Why Some Industries Deserve to Die (And Others Will Thrive)

Why Some Industries Deserve to Die (And Others Will Thrive) | David Marinac

Industry Specific
November 07, 2025•3 min read

Why Some Industries Deserve to Die (And Others Will Thrive)

Unpopular opinion: Some industries deserve to die if they refuse to adapt.

I'm watching a $50 billion sector slowly commit suicide rather than try something that costs less than half a mediocre employee's salary. And honestly? Maybe they should die, because the companies that replace them are going to be incredible.

The $50B Industry Suicide

The packaging industry - $50 billion annually in North America alone - is literally choosing death over a $1,500 solution.

These manufacturers will spend $85,000 on a new sales rep, hoping that rep saves them. They'll blow $25,000 on trade shows where no decision makers show up. They'll hire consultants for six figures to tell them what they already know.

But ask them to spend $1,500 on something that actually works? "We don't have the budget for that."

I've watched this same conversation happen dozens of times. They're not broke - they're stubborn. And stubbornness in the age of AI is a death sentence.

The Psychology of Industry-Wide Death

What fascinates me is the psychology behind industry-wide suicide. It's not just individual companies making bad decisions - it's entire sectors choosing extinction over evolution.

Here's what I see happening:

First: Collective Denial

When an entire industry is failing the same way, it feels normal. "Everyone's struggling with sales" becomes an excuse instead of a wake-up call.

Second: Shared Delusions

They all believe the same lies:

  • Trade shows still work

  • Relationships matter more than discoverability

  • AI won't affect us

Third: Comfort in Company

It's easier to die with your competitors than live by adapting alone.

But here's the brutal truth: While they're all failing together, new companies are being born that do everything differently.

The Greatest Business Divide in History

We're witnessing the greatest business divide in history. On one side: industries clinging to methods that stopped working five years ago. On the other: companies built for the AI age from day one.

The packaging manufacturers who survive won't be the biggest or the oldest. They'll be the ones who became famous for solving specific problems, who make their expertise discoverable, who embrace AI instead of hiding from it.

I'm already seeing this happen. A small custom packaging company here in Ohio just landed three major contracts because they created content about their specialized pharmaceutical solutions. Meanwhile, their $50 million competitors remain invisible online.

The companies that will thrive understand one simple truth: In the age of AI search, invisible expertise is worthless expertise.

Are You Adapting or Dying?

If you're in an industry that's struggling, ask yourself: Are we adapting or are we dying together?

Because here's what the thriving companies figured out: The solution isn't more expensive. It's different.

That $1,500 discovery session I mentioned? It's not about the money - it's about the mindset. Companies that invest in becoming discoverable will dominate their industries. Companies that don't will be replaced by ones that do.

The choice is yours. But choose fast, because while you're deciding, your future competitors are already being built.

The Final Word

Some industries deserve to die because they refuse to serve their customers better. They deserve to be replaced by companies that will.

The question isn't whether your industry will change. It's whether you'll be part of the solution or part of the problem that gets solved.

Ready to be part of the solution?

If you're sitting on specialized expertise but keeping it hidden, it's time for a different approach. I help manufacturers become discoverable for what they do best through strategic content and AI-optimized positioning.

Book a $1,500 Discovery Session- Two hours to uncover the solutions you're sitting on that could transform your business.

About David Marinac

David has spent 25+ years in the packaging industry and helps manufacturers become famous for their specialized solutions through the Specialized Packaging Marketplace.

Connect with David on LinkedIn learn more about the Specialized Packaging Marketplace.

Industry disruptionAI revolutionpackaging industrybusiness adaptationmanufacturing crisisdigital transformation
Over the last 35 years I’ve become the number one trusted liaison for resellers and major brands when it comes to speciality packaging. While I’ll be the first to tell you packaging isn’t “sexy”, it is critically important on every level from manufacturing, distribution, retail, and even the consumer. I’ve spent my career cultivating and personally staffing a global manufacturing network that allows the biggest brands in their respective industries and other resellers improve package quality, reduce lead times, become more efficient and sustainable, and most importantly… Dramatically increase profit margins. Our white glove “Factory to company” approach effectively optimizes your supply chain and delivers the packaging you need whenever and wherever you need it so you can concentrate on more important things that perpetuate your growth. Our fully integrated process has led to us becoming a trusted partner and ally for brands like McCormick, Mars, Kraft, Heinz, Quaker Oats, Roland Mills, Kinder Chocolate, GNC, Redmond Mineral, Old World Spices and Seasonings, and countless others.

David Marinac

Over the last 35 years I’ve become the number one trusted liaison for resellers and major brands when it comes to speciality packaging. While I’ll be the first to tell you packaging isn’t “sexy”, it is critically important on every level from manufacturing, distribution, retail, and even the consumer. I’ve spent my career cultivating and personally staffing a global manufacturing network that allows the biggest brands in their respective industries and other resellers improve package quality, reduce lead times, become more efficient and sustainable, and most importantly… Dramatically increase profit margins. Our white glove “Factory to company” approach effectively optimizes your supply chain and delivers the packaging you need whenever and wherever you need it so you can concentrate on more important things that perpetuate your growth. Our fully integrated process has led to us becoming a trusted partner and ally for brands like McCormick, Mars, Kraft, Heinz, Quaker Oats, Roland Mills, Kinder Chocolate, GNC, Redmond Mineral, Old World Spices and Seasonings, and countless others.

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"As Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, it has been my mission to uphold our knightly tradition of promoting excellence, decency and altruism throughout the world. Sir Jonathan Amaret is one such individual who exemplifies this tradition with his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others through the school of Thought Mechanics and we are pleased with his induction into our order."

HRH Princess Francisca Harakawa (Amasu Omawa III)

"In today’s society, there are few scholars whose wisdom transcends age, gender, ethnicity, occupation and status. Sir Jonathan is one such scholar. He has guided me through many challenges over the years and has done the same for many others around the world. He is one of only a handful of people whom I trust and can turn to for guidance, and I am truly grateful to know him as a friend and teacher."

Richard Buettner

"I’m so happy to have met Jonathan at that time when I was €5000 in debt about 2 years and 4 months ago.He helped me clear my mind to focus on what I want, blocking out my doubts and helping my to control my fears.I went on to use these techniques to achieve my first success. Got personally mentored by him right before I hit 6 figures. And continued to follow his guidance and teachings when I broke through to multiple 6 figures because it enabled me to hit a 7 figure income this year and use that knowledge to help hundreds of people to achieve the same level of success. Most importantly Jonathan helped me balance out between the good & bad to get exactly where I wanted to go. Thank you Jonathan for everything that you do for the countless people on this planet."

HIRH Prince Basilio Cali

"As Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights of Malta, it has been my mission to uphold our knightly tradition of promoting excellence, decency and altruism throughout the world. Sir Jonathan Amaret is one such individual who exemplifies this tradition with his tireless efforts to improve the lives of others through the school of Thought Mechanics and we are pleased with his induction into our order."