Community Backstory

After spending several years at top market research firms selling market research data and software, I landed a position as a database marketing specialist. I traveled around the country selling software designed to get the most out of direct mailing efforts, including advanced modeling programs and postal efficiency software.

After numerous meetings with commercial printers and service bureaus both large and small, I found myself deeply immersed (and dare I say, intrigued by) the world of complex mail production. The more I learned, the more I understood the diversity and challenges of generating effective mail in large volumes for a range of purposes, industries and target audiences. I soon realized that many of the advances in marketing and personalization were still out of reach for many mailers, largely because of the realities of producing large volumes of mail quickly and economically. And yet the mailers with larger budgets and good databases could create the most personalized pieces that really communicated with the customer.

When I started Catenate, in 1997, I never imagined that my exposure and respect for the industry would lead to a series of research assignments for Hewlett-Packard. Over time, I became exposed to the variety of specialty printing equipment and consumables.

One day, after scouring the web for resources for a new survey, I thought “What if people faced with these real world problems could share information and insights?” After all, this happens all the time in other industries and fields and leads to innovation, creativity and success. This kernel of an idea became ThinkPlaza. Welcome to our world – your world – the world of production printing, where ideas become a reality, and expertise and experience travels at the speed of the Internet.

ThinkPlaza joins together the fragmented world of specialty printing. ThinkPlaza is a special community where equipment users can connect with manufacturers; where different types of specialty printers can share expertise; and, most importantly, where you can get answers to difficult questions and share your experiences and opinions with people who care. ThinkPlaza brings the specialized and sophisticated world of specialty printing to your fingertips. So relax, look around, ask questions, get answers and have fun. This community is for you. If have a question, ask it. If you have an answer, write it. If you need something new, ask us. ThinkPlaza is what you make it. Thanks for visiting and please join in!

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