Fall 2024 - 64

W
VOICES
How has technology impacted your work, and
are there any innovative tools or methods youʼre
excited about using in your future projects?
JANINE KWOH (Owner & Designer, Kwohtations): In
terms of production, my cards are letterpress printed,
and I use custom polymer plates in order to print digital
designs on an antique press. I enjoy the physical
process and distinctive final look-and-feel that comes
with utilizing old printing presses and techniques, while
blending that with modern technology and sentiments.
CARLOS LLANSO (CEO, Legacy Publishing): We use
technology to speed the process of selling, communicating
and servicing the customer. Order capture (at trade shows,
digital markets like Faire, sales reps on the road), order
confirmations, invoicing, customer service and logistics
have all been streamlined and improved. But when it
comes to our products, technology stays outside. We
value the " old school " usability and importance of the
written (not typed!) word - greeting cards, planners,
journals, notebooks, calendars. Our products help people
nurture and strengthen relationships that matter. They
elevate the value of important human relationships and
connections in ways that texting, DMing and every other
form of electronic communication can never replicate.
ANDY MEEHAN (President, Greeting Card Association
(GCA) & Consultant): Ah, technology - the jelly to my
jam, the crumpet to my tea? I purchased my first 'laptop'
in 1989 and have always loved what technology can do
for 'us.' Currently cautiously trying AI, exploring ways
to personalize experiences and streamline operations
faster than you can say, 'Bob's your uncle.'
JANICE CHRISTENSEN (President, nora fleming): We
employ a 3D printer to quickly and efficiently create
samples from artwork. Instead of waiting weeks for
64 FALL 2024 GIFT SHOP® PLUS
e began 2024 by introducing you
to 12 incredible visionaries in gift
and stationery, including retailers,
manufacturers, designers, sales managers and
executives. Their stories are as diverse as our
industry, and we want to continue to share their
expertise and narratives with all of you.
We asked, they answered, and in each issue
since we've shared with you some of their
insights. Here we present the final installment
representing the Class of 2024, and keep an
eye out for our upcoming Winter issue, which
will name the 2025 Spotlight Award honorees.
sculpted samples, which often go through multiple
iterations, we are able to print off a sample mini in just a
few hours. These 3D-printed pieces offer a realistic view
of how the mini will appear on the base.
ANGIE PFIEFER (Vice President of Sales, Mud Pie):
Businesses have to be willing to evolve as new technology
is released and understand that, while there are always
risks, it may help your business become more efficient and
effective. We just made an upgrade to our ERP system,
which has already streamlined the customer experience
from order-taking all the way through shipment.
What advice would you give to someone getting
into the gift/stationery industry or looking to
start their own business in the industry?
MICHAEL SHAW (Sales Technology Director, Ganz
Midwest-CBK): If you're getting into the gift industry
for the first time, my advice is to stay organized and
engaged with your customers. Check in with your
customers every month to see how they are doing -
even just a quick call or text.
ANGIE PFIEFER: Be open to networking and meeting
new people. The industry is small but mighty, and there
are a lot of key players who can impart wisdom or provide
context about certain situations they may have seen
before. Finding a mentor within your own organization can
be key to personal and professional growth.
JANINE KWOH: Don't wait until you have all of your ducks
in a row to launch. Putting your ideas and/or products out
into the world is one of the best ways to learn what works
and what changes are needed. Also, ask for help! Even if
many of us are solo entrepreneurs, none of us do it alone.
Fall 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Fall 2024
