In the very first episode of ☕Coffee with a Customer☕ we sat down with Chris Burnley, CEO of Corefact, to discuss his inspiring journey, the evolution of his business, and the future of the print industry. From sipping coffee (or a lovely matcha, in Chris' case) to sharing insights on automation, luxury print, and the real estate market, this conversation is a must-watch/read for anyone in the printing and marketing world.
From Software to Print: Corefact’s Evolution
Chris Burnley’s path to the print industry was anything but traditional. Corefact began as a software company focused on analytics and digital marketing. However, after noticing that many of their customers relied heavily on printed direct mail, Chris and his team made a bold move—they acquired a print company they had been outsourcing to.
Fast-forward 20 years, Corefact is now a bi-coastal operation with a portfolio that includes several brands, from real estate marketing to wedding stationery and even children’s books. Their unique approach combines the power of print with the precision of digital analytics, creating solutions that deliver high ROI for their customers.
“Print is more than just sending out a postcard; it’s about connecting the dots, closing the loop, and providing tools for follow-up.” – Chris Burnley
Corefact’s Focus: Empowering Real Estate Agents
At the heart of Corefact’s operations is their commitment to helping real estate agents and brokerages thrive in a competitive market. Through a combination of high-quality print products and digital tools, they provide marketing solutions that help agents grow their listings and build trust with potential clients.
Chris explains that success in real estate marketing lies in offering value to customers and using data-driven insights to create personalized campaigns. Whether it’s a postcard with a market update or a 3D pop-up card with embellishments, Corefact ensures every piece of mail stands out and drives action.
The Power of Automation
A key theme in our conversation was the role of automation in the print industry. Chris highlighted how Corefact has invested heavily in automation to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve quality.
From robots transporting paper across the factory to fully automated print and bindery processes, Corefact demonstrates how embracing technology can drive efficiency and scalability.
“Automation isn’t about replacing people; it’s about elevating them to focus on higher-value tasks.” – Chris Burnley
Trends Shaping the Print Industry
Chris shared valuable insights on the trends shaping the future of print, including:
Luxury Print Products: There’s a growing demand for high-end products like foil and varnish finishes, especially in industries like real estate.
End-to-End Automation: The industry is moving toward seamless automation across all stages of production.
Inkjet Technology: Innovations in inkjet printing are closing the gap with offset for long-run jobs.
While the industry faces challenges like rising costs and labor shortages, Chris emphasized the importance of staying adaptable, focusing on what works, and innovating incrementally.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
When asked about the next five to ten years in print, Chris predicted further consolidation in the industry, increased automation, and continued evolution toward more personalized, high-quality products.
“You don’t have to chase every new trend. Focus on what your customers value and build on that.” – Chris Burnley
Final Thoughts
Chris Burnley’s story is a testament to the power of adaptation and innovation in business. From navigating real estate cycles to embracing automation and delivering exceptional value, Corefact is a shining example of how print companies can thrive in a digital world.
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