently providing value through authentic storytelling.
Whether you're running a family business considering an exit strategy or launching a new venture in today's digital landscape, Olson's journey offers a masterclass in building a personal brand t
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Visual 1st
Visual 1st is the premier global conference focused on the photo and video ecosystem.
Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
Contact us at gary@thedeadpixelssociety.com
Visit our LinkedIn group, Photo/Digital Imaging Network, and Facebook group, The Dead Pixels Society.
Leave a review on Apple and Podchaser.
Are you interested in being a guest? Click here for details.
Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
You Can't Hire a Heart: James Robbins on Authentic Leadership
The Dead Pixels Society podcast
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What if the secret to unlocking extraordinary business performance isn't found in complex strategies, but in your approach to leadership? That's the compelling premise James Robbins, mountain climber turned leadership expert, explores in this thought-provoking conversation.
Robbins takes us on a journey that begins in the Rocky Mountain foothills where he grew up and traces his unexpected path through ministry to business leadership consulting. Along the way, he reveals a fundamental truth many leaders miss: the skills that make someone excel as an individual contributor are rarely the same skills needed to lead others effectively.
"You can always hire a hand, but you can't hire a heart," Robbins explains, highlighting the critical distinction between compliance and commitment. True leadership happens when you trust people with meaningful work while providing both challenge and support. It's this delicate balance that creates cultures where people willingly contribute parts of themselves they've never given any previous employer.
The conversation tackles the leadership challenges facing today's multi-generational workforce, with Robbins offering a refreshing perspective on Gen Z workers. Rather than viewing them as difficult, he suggests their demand for authentic leadership actually raises standards for everyone. "The problem isn't with Gen Z, the problem is with leaders," he observes, suggesting that approaching younger generations as volunteers rather than subordinates can transform engagement.
Perhaps most powerfully, Robbins shares how small improvements in engagement across an organization create exponential results. When a mining company with 3,000 employees increases engagement by just 10%, it's equivalent to hiring 300 new pre-trained employees without spending a dollar on additional salaries. This mathematical reality makes leadership development not just a cultural nicety but a business imperative.
Whether
Mediaclip strives to continuously enhance the user experience while dramatically increasing revenue.
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Independent Photo Imagers
IPI is a member + trade association and a cooperative buying group in the photo + print industry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sign up for the Dead Pixels Society newsletter at http://bit.ly/DeadPixelsSignUp.
Contact us at gary@thedeadpixelssociety.com
Visit our LinkedIn group, Photo/Digital Imaging Network, and Facebook group, The Dead Pixels Society.
Leave a review on Apple and Podchaser.
Are you interested in being a guest? Click here for details.
Hosted and produced by Gary Pageau
Edited by Olivia Pageau
Announcer: Erin Manning
Inside HistoryIT: Strategy, Metadata, And True Digital Preservation
29:42
How Audio Makes Photo Memories Stick, with Geoffrey Stern, VoiceGift
31:04
From Prints to Immersive: How Niche AI Reimagines Volume Photography for Schools, Events, and Theme Parks
33:07
Speed, Reliability, and Innovation: Why Dye-Sub Printing Still Matters with Jeffrey Huang, HiTi Digital
34:12
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Building Emotional Brand Connections, with Jean-Pierre Lacroix
38:19
Reimagining How Parents Shop for School Photos and Yearbooks, with Captura
35:12
Digital Twins and Virtual Models: The BetterPic Revolution You Didn't See Coming
27:46
Polar Bears and Piracy: How AI is Challenging Traditional Copyright with Dan Miller
25:14
AI, Retro Appeal, and Creator Economy: Navigating Visual 1st with Hans Hartman
40:16
Digital Strategy in the AI Era: Tactics for Photo Retailers with Max DesMarais
31:17