Building your T-Shirt Empire

INKTAVO LAST CHANCE 2025 DEAL! https://bit.ly/4jABUZ6 In this episode, Cole and Gavin welcome Jeremy Morillo from Stanley Stella to discuss the brand's unique approach to sustainable fashion, their entry into the American market, and the challenges and strategies involved. Jeremy shares insights on the importance of quality and sustainability in apparel, the sourcing process of organic cotton, and the evolving trends in the industry. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships with customers and adapting to their needs, as well as the importance of sampling programs to showcase the quality of their garments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stanley Stella and Inktavo Promotions 03:03 The Unique Selling Proposition of Stanley Stella 05:58 Navigating the American Market: Challenges and Strategies 08:50 Understanding the Customer Base and Market Positioning 11:57 Sourcing and Sustainability: The Journey from Cotton to T-Shirt 15:00 Trends in Apparel: Colors, Styles, and Market Adaptation 18:01 Personal Journey: Transitioning to Stanley Stella 20:55 Sales Strategies: Building Relationships Over Transactions 23:57 Sampling Programs and Customer Engagement

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Ian Hinckley from DGI Apparel to tackle the tough questions everyone in the custom apparel game is asking. From rising tariffs and supply chain chaos to the tech-driven shakeup in how shops order and operate — Ian breaks it all down. 🧵 Hear how DGI evolved from software development into a powerhouse in the print world, and what that journey reveals about the future of our industry. 💰 Learn why understanding market dynamics and pricing strategies isn't just smart — it's survival. 🛠️ Discover how small shops can streamline their operations with automated purchasing, supplier integrations, and smarter buying habits. If you're wondering how to keep your shop competitive, cut through the noise, and actually grow in this unpredictable market — this is the conversation you can't afford to miss. Powered by seps.io and Merch Troop takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DJI Apparel 01:43 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Apparel Industry 06:11 Supplier Strategies Amid Tariff Changes 11:11 Market Trends and Pricing Dynamics 17:20 Optimizing Pricing for Small Shops 22:15 Building a Comprehensive Apparel Marketplace 23:39 Optimizing the Purchasing Experience 25:48 From Software to Custom Apparel 29:57 Navigating Investment and Growth 34:27 Industry Dynamics and Supplier Relationships 37:29 Enhancing Supplier Integration 39:45 Scaling from Small to Large Businesses keywords DJI Apparel, tariffs, apparel industry, pricing strategies, supplier relationships, market trends, small business, t-shirt printing, inventory management, apparel marketplace, purchasing experience, automated purchasing, custom apparel, Y Combinator, investment, industry dynamics, supplier relationships, business growth, scaling, efficiency

In this conversation, Cole Lundstrom, Gavin StGeorges, and Nick Gawreluk discuss the common challenges faced by print shop owners in achieving profitability. They explore the importance of understanding costs, pricing strategies, and the contribution margin as key factors in running a successful printing business. Nick shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, emphasizing the need for clarity in financial data and the role of software in providing actionable insights. The discussion also touches on the future of data and AI in the printing industry, highlighting the potential for improved decision-making and profitability. Interested in Print Profit? https://www.printprofit.com/cole Powered by Seps.io and Merch Troop Takeaways Understanding your costs is fundamental to profitability. Sales figures can be misleading without profit clarity. Contribution margin helps determine the true profitability of jobs. Overhead costs must be factored into pricing strategies. Contract printing can fill capacity but should be evaluated for profitability. Data-driven insights can enhance decision-making in printing businesses. Software tools can provide real-time financial insights. A pricing matrix should be flexible based on market conditions. AI can automate data analysis for better business insights. Team alignment on financial goals is crucial for success. Keywords printing, profit, pricing strategies, contribution margin, overhead, contract printing, software, AI, financial insights

In this conversation, Nicole Pape shares her extensive journey in the screen printing industry, from her early days reclaiming screens to founding her own business, Embellisher. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the used equipment market, the importance of understanding equipment valuation, and the nuances of contract work. Nicole emphasizes the need for effective marketing and branding while also highlighting her future plans for the industry, including innovative experiences for clients. Powered by Seps.io Merchtroop.com Takeaways Nicole started in the screen printing industry at 19. She transitioned from production to real estate before founding Embellisher. Embellisher was born out of a need for better equipment representation. Understanding equipment valuation is crucial for both buyers and sellers. Sellers often overestimate the value of their used equipment. Contract work can be low margin and requires careful management. Effective marketing and branding are essential for business growth. Nicole emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for clients. The used equipment market is complex and requires thorough research. Future plans include innovative experiences and proprietary appraisal software. Keywords: screen printing, equipment valuation, contract work, marketing, branding, Nicole Pape, Embellishr, used equipment market, industry insights, entrepreneurship

In this episode, Cole and Gavin discuss the challenges of hiring and building a team. They share their experiences and insights on finding the right people, determining the right time to hire, and creating a strong company culture. They emphasize the importance of reliability, respect, and clear communication in building a sustainable team. They also provide tips on the hiring process, including creating job descriptions, conducting interviews, and onboarding new hires. Additionally, they discuss the significance of firing bad fits and the need to prioritize the financial stability of the business. Free Checklist https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YOTtAZZAV26wfJVdUtXlHLXJ93ZFTfmfVORbXe1tV3g/edit?usp=sharing Powered by Merchtroop.com and Seps.io keywords hiring, building a team, finding the right people, company culture, reliability, respect, communication, job descriptions, interviews, onboarding, firing, financial stability takeaways Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Hiring 03:09 Determining the Right Time to Hire 05:49 Creating a Strong Company Culture 09:06 Tips for the Hiring Process 11:32 Interviewing and Onboarding 15:36 Specializing Roles and Firing Bad Fits 18:26 Building a Sustainable Team and Prioritizing Financial Stability 21:53 Conclusion and Free Hiring Checklist

This episode is about making your local screen printing t-shirt shop number one in SEO. Cole and Gavindiscuss the importance of keywords and keyword phrases in optimizing your website and Google My Business profile. They provide tips on using the Google Keyword Planner, optimizing title tags and meta descriptions, creating keyword-focused content, and using headings and alt tags. They also emphasize the significance of reviews and testimonials, community engagement, and backlinking strategies. They stress the importance of mobile optimization, page speed, and utilizing local business directories. They provide actionable steps and resources to improve your SEO. FREE CHECKLIST https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HdxDrYj_-JEYq1NT3fVoxbp5J9Z519r7TiGZqQAj9v4/edit?usp=sharing keywords SEO, screen printing, t-shirt shop, keywords, keyword phrases, Google Keyword Planner, website optimization, Google My Business, title tags, meta descriptions, content optimization, headings, alt tags, reviews, testimonials, community engagement, backlinking, mobile optimization, page speed, local business directories takeaways Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Making Your Local Screen Printing T-Shirt Shop Number One in SEO 02:07 The Power of Keywords and Keyword Phrases in SEO 05:31 Optimizing Your Website for Better SEO 07:14 Headings, Alt Tags, and Other Technical SEO Considerations 09:02 Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile 11:54 The Importance of Reviews and Testimonials in SEO 15:41 Community Engagement and Backlinking Strategies 19:31 Utilizing Local Business Directories for Increased Online Presence 23:03 Consistent Effort: The Key to Long-Term SEO Success Seps.io merchtroop.com

Sponsored by- Seps.io MerchTroop.com In this episode of *Building Your T-Shirt Empire*, hosts Gavin StGeorges and Cole Lundstrom take a deep dive into the real-world challenges and triumphs of running a t-shirt business. From Gavin's transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settling down, to Cole's decision to shut down his long-running screen printing shop, this episode is packed with personal stories and industry insights. Gavin and Cole discuss the hard decisions shop owners face, like knowing when to pivot or even close a business that no longer serves you. Cole opens up about the challenges of managing a team, the impact of overhead costs, and how he found new opportunities in the industry by shifting to DTF transfers and consulting. They also explore the broader trends affecting the print industry, from the rise of digital printing to the recent consolidation of major distributors like S&S and Alpha Broder. If you're a print shop owner or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of the business, along with practical advice on how to stay lean, adapt to industry changes, and ultimately thrive in a competitive market. Tune in for an honest conversation that might just inspire your next big move.

Dive into the innovative world of artificial intelligence in the printing sector with our special guest Matt Marcotte Creator of Screen print Gpt in this week’s episode of "Building Your T Empire." Hosts Cole and Gavin uncover how Matt's groundbreaking project, Screen print GPT, is revolutionizing the way printing businesses operate and scale. Learn about the potential of AI to transform traditional processes, improve quality control, and boost sales efficiency. Whether you're an industry professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply intrigued by the intersection of technology and commerce, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of digital printing and AI applications.

In this episode of "Building a T-Shirt Empire," hosts Cole and Gavin welcome Jeremy Parker, the entrepreneurial force behind swag.com, for a deep dive into his journey through various business ventures and the dynamic world of promotional products. From starting out in documentary filmmaking to revolutionizing the swag industry and selling to Custom Ink, Jeremy shares invaluable lessons from his successes and setbacks. Discover how strategic focus on customer needs and embracing technological advancements propelled swag.com to rapid growth and how Jeremy continues to innovate with his latest venture, Swag Space. Tune in for a masterclass on entrepreneurship, scaling businesses, and staying resilient through the highs and lows of startup life. Get Transfers at dtf.Shirtagency.com

Dive deep into the world of print on demand with Travis from the Print on Demand Podcast in this must-watch episode of “Building Your T-Shirt Empire.” Hosted by Cole, founder of Shirt Agency, discover how Travis has navigated the complexities of selling on platforms like Amazon and Etsy, and how he has innovated his business strategies over the years. Learn about the latest advancements in DTF technology and how Shirt Agency is revolutionizing the industry with fast, affordable, and high-quality transfers available at dtf.shirtagency.com. Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you scale your business. Visit dtf.shirtagency.com to explore our new DTF transfer options and seps.io for building your T-shirt empire. Don’t miss out on this valuable discussion that could redefine how you approach print on demand and digital marketing. Subscribe for more insights and strategies from industry experts! Sponsored by: dtf.shirtagency.com and seps.io - Your partners in building a successful T-shirt empire.

Join us on a captivating journey to the heart of the t-shirt industry with 'Building Your T-Shirt Empire,' featuring the illustrious Jon Ladd, the visionary behind Terminus Tees. This exclusive episode, proudly sponsored by ShirtAgency.com and Seps.io, dives deep into the secrets of building a successful t-shirt business from the ground up. Learn firsthand how Jon Ladd entered the industry, his innovative strategies for growth, and how Terminus Tees has become a beacon of quality and creativity. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand, this episode offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and inspiration to take your venture to the next level. Subscribe and discover how to transform your t-shirt business into an empire today!

Ever thought about how AI can amp up your T-shirt printing? We've got 5 smart AI ideas that’ll transform your print shop from busy to buzzing! We’re talking less grunt work, more genius work, all thanks to AI. Big shoutout to our sponsors SEPS.io and ShirtAgency.com for their support. Dive in to find out how you can make these AI ideas work for you. #TShirtPrinting #AI #PrintShopHacks #SEPSio #ShirtAgency

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io - Join us in this episode as we dive deep into the fascinating world of screen printing. Discover the intricate science and chemistry behind adhesives for split tape, explore the printer-friendly features of Lane Seven products, and gain valuable insights from industry experts. From the growth of businesses to the latest trends and tools, this episode covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, there's something for everyone. Tune in for an engaging conversation that unveils the secrets of successful screen printing.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we dive into the world of Seps.io a revolutionary platform changing the game for screen printing shops. Gavin, feeling the post-show fatigue, shares his experiences and excitement from the recent trade show. Cole sheds light on the unique challenges faced by print shops when it comes to artwork, emphasizing the headaches caused by in-house graphic design and the expensive outsourcing options available. Seps comes to the rescue by offering a comprehensive platform that integrates seamlessly into the existing workflow of print shops.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we sit down with Melissa from Lane7Apparel as she shares insights into the exciting world of apparel printing. Melissa, the Sales Director at Lane7, brings her vibrant energy to the conversation, reflecting the positive atmosphere of the trade show. Discover the unique qualities of Lane7Apparel products that make them a printer's friend. Melissa highlights the ease of printing on Lane7 fabrics, emphasizing the profitability and comfort they offer. From 100% cotton tees to the Nantucket fleece, Lane7 brings a variety of quality options to the table.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we sit down with Zach from ROQ, unraveling the layers of his journey in the world of printing, basketball, and street art. The conversation kicks off at ROQ Fest, where Zach shares the vibrant atmosphere and his enthusiasm for bringing positive energy to the community.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we sit down with Kevin From SetSales, The conversation covers a range of topics, from navigating slow seasons to effective outbound sales approaches. Kevin shares invaluable insights on building a robust sales process, crafting targeted messaging, and the importance of customer acquisition and targeting strategies.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we sit down with Andrew from PMI Tape. Discover PMI Tape's commitment to sustainability and their innovative nonprofit initiative, "Case for Kids." Learn how every purchase of PMI Tape contributes to charitable causes, allowing customers to choose where donations go through a QR code system.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. In this special episode, we sit down with Anbin from YoPrint, unveiling the power of print management in the ever-evolving printing industry. Anbin discusses how YoPrint is revolutionizing the market with its modern UI and customer portal, providing a seamless experience for print shops.

Hey there! Welcome to another electrifying episode of T-Shirt Empire! Join us, your hosts Cole from Shirtagency and Gavin from Seps.io , as we bring you a live and dynamic session straight from the heart of Impression Expo Long Beach 2024. We have Nick from Eternal Designs. from exploring cutting-edge technology to discussing DTF innovations, Nick provides valuable insights. Learn about Unite Together's initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry, focusing on raising funds for Skills USA. Discover Nick's vision for creating a network of professional black printers, fostering camaraderie, and breaking barriers. Tune in for an engaging discussion on mindset, opportunities, and the exciting happenings at the show.