Hey friends,
This week’s episode feels like one of those conversations you’d have sitting on the back porch — the kind where you laugh a little, learn a lot, and walk away thinking, “Yep… I needed that.”
I sat down with Mike Philie, and we got into what’s really going on inside businesses right now — especially print businesses — and what separates the companies that are staying strong from the ones that are getting left behind.
Grateful you're here,
Larry
This Week on the Show: Mike Philie
Mike and I talked leadership, culture, change, and what it takes to build a team that actually works together.
One of the big things we hit early is something I’ve believed for a long time:
The people on the floor know the heartbeat of the company.
They’re in it every day. They see what’s working and what’s not. And as leaders, our job isn’t to “stick our nose in everything” — it’s to set the direction, remove obstacles, and let good people do good work.
Mike said it perfectly: most people show up wanting to do their best. Sometimes they just need the path cleared.
A Few Takeaways Worth Stealing
Celebrate what’s working, not just what’s broken
We spend a lot of time burning calories on problems, but Mike made a great point:
Your team is out there doing cartwheels for customers every single day, and it doesn’t hurt to notice it.
That’s something I always tried to do in my shops. Hat day. Crazy sock day. Beach balls at the meeting. Those goofy Rudolph noses at Christmas.
Silly? Maybe.
But it reminded people: we’re human, and we’re doing this together.Work is just like coaching a youth team
Different backgrounds. Different skill levels. Different levels of motivation.
And every day, you’re trying to get everyone aligned toward a common goal.
Mike said it best:
“Leading a business isn’t that different from coaching, except the kids might listen better!”
That one made me laugh… because it’s probably true!The question every sales team needs to answer
This one might be my favorite.
Mike asked:
“When was the last unsolicited good idea you brought to an existing customer?”
Not because they asked.
Not because they had a problem.
But because you were being proactive and brought them something that made them say:
“Wow… I never thought of that.”
That’s how you stop being a vendor and start being a partner.
Mike’s Closing Thoughts: Bias For Action
Mike gave one of the best closing reminders I’ve heard in a while:
Doing nothing is certainly an option — just not a good one.
Gather the info. Trust your gut. Make the decision. Move forward.
You might make a mistake — but fix it faster than you made it.
And here’s the truth:
This industry isn’t a 9-to-5 gig. If you’re going to do it… do it well.
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My Book – Business Cards & Shoe Leather
If you haven’t read my book yet, here’s a little about it:
In Business Cards & Shoe Leather, I share how I built a career in commercial printing while navigating the challenges of dyslexia and the realities of being an underdog. It’s filled with humor, hard lessons, and moments of clarity about what matters most: relationships, mentorship, and leading with integrity.
You’ll learn how I co-founded two international business cooperatives and why I believe cooperation will always beat competition.
Got A Question For Larry?
Have a leadership challenge you’re facing? Curious about business, mentorship, or navigating big life decisions?
Now’s your chance to get those questions answered!
Going forward I will be answering real questions from real listeners and fans of the show — offering real talk, practical wisdom, and lessons from a life of experience.
Let’s turn your question into a conversation that helps everyone grow!
Thanks for being here, and as always…
Make Today Count!