In this insightful episode of Optics in Action, we sit down with Chris Calomino to explore the future of packaging and its relationship with sustainability. From balancing consumer perceptions of quality and eco-friendliness to tackling the technical challenges of supply chain management, Chris dives deep into the importance of education, personalization, and innovative solutions in packaging. Join us as we discuss how AI and data-driven processes are shaping the industry and learn how businesses can effectively communicate their sustainable practices without falling into the trap of greenwashing.

Episode Highlights:

The Importance of Education in Sustainability: Chris emphasizes the need to educate both businesses and consumers about the true impact of sustainable packaging. It's not just about marketing, but about making real, impactful changes.

The Challenge of Mass Personalization: Learn how companies are blending technology, such as QR codes and data analytics, to offer personalized experiences on a massive scale while maintaining efficiency.

AI’s Role in Packaging: Explore the potential of AI in solving sustainability challenges and enhancing supply chain management, all while allowing for faster innovation and problem-solving in the industry.

Balancing Luxury and Sustainability: Chris shares insights on how companies can successfully merge high-quality packaging with eco-friendly materials without compromising consumer expectations.

In this episode of Optics in Action, host Ryan Weiss sits down with Chris Murphy, owner of Blue Bear Plumbing, Heating, and Air, to dive deep into his entrepreneurial journey. Chris shares insights from his rapid growth in the trades industry, the importance of balancing people and processes, and the evolution of leadership values. From creating core company values to managing change within a growing team, Chris offers advice for business owners and young professionals entering the trades. Tune in for actionable leadership insights that bridge the gap between customer service and technical expertise.

Chris emphasizes the importance of creating structured processes but ensuring they are backed by the right people. Without proper buy-in and consistent execution, even the best processes can fail.

Blue Bear’s core values were crafted from identifying the most common frustrations among team members. Chris highlights how defining values based on employee experiences creates a stronger, more unified team.

Chris encourages young professionals entering the trades to prioritize work ethic and discipline. These foundational qualities can accelerate success in an industry that still holds incredible opportunities for growth and stability.

Join Ryan Weiss on Optics in Action as he sits down with Ryan Pollyniak, a cloud transformation executive at Western Computers. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities businesses face during ERP and CRM system implementations. The conversation highlights the balance between technological solutions and effective change management, helping teams adopt new systems without resistance. Discover key strategies for driving successful digital transformation by focusing on people, processes, and long-term growth.

Episode Highlights:

Effective Change Management: Proactive communication and transparency are vital to ensure smooth transitions and prevent internal resistance during system implementations.

User Adoption and Process Integration: Aligning ERP/CRM solutions with user needs and avoiding overly complex customizations helps increase adoption and overall system effectiveness.

Selecting the Right Technology: When choosing new systems, it's essential to look beyond features and focus on long-term supportability, security, and scalability.