Explore every episode of the podcast Color Bar

In this episode, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke sit down with Wendy Moodie, co-founder of one of today’s most innovative event production companies. Wendy pulls back the curtain on her journey designing immersive, can’t-miss brand experiences across entertainment, retail, travel, and beyond.

The conversation dives into:

• How experiential marketing has evolved from flashy activations to authentic, story-driven engagement
• Why brand integrity is non-negotiable when creating environments that wow and last
• The game-changing role of technology in transforming spaces into living, breathing experiences

Wendy also shares her take on the rise of pop-up culture, how brands can spark massive amplification through social media, and what companies should know before stepping into immersive marketing.

The episode wraps with a bold look ahead at future trends—and Wendy’s call for brands to lean into creativity, courage, and innovation as they reimagine how to connect with their audiences.

Helen Smith, Head of Marketing at Precision Proco, joins Color Bar to talk about relaunching their podcast Great Minds Print Alike—and why sometimes the bravest move is simply to Stop Overthinking and Take Action! Check out the podcast here: Great Minds Print Alike 

We dig into the impact of AI on business and marketing strategies—how we can still show up authentically, while weaving AI into the creative process to spark ideas, accelerate execution, and free up time for what matters most: strategy and human connection.

Helen also shares what happened when she fully unplugged on vacation—how stepping away recharged her creativity and gave her team the chance to grow. It became a powerful example of engaging the next generation of talent in our industry and empowering them with real responsibility. As Helen put it best:
“There is nothing more motivational than trust.”

We wrap by reimagining B2B demand generation—shifting away from being purely sales-driven and leaning into marketing-led, playful, multi-channel approaches. And Helen reminds us of a truth every marketer should hold onto:
“It’s not always about selling a product—it’s about selling a feeling.”

 If you’re a B2B marketer or a business leader, this episode is packed with real conversation and real opportunities—both personally and for your business.

Who else is struggling to know the right moves in content development right now? With the explosion of marketing channels, it’s never been more complex — or more overwhelming — to craft the right content at the right time for both B2C and B2B audiences.

In this episode, we unpack the challenges marketers face when juggling personalization, platform strategy, creative storytelling, and the rise of AI-powered tools. Does using AI feel like cheating? Can content still be authentic when a machine had a hand in writing it? And who can we trust to help us navigate this evolving content ecosystem?

Tune in as we dig into the pressures for content development in a multi-channel, AI-influenced marketing world. Whether you’re a seasoned brand leader or just trying to keep your content calendar alive, this episode brings perspective, honesty, and maybe even a little feeling of you're not on an island alone. 

If you've listened to Color Bar, you know we are huge pet fans and Kim has a houseful with her furry babies, so on this episode of Color Bar, we’re diving into the booming world of pet marketing — and how brands are taking a page from the human playbook. Kim and Fleetwood go shopping for a first-hand look. From omni-channel strategies and localized in-store experiences to digital integrations and hyper-personalized direct mail, pet retailers and healthcare companies are going all-in to connect with today’s pet parents.

We explore how national pet brands are customizing messaging at the store level, how tech is showing up in physical signage, and why treating pet owners like savvy consumers (because they are) is lifting response rates and building brand loyalty. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, or marketing to humans or hounds — there’s something to learn from the way we’re all wagging toward more engaging experiences.

We talk marketing most of the time on Color Bar—but today, we’re diving into the world of sales and the essential connection between the two. Our guest is Marc Nudelburg, President of OnTheBall (OTB), a dynamic organization focused on helping sales leaders train smarter, connect differently, and grow with intention.

Whether you’re a B2B sales leader, part of a sales team, or just looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is packed with insights, including:

• How to use social platforms to connect with the right people and grow your business
• Leveraging tools like Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, and video to break through the noise
• Building your personal brand in an authentic way
• Balancing AI-generated content with real human connection
• Why discipline and consistency are the true differentiators in sales success

Marc shares actionable strategies, stories from the field, and a refreshing perspective on modern sales.

👉 Want to go deeper? Connect with Marc on LinkedIn and schedule one of OTB’s famous “virtual coffees” to continue the conversation beyond the pod.

This week, the Marketing Executives Group (MEG) event is taking place in Chicago, alongside the National Restaurant Association Show — and our very own Kim Opdyke is on the ground.

In this episode, Kim shares firsthand insights into the key topics shaping conversations among dining industry marketers at MEG. From enhancing loyalty programs and leveraging AI in both marketing and operations, to launching new store openings and staying ahead of evolving trends — this episode covers it all.

Tune in to get a pulse on what’s next in restaurant marketing.

🔗 Learn more about MEG:
 https://restaurant.org/events-and-community/conferences/marketing-executives-group/

We’re serving up a special episode of Color Bar with Kim Opdyke, who’s trading in her usual role as co-host to join us as the COO of DineTec, Sandy Alexander’s dedicated division for the dining industry.

In this episode, Kim takes us behind the scenes of the technology powering one of the most important—and overlooked—marketing tools in the restaurant world: the menu. From data-driven menu optimization to the latest trends in loyalty programs and guest experience, we dive into how brands are working to get more "butts in seats" by creating meaningful, in-restaurant engagement.

Kim’s passion for the dining space and the work DineTec is doing for leading restaurant brands comes through loud and clear—don’t miss this flavorful conversation!

Driving In-Store Traffic in a Digital-First World

With Back to School and Holiday shopping seasons fast approaching, retail brands are looking for new ways to connect with shoppers—and get them back into stores. On this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Patsy Koepke, Chief Revenue Officer at Sandy Alexander, to explore the latest trends shaping retail marketing strategies.

From localizing creative and merging digital with physical signage, to the growing influence of Gen Alpha on in-store engagement, Patsy shares how forward-thinking brands are reinventing the retail experience. We also dive into the omni-channel revival, including the surprising comeback of the catalog as a powerful brand tool.

If you're in retail marketing, you won’t want to miss this one.

DSCOOP is more than an event — it’s a global community of HP Indigo Print Service Providers and partners driving the future of print. And this May 14–17, we’re headed to Long Beach, CA for DSCOOP Edge 2025!

On this episode of Color Bar, we are joined by Betsy's fellow DSCOOP Global board members:

• Jon Bailey, CEO of Precision Proco (UK)
• Kelvin Gage, Global Head of Supply Chain for MRM (Sydney, Australia)

Tune in as they talk about:

• The power of DSCOOP connections and how it can shape your business and your network. 
• What’s in store for Long Beach 2025 — from cutting-edge conversations on AI’s impact on print, to the push for attracting young talent to the industry
• How the community is embracing the idea of “print reinvented”

If you’ve ever wondered what DSCOOP could mean for your business and personal network, this is your chance to find out.

🎧 Listen in — and then register to join us in Long Beach!
👉 Register now

And when you’re there, be sure to find Betsy, Jon, and Kelvin to continue the conversation in person.

See you in May!

🎙️ Excited to welcome Phil Corbett from Analytic Marketing Partners (AMP Analytic) to Color Bar!

Phil recently joined us as an expert panelist at our Glimpse Hyper Personalization event—catch the full session here.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of data-driven marketing. From Micro Modeling and "Super Variables" to Ultra Match and Conquest Marketing, Phil breaks down how smarter data strategies are transforming campaign performance. And of course, we talk about the powerful role direct mail continues to play when paired with next-level analytics.

If you're into personalization, precision targeting, and marketing that actually moves the needle—you won't want to miss this one.

You can also learn more about AMP Analytic at www.ampanalytic.com 

In this episode, Kim and Betsy take you behind the scenes of Sandy Alexander’s first-ever virtual Glimpse event—an exploration of Hyper-Personalization and AI in marketing. Hear how we leveled up from a basic webinar to a full-scale live production with green screens, teleprompters, sound booths, and a panel of four incredible experts representing the agency, martech, data, and brand sides of the industry.

We revisit key moments from the live event—how we used AI in our own marketing efforts, tackled the ever-relevant “creep factor,” and what the future looks like when data and creativity meet. Plus, we unpack the broader vision of Glimpse as more than an event: a community for marketers and thought leaders to connect, share, and shape the future of the industry.

If you missed the live event, catch the full replay on our YouTube page: Watch here

Welcome to our first episode of Color Bar with your hosts Betsy Davis, CMO  and Kim Opdyke, COO Dinetec of Sandy Alexander. 

Betsy & Kim will introduce the intention of Color Bar, give insights into another Sandy Alexander engagement platform, Glimpse and also share more about Sandy Alexander. This is just the beginning! Look for episodes every Tuesday at 5pm EST. 

Color Bar brings you insightful and casual conversations with top marketers, industry experts, and print industry leaders who are shaping the future of print marketing. Hosted by Sandy Alexander, we dive into the hottest trends, cutting-edge strategies, and real-world success stories in print and beyond. Whether you’re a brand looking to amplify your messaging, a marketing pro eager to stay ahead, or an industry leader exploring the latest innovations, this podcast delivers engaging discussions on how print continues to evolve in the digital age.

Cure our busy brains and bring hope back into our businesses! In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Dr. Romie Mushtaq, neurologist, mindfulness expert, author of The Busy Brain Cure, and Chief Wellness Officer of Great Wolf Lodge Resorts.

Together, we explore:

• What it really means to be a Chief Wellness Officer and why more companies should consider this transformative role.
• How to begin creating a culture of wellness inside organizations.
• Practical ways to connect wellness across five generations in the workplace.
• How leaders can lead authentically while curing their own busy brains.

Dr. Romie also shares her personal daily morning practice—Hydrate. Pray. Meditate.—and simple, actionable steps for leaders:

1. Start your day with 30 minutes of no phone, quiet reflection, hydration, stretching, etc. Digital Detox! 
2. Practice empathetic listening.
3. Be someone’s hope holder.

Take the Busy Brain Test today at www.drromie.com
and check out her book The Busy Brain Cure to begin igniting hope in yourself and your organization.

 On this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Kecia Hielscher, CEO of Formulary 55, to talk about the leap from the corporate world to becoming your own boss—and how staying true to your intentions of freedom and flexibility can lead to remarkable success. Inspired by the “green lights” philosophy from Matthew McConaughey’s book, Kecia shares how she built and scaled her luxury bath and body brand, from product development to finding the right channels—online, in-store, and wholesale. We explore the real-world marketing lessons she’s learned, including how Sandy Alexander supported her catalog and trade show booth for expansion into new markets. Throughout the conversation, Kecia challenges aspiring entrepreneurs to ask themselves: “Why not me? Why not now?” and reminds us all to be bold, trust your gut, and follow your own green lights.

In this inspiring episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Lorrie King and Celeste Lee, the visionary co-founders of Caire Beauty—a science-forward skincare brand created specifically for women aged 40 to 65.

We unpack their journey from startup to standout, exploring everything from the intentionality behind the brand name ("I care") to the challenges and triumphs of launching a brand in today’s evolving beauty landscape. From building direct-to-consumer traction to embracing retail and pop-up activations, Caire is redefining how beauty brands connect with women in midlife.

We also dive into how AI is shaping the omni-channel experience, the rise of subscription models, and why loyalty now goes far beyond points—it’s about purpose.

This isn’t just skincare. It’s self-care. It’s a movement.
Tune in to hear how Caire is helping women care more boldly—for their skin, their confidence, and themselves. MAKE SURE TO USE THE SPECIAL PROMO OFFER FOR SANDY ALEXANDER - www.cairebeauty.com and use promo - SANDY20 

#ColorBarPodcast #CaireBeauty #FoundersStory #BeautyIndustry #Omnichannel #WomenOver40 #BrandWithPurpose #SkincareReimagined

In this episode of Color Bar, we're joined by Carolyn Walker, CEO of Response Marketing, and Irma Sandoval, Head of Channel Marketing at Logitech, for a conversation that’s all about the retail glow-up. The duo takes us behind the scenes of a transformational moment with Best Buy, where a decade-long evolution in category management led to a powerful in-store reinvention. Irma shares Logitech’s three guiding pillars—Invite, Inspire, Irresistible—and how they aim to elevate the brand to icon status. We unpack what’s working (and what’s not) in modern in-store engagement, including a candid look at QR codes and why marketers need to think beyond the scan. Plus, hear what created a line-around-the-block moment at the flagship Micro Center store in Silicon Valley. For any channel marketer or brand team looking to push creative and strategic boundaries in retail, this is a must-listen episode. 

In this episode, we’re diving into the restaurant industry’s ultimate goal: getting butts in seats—and keeping them coming back. Joining us is Carolyn Walker, CEO of Response and a progressive force in marketing, known for pushing boundaries and reimagining the guest experience.

We explore what it takes to create a truly memorable dining experience—from the menu and the music to the bathroom and the website. Carolyn unpacks how every brand touchpoint matters and how scaling that “local favorite” feeling across hundreds (or thousands) of locations is the real challenge—and opportunity—for today’s restaurant brands.

We also discuss:

• How personalization is shaping modern dining expectations
• Why immersive moments are the new loyalty program
• The powerful role AI is playing—not just in marketing, but in restaurant operations

If you're in the business of getting guests to return, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Sean Sager, Principal and Creative Director at Set + Stage Creative, to explore the bold, brilliant world of in-store experiences and 3D executions. From oversized props that stop you in your tracks to subtle design details that shape shopper behavior, Sean shares how creativity and strategy collide to craft unforgettable retail moments.

We dive into how sustainability plays a growing role in these physical builds, with a focus on repurposing materials and designing for longevity. Sean also unpacks how emerging technology—from digital design tools to new fabrication methods—is expanding what's possible without expanding the budget. And of course, we explore the challenge of pushing creative boundaries while staying true to a brand’s voice and values.

Whether you’re a marketer, a creative director, or just fascinated by how physical spaces influence consumer behavior, this conversation is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes insight.

“Leading Through the Now: Women Shaping the Future of Retail & Hospitality”

 In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Jennifer DiPasquale, Co-Founder and President of Women in Retail and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality—two powerful communities elevating and connecting the voices of women across industries.

Together, we dive into the real-world challenges and bold strategies women leaders are navigating right now—from managing margin pressure and dynamic pricing strategies to embracing AI-powered personalization and redesigning the role of the physical store. We talk about the cautious consumer mindset, the evolving demands of talent attraction and retention, and the rise of reverse mentorship as a powerful leadership tool.

This conversation is an honest, insight-packed look at what’s keeping leaders up at night—and how they’re finding creative, collaborative ways forward with strong teams and even stronger vision through the communities of Women In Retail and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality. 

What does it *really* take to build a brand from scratch?

In our latest *Color Bar* episode, we sit down with Jennifer and Brian Keita—founders of Union Cycle & Strength—to explore the emotional, strategic, and the very real journey of launching a fitness brand from the ground up.

It started with a logo… but became so much more.

From scent machines and lighting choices to apparel design and social strategy, every detail of Union was created with intention—to foster community, unity, and a brand experience that feels like home.

We talk about:

• The power of brand identity to make an idea “real”

•Creating word-of-mouth with limited resources

•How merchandise becomes marketing

•The challenge of getting people in the door

•And why staying true to your vision is key as you scale up

Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or just love a good brand story—this one's packed with insight and inspiration.

Watch or listen here: \[Insert YouTube or podcast link]

Got a favorite example of a brand that nailed community-building? Drop it in the comments