Success Stories with Marshall Atkinson: Recent Episodes
Marshall Atkinson
Success Stories is a podcast that is focused on the decorated apparel and promotional marketing industry. We highlight successful companies and people in these industries. What are they doing? How can you learn from them? Hearing their stories of success, you can apply those same ideas to your business situation and have success too.
It's time for another episode of success stories today. We're thrilled to have Charlie and Nathan Belz with us, and they're not just any couple, they're the dynamic duo behind Impress Designs in Carrollton, Texas, with a sprawling, 90,000 square foot facility, they've taken the decorated apparel world by storm!
Join us today as we dive into their story from the family legacy to the innovative spirit that drives their business, you're not going to want to miss this one.
On today success stories podcast, we'll discuss the world of headwear with Ty Kain of Crafted MFG in Denver.
Ty is an expert on headwear trends and decoration styles. So if this is your jam, you're going to want to perk up and tune in embroidery, PVC patches, DTF -- he's done it all since 2016 and we're going to talk sales, decoration techniques, and, of course, tons of other stuff.
How is your sustainability program? Well, we all talk about the three R's: reduce, reuse and recycle.
One apparel decorator has expanded that mantra to new heights. I'm talking about Alex Eaves with Stay Vocal. His company is a Green America certified reuse apparel brand.
Stay vocal uses apparel, and creates new products for its apparel line. And we'll learn more about what Alex is doing with his company, and how you can maybe rethink ways you can incorporate new sustainable ideas into your business on this episode of Success Stories!
Many people in this industry dream of building something special. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with James Bowens with Print Villains in Booneville, Mississippi about just that.
James has been in the industry for a bit and has started sold and started over with a few businesses. And today we're gonna chat about inspiration sales, the importance of getting great employees, and much more.
So if you're building something along those same lines, this is one episode that you don't want to miss.
They say it takes one to know one.
Well, we'll prove that theory today as JJ McCampbell is our guest on the Success Stories podcast! JJ has been helping shops with their artwork, separations and screen printing for decades, and has quite a number of shops go to person for any type of separation.
On today's show, we'll chat about art, dialing in processes, and maybe even some future stuff, too. So stay tuned for a great show that you don't want to miss!
Sometimes you bump into people on the same wavelength as you. Today on the Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Christie Shellenberger and Jeremy Ray, with Rock Hill Screenprinting in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Rock Hill Screenprinting is the sustainability minded shop, and Christie and Jeremy have a great industry podcast called Last Call for Plastisol. We'll get into both of those topics and more on this episode.
So get ready to have fun discussing exciting things with these two dynamos!
It's easy to say that sales are the lifeblood of any company. Without a steady stream of sales and new customers, most businesses will wither and die.
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll head deep into the often turbulent sales waters with one of the best - John Morris, Vice President of Branded Demand Marketing for Total Technology Solutions Group.
John has staked an industry reputation that's hard to beat, and has over 25 years of leading and winning in the sales game. So buckle up for a great show that's going to leave you inspired, hungry, and packed with sales knowledge you didn't have a few minutes ago.
There could be a few twists and turns on the road success.
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Jeremy Parker with Swag Space, who has dreamed up develop sold and started over a few times with his businesses?
How do you launch a company, good sales, hire the best people learn from your mistakes. Jeremy will guide us through those questions and more based on his career on this episode of Success Stories.
This is one you're gonna want to listen to probably a second time. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to take some killer notes because Jeremy is gonna tell on this edition of the show.
Are you ready to get down and dirty and dig into the real things that you need to be thinking about when it comes to marketing your business? If that's true, then today is your lucky day as we have none other than Jay Busselle the self proclaimed "Taco King" and marketing champion for the industry.
As the Marketing Director for Equipment Zone, he is a treasure trove of great ideas, and excitement in ways to get your brand to resonate with your ideal customers.
So buckle up buttercup, as we land our marketing brain on the "Island of Misfit Toys," as Jay calls it, and we'll tell marketing stories around this great digital campfire.
One of the things that I've always enjoyed is talking about art with our other artists. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll wade forehead deep into some tasty art ways with my friend Jon Anderson with XLNT 3D Art.
Jon has been designing amazing t-shirts for years and now, he applies his craft to something completely different: courtroom graphics for trials. So, t-shirts, courtroom exhibits, it's all a design project for Jon!
It's gonna be a great show as we'll discuss design, inspiration, and more than likely some artificial intelligence stuff too!
It's rock star day at the Success Stories Podcast!
Today, you will be lucky enough to hear all about Johanna Gottlieb, the powerhouse sales force, who lives in the windy city of Chicago. She has been a staple in the promotional products industry for a long time, and is a force multiplier for any organization she touches.
On today's show, we'll learn about Joe's journey, her thoughts on education, selling and maybe even how to do things differently to stand out. So buckle up buttercup, it's time to learn how a sales legend thinks about sales!
If you've read any business books in the past few years, you'll know that a lot of them advise you to do things differently. Well, our guest today on the Success Stories podcast not only does things his own way, he authored a book to outline what he believes in, and why it should resonate with you, too.
Of course, I'm talking about Ryan Schraffenberger with Promotions Guy!
On today's show, we'll find out what it's like to be in a sales nomad. Focus on sustainability first, and take a Jerry Maguire moment and write a book called Retail Responsibly. If you need more sales, then this is the episode you should be paying attention to right now!
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Joe Ortinau now with Ortinau Art in Pemberville, Ohio.
Joe has a unique spin on running a t-shirt shop. From wearing flip-flops daily to his viewpoint on creativity. He has built a great business in his corner of Ohio.
So how does he think about creating someone's new favorite shirt? You'll learn about that and more on today's show.
So grab some coffee, get a pen and some paper and kick back as we dig into what makes Joe's shop a success.
On today's Success Stories podcast, the guest is none other than Nashville's own Adam Tanaka. Adam is a thought leader, consultant, and merch specialist and he's also an entrepreneur with several businesses to his name.
On today's show, we'll chat with Adam about his origins, building companies, and you're gonna want to know this to future of merch.
This is one you don't want to miss!
You're in for a real treat on today's Success Stories podcast! Cole Lundstrom with LA-based ShirtAgency -- is on the show! Cole has been the driving force behind the success of this business since its inception in 2012.
Want to know how great a shop Cole has?
Well, brands like Bella + Canvas and NextLevel film their marketing videos in his shop; so you could say the team at ShirtAgency does things the right way and you'd be correct.
This episode will talk to Cole about his origins, evolving his sales efforts, podcasting, and how he is looking to make a better future by upselling. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and get ready to take some furious notes!
Let's talk sales. And if you want to truly talk sales, let's chat with one of the best in the industry, Tim Gibson, Tim has held major sales roles and some of the top apparel companies in the industry.
So what makes a great salesperson? Where do leads come from? How do you keep customers coming back for more? We'll get into all that and more with Tim's unique journey through the industry on today's podcast.
So get ready to take some killer notes!
What is it like to design and print for the big boys?
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Kim Cartano, who has worked with Team Edition apparel, also known as Footlocker for over two decades.
Kim will share her story, some process ideas, and what she's excited about in the future of apparel decorating. This is going to be a good one so get ready!
One art term used for decades in the decorated apparel industry is simulated process. This technique separates an image into spot colors to build the correct colors and simulate the usual four-color separation process.
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Dave Gardner, who invented and perfected that technique. We'll go to art school today and chat about other ideas too!
On today's Success Stories podcast, I'm delighted to have the one and only Scott Fresener on the show!
Scott was instrumental in bringing DTG technology to the industry. He wrote the book "How to Print T-shirts for Fun and Profit!" And is an expert in separating art for printing.
So buckle up campers, we'll have a fun episode today!
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk to Matt Reese with Blk Ankr Originals about his career in Maryland: the self-proclaimed sailing capital of the world, and now he has established a foothold in the Annapolis area.
Matt does things his way and has a unique spin on keeping local businesses loyal to him. And we're going to learn all about that and more.
So stay tuned!
Are you a fan of sports apparel? Want to know the secrets behind building something for a brand? Well, you are in luck!
As today on the Success Stories podcast, we'll be speaking to Mariellen Auer with Custom Apparel Stores about just that. Whether you're starting a brand growing a brand or working with sublimated apparel, Mariellen can help you.
Let's find out how she got started her philosophy of working and more on this episode. So let's get ready to have fun, kick back and hear how this expert rocks the industry for her clients daily.
If you are in the print-on-demand game, today's guest will be someone you need to hear. Jed Siefert with stakes manufacturing in Eastlake, Ohio, joins us today to chat all about high-volume digital print-on-demand services. They have one of the largest print-on-demand shops in the United States so you are in for a real treat.
But that's not all! They also are quite proud of their diversity and inclusion program with a large number of their employees having intellectual or developmental disabilities, including some of their top performers.
We'll learn about those points and more on today's show. So buckle up and get ready for an amazing episode.
If you are a fan of great-looking t-shirts, especially those with a race car, then today’s episode of Success Stories will be built just for you. Today on the show, we welcome Bruce Kittle, an industry vet since 1983. He’s been designing for national sports teams, the music industry, labor unions, national parks, and the auto racing industry.
Bruce is currently the owner and director of ScreenArt Studios, a graphic design studio that caters to the screen print and apparel industry by providing design, remote art department options, and remote production consulting.
So, get out your sketchpad and get ready to take some notes, or maybe a doodle or two as we welcome Bruce Kittle to the Success Stories podcast.
We have a real treat for you on today's Success Stories podcast. How do you go from working as a new hire in the screen room to working all the way up to running a massive production facility printing millions of shirts…to starting your own small print shop and beginning your own entrepreneurial journey?
Today we’re talking with Nate Leber with Leber Design and Print about that subject, as he’s the one that did that. Nate took a career’s worth of skill and understanding to build his own boutique shop in Grove City, Ohio.
We’ll chat with Nate about the lessons he’s learned along the way and where he’s going now. So get ready for an incredible discussion.
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk to Ben Spurlock with SE Impressions in Lebanon, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. He's a second-generation t-shirt printer and has taken over the business from his parents.
How has he taken his business to another level with increased sales, new processes, standards, and organization? We'll learn all about that and more. So buckle up and get ready for a fantastic episode.
Today’s guest on the Success Stories podcast is Erich Campbell, and we’ll focus on all things embroidery. Erich is a prolific writer, content creator, and a fantastic teacher.
You may have seen him at a trade show, on the 2 Regular Guys podcast, or on his own podcast, The Takeup. But what do you actually know about Erich? How did he get into this business? What is he interested in?
We’ll dig into all that and more in this edition of the Success Stories podcast. So buckle up and get ready for an amazing episode!
Since 2009, Corvallis Custom has been a mainstay in the Oregon region for custom-printed apparel, promotional items, and large-format print production.
They have served in the collegiate market since day one, with a recent name, image likeness, or ni l movement they have been helping athletes was customized merchandise that reflects their unique personalities and viewpoints.
Today we'll dig into how Corvallis custom has grown over the years and moved into the NFL market in a major way on this episode of Success Stories, get ready to have some fun.
If one person in the decorated apparel industry has been leading the charge on innovation, it is Michelle Moxley Hruby. She always seems to be at the forefront of the next big thing.
But where did all of that start? On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll chat with Michelle about her roots and career journey and what she is excited about now.
So, go grab a fresh cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy the show!
How do you grow from a germ of an idea into a partnership and a flourishing business? That’s the subject of today’s podcast with guest Marckendy Jean and Jabir Ducasse with Somerville Printing by Villeside Customs. They partnered up in 2018 and have been a leading apparel decoration shop in the Somerville, Massachusetts, area since.
We’ll learn what it takes go get momentum and some partnership tips from two guys who have figured it out. Get a cup of coffee and be ready for a fun show!
Behind the oil industry, fashion is the second leading global polluter. As part of the decorated apparel industry, this is something that we should be concerned about.
One person who cares is our guest today on the Success Stories podcast. His name is Ben Grossman, and he’s leading the charge at SwagCycle. Their mission is to help companies repurpose, recycle, and donate their obsolete branded apparel merchandise in a sustainable way. They do this with a network of charitable and recycling partners.
We’ll learn all about that and more on today’s show, so get ready to get a hand cramp taking some notes on how you can get involved and thinking about how to make a sustainable difference.
Starting out in his parent’s garage, Jeff Meilander has built a thriving contract apparel decoration business in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. They serve a variety of businesses and decoration types, where literally no job is too big or too small.
We’ll dig into all of that with Jeff and learn how he has built his company from the ground up into a major player in the industry with over 100,000 square feet of combined production and on-demand facilities.
You're in for a real treat on today's Success Stories podcast.
In 1978, Greg Muzzillo began to start in the industry by starting his own company perform up with a $200 investment and an answering machine and some business cards. He started franchising, his distributorship model in 1986.
And fast forward today, the company has over 650 offices with over $650 million in annual sales. We'll talk to Greg about all that and more. So buckle up and get ready to hear some great stories on tips on success.
One of the leading process-driven shops in the industry is Tiny Fish Printing in Rochester, NY. Tony Esteves has worked diligently to create a fantastic shop, and on today’s Success Stories podcast, he’ll share his journey and what makes his shop tick.
So, if you are interested in learning more about how to build a process-driven shop that uses SOPs, training, and a fanatical dedication to positive outcomes…this is the episode for you.
When do you decide to start your own shop? That’s the subject of today’s Success Stories podcast with guest Ray Markey with Evrik Imprints in Flint Township, Michigan.
Ray has always believed in himself and what he brings to the table. Gathering resources and pushing out to begin his entrepreneurial journey was the next evolutionary step for him. We’ll discuss that and more on this episode, so stay tuned!
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll take a hard look at retail merchandising with industry veteran Seth Anderson with Westside Merchandising. You might not know their name, but you’ve seen their work in virtually every mall or concert venue in the United States.
With over 160,000 square feet of combined production space in Mexico and the US, Westside cranks out over one million monthly shirts for their clients.
Seth will share his journey into the business of licensed products. Buckle up; it’s going to be a great episode today!
What happens when a few college buddies get together and start hosting local events? Sooner or later, they will need t-shirts. That’s what happened back in 1984 when Steve Taylor with Native Sons Apparel Printing begin printing and selling their own merch.
A lot has evolved for Native Sons since then, and we’ll get into that and more on this next episode of the Success Stories podcast. So, grab some coffee and sit back and hear how Steve has worked to evolve his company into a South Carolina staple.
We all talk about alignment with our customers. One shop, in particular, has taken that to another level with its focus on sustainability, company culture, and branding, and that is Dom Rosacci’s shop Superior Ink in Denver, Colorado.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll speak with Dom and learn about his shop and its focus on doing things correctly for the outdoor brands and customers they serve. You don’t want to miss this one!
One mark of success is how you inspire or help other people on this planet. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with King Tilley about his life's journey has helped him focus on giving back to the world.
Buckle up and get ready for a moving and inspirational journey that also has a business edge to it too
One of the true treasures in this industry has to be Richard Greaves. He started in this industry in 1979, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has held many roles and shops and companies in the supply chain.
During his career, Richard has traveled the world, assisting shops with improvement and changes, and as always open to assisting someone new to resolve their problems.
So get ready to get a hand cramp from the knowledge bombs that he's gonna be dropping today on this episode of Success Stories, and don't say that I didn't warn you.
What if you built your business on some core positive attributes like Love and Sustainability? That’s what Citrus Heights, California shop owner Jessica Tillery has done with her business, All Quality Graphics.
She turned her background in corporate wellness into a business that is all about giving back and enriching others.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, get ready to feel good and learn more about how Jessica and her team are transcending the simple t-shirt into something more.
Occasionally in business, we have to take a “Leap of Faith” and trust that things will succeed.
That’s the background story with today’s Success Stories podcast guest, Josh Wylie, with IGG Screen Printing and Graphics in El Reno, Oklahoma. It is a family business, and you’ll learn all about how their dedication to doing things the right way has proved to be the winning ticket.
So buckle up, sports fans; this one will be a lot of fun!
How do you know when it is right to shift your business from one strategy to another completely? That’s the focus of today’s Success Stories podcast, as we’ll talk to Josiah Blackmore with Red Threads in Midland, Michigan.
Red Threads went from a retail focus and in-house production company to one that outsources the work and has brought in a different strategy for B2B work.
Josiah will share his thoughts and tips on why not being afraid to shift his business was the correct choice. So get ready for a great show!
As everyone should know by now, the fundamentals of business matter. On today’s Success Stories podcast, LaTonna Roberson - also known as the Lady Print Boss, will share her thoughts on the industry, what are the key fundamentals for running a profitable business, and her views on what’s ahead for the industry.
LaTonna operates her company, T-shirt Shop Dallas, with the help of her team of family members and support staff. She has very specific guardrails in place to help the business operate smoothly and profitably, which allows her to share the secrets of her success with her in-house training and consulting business for the industry.
Take a few minutes and listen as LaTonna shares a tip or two that just might make a difference in your business.
Just how good are the processes in your shop? What do you do if you learn something and need to begin installing what you have learned?
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll dig into that continuous improvement conversation with Cory Beal with Floodway Print Co in Winnipeg, Canada.
Cory’s journey started from the early days as a BMX bike rider who wanted some merch and had the desire to learn how to do it. Now, he has his own shop and has installed Lean processes to make everything run smoother and better.
If you are a fan of taking a new idea and putting it into action, you'll want to grab a pen and paper and take some notes, as Cory will help guide you on what works for his shop!
It’s been said that it is important to be different if you want to stand out from a crowd. As the self-title Fairy Gothmother in Roanoke, Virginia’s Big Lick Screen Printing, Marj Easterling, has done that.
Her local Roanoke magazine dubbed her “the face of custom apparel.”
This was no accident. For Marj, what earned her that title was her emphasis on creating the “Wow factor” in everything Big Lick Screen Printing produces.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, you’ll hear how Marj and her team throw in that “lagniappe,” which is that unexpected surprise. That is why she is the Fairy Gothmother, granting little wishes and leaving little presents!
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we will discuss starting a t-shirt side hustle with the guru on this, Stan Banks.
Stan has amassed a large YouTube following for his show “T-shirt Side Hustle,” which has over 100,000 subscribers. But how did he get started? What is it like to have a successful t-shirt YouTube show career? How does Stan see the future of the industry?
We’ll get those questions answered and more in this episode of Success Stories.
What happens when both you and your wife lose your jobs and also find out that you are expecting your first child? Naturally, you start a business and work both hard and fast to grow your new company.
That’s how today’s guest Jonathan Tynes with Kick Print, started out with his shop. Since then, he and his wife Danielle have continually evolved their entrepreneurial journey.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll learn all about starting and evolving your business, to processes, to time management, all the while working with your wife as your business partner.
It is going to be a fantastic show and one that you won’t want to miss.
One of the true legends of the industry is Mark Coudray. A master printer, forward-thinking entrepreneur, and mentor to a myriad of shops in the industry. Mark has helped scores of businesses across the globe reach their profit potential.
On today’s Success Stories podcast we’ll take a look back to the past, and also be scouting out the future, with insights from one of the most popular figures in the decorated apparel industry.
This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
One of the most remarkable Success Stories in the industry is Chicago’s own, Culture Studio. In today’s podcast, we’ll be talking with Rich Santo about providing tour merch for some of the biggest names in the music industry, how they launched their own shop software, and how they have grown over the years.
Get ready to be inspired as we chat about success with Rich Santo and his shop, Culture Studio.
What would you do if you could spend some time with a person who has been active in this industry since 1976? What questions would you ask? What would you want to know?
That’s what we’re going to do on this episode of Success Stories as our guest for the podcast is none other than Charlie Taublieb. If you have attended a trade show in the past twenty years you may have taken one of his classes. You may have also tuned into his popular Charlie’s Corner Zoom series, or watched the dozens of videos that feature Charlie on YouTube.
So buckle up and get ready to have some fun and learn from a master!
Let’s say you have a family-owned shop that has been around for over 43 years. You’ve gone from the early founding and startup years to the mega national music touring years, to the contract printing (Custom Ink) years, post-contract printing, COVID, and now a whole new era for your company.
That’s what we’re going to discuss on today’s Success Stories podcast. Will and Jackson Kulick are brothers, that operate Blue Ridge Graphics in Charlottesville, Virginia. We will hear all about those stories and more on this episode of the Success Stories podcast.
So, buckle up and get ready to hear how one shop has grown and found over four decades of success!
How can screen printing a shirt or running a screen-printing business factor in with the aspect of mental health? What about the concept of running a business with a bigger mission mentality?
On today’s Success Stories podcast we are going to hear the amazing journey of Amber Massey who runs T-shirts for Hope in Fortson, Georgia… which is 90 minutes south of Atlanta.
So sit back, relax and get ready to be inspired!
Amber, welcome to the Success Stories podcast!
Today’s Success Stories podcast is all about how you find new information and put it to use in your shop. Terry Keeven with St. Louis Print Company has been refining his business since 2007 with new ideas.
We’ll learn where these ideas come from, how he is implementing them, and what it takes to get continuous improvement changes working in a business.
Get ready to hear some impactful information that could make a tremendous impact on your shop!
So Terry, welcome to the Success Stories podcast!
On today’s Success Stories podcast you are in for a real treat, as we have legendary industry character Pete Junior on board to talk about his family business, New Era Apparel in Oceanside, NY.
Pete’s father started the business in 1989 with a single table-top press, and now they are one of the go-to shops in the northeast and New York City. We’ll learn about New Era’s roots, and how Pete’s background in sales as a stockbroker has paid off for him in growing the shop after he took over from his dad.
On today’s Success Stories podcast we are going to focus on what it takes to change the focus of your business from one type of customer base to another. That’s what Ron Augelli with We Talk Shirty in Scranton Pennsylvania did, and he is going to share his insights with that journey.
So grab some paper and a pencil and come along for the ride as we walk you through that journey of getting from A to B, and what you need to do.
In today’s Success Stories Podcast, we will be hearing from Bobby Harris with K&B Promotions in Arlington Texas about how he’s built his shop around an excellent proactive culture, with the main ingredient being based on teamwork.
Bobby’s shop is a contract decorator, and they handle screenprinting, embroidery, DTG, banners, and other work for their customers. They are all about quality and a quick, hassle-free experience.
On today's Success Stories podcast, we're going back to school. Shirt School that is, with the one and only Kerry Egeler.
Kerry runs a highly successful online program that helps teach people how to succeed in the apparel industry. Whether it is with a Shopify store or another online platform, he has helped folks grow and manage their business with his educational workshops and videos. So get your pencils and paper ready to start taking some notes.
This is an incredible episode that I'm sure you're gonna be able to learn from!
On today’s Success Stories podcast we are going to focus on what it is like to build out a family business that actually works.
Heather Streible is the leader of a woman-owned apparel decorating company, Replica Screen Printing, that she runs with her family in Cave City, Kentucky. Their dedication to perfection, friendly customer service, and reputation for doing high-end detailed work have garnered Replica Screen Printing a loyal following.
We’ll learn how Heather and her family have come together to make this shop a powerful presence in their community.
Sure, you've been in business for a few years... has the daily grind wear you down to a knob?
Have you lost your passion for what you thought was an earth-shattering career move a few years ago?
That absolutely is not the case with today's guests on this episode of Success Stories. Austin, Texas-based Tony Diaz with Industry Print Shop has been cranking out some of the most creative art-driven work since 2007. Whether it's posters or apparel, you can be sure that Tony's team is knee-deep in the fun of putting together some amazing work. We'll hear how Tony and his crew and industry print shop keep everything on creatively moving forward. So get ready for some awesomeness.
When something is sales are booming, we often call that action a “trend.” This is when you want to strike while the iron is hot because we all know that trends can come and go.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll speak with one of the leading experts on trends, Jessica Gibbons-Rauch with Trendependent as she’ll help dissect what it takes to stay on top of the latest trends.
Trendependent is a fantastic source of knowledge for businesses that want to discover the right merchandising choice for their clients. Whether it is products, colors, texture, or funky styles, Jessica breaks it all down and helps her clients score more sales by staying on top of what is hot.
Tune in on this episode of Success Stories, and hear how Jessica can help you too.
Have you ever wondered how the top sales professionals in our industry actually build their success? Where do they start? How do they identify the right opportunities? What helps them sustain the growth with the most profitable clients?
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll be discussing all of that and more with one of the top sales minds in the business, Justin McKibben with Melmarc and also the McKibben Group. He has a unique strategy and perspective on this that just might be the right tool for you to use in your business.
So, get your pens and notebooks ready, this episode is going to be one that could potentially make a huge impact on your business this year.
I have a quick question for you? Are you in alignment with your customers that help you maximize your profitability?
That’s the topic of conversation on this episode of Success Stories. Shawn LaFave with North Georgia Promotions in Alpharetta, GA will help decode the mysteries surrounding this idea. He’ll give tips on what you need to do to change your business to make more profit.
If that is something you feel that you need to hear, then stay tuned to this episode of Success Stories!
Many shops in the decorated apparel industry have tied their success to a social mission or maybe they support a cause.
On today’s Success Stories, we’ll speak with Patrick Bardsley and Josh Mirsky with Port Washington, NY-based Spectrum Designs on their mission to employ staff members that are on the Autism Spectrum. Instead of only fundraising and giving to a cause, they are directly impacting the lives of people with Autism through employment, training, and support.
If you have supporting companies that are interested in cause marketing or maybe you have a direct interest in people that are on the Autism spectrum, this is one episode that you don’t want to miss.
If there's one person as uniquely qualified to discuss the future of the industry is Paul Bellantone.
With HALO Branded Solutions, he recently made the switch from running PPAI, an organization dedicated to the advancement and education in the promotional products industry, to a senior VP role of sales at HALO.
In this Success Stories podcast, we'll discuss the transition from his serving the industry to selling to the industry and where he feels the big moves will be in the coming year.
Get your paper and pen out and be ready to take some notes.
For creating unique designs for apparel, what medium do you use and typically stick to for orders? How do you learn something unique?
On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Artem Ionitsa owner of Logo Unlimited in Woodinville, WA about he has created a unique approach to satisfying customers by offering a wide range of decoration methods. Logo Unlimited employs traditional screen printing and embroidery, but also offers laser-etching, heat transfers, dye sublimation, embossing or debossing, applique, patches, and custom labels, plus mixing anything together for a multimedia approach.
In this episode, we'll learn how Artem got started and how he's learned the best way to sell more merchandise by offering a bigger selection of decoration techniques for his customers.
If you've ever wondered how a recording artist or brand has so quickly developed a merchandise line of their own, chances are someone like Todd Moen with KREATIV LAUNCH was behind it.
Todd's company specializes in bringing ideas to life. With over 25 years of experience in production, distribution, and licensing, KREATIV LAUNCH has been the go-to partner for many well-known brands, such as the Rolling Stones, ACDC, the Grateful Dead, HBO, NFL, the NBA, Microsoft, as well as a host of others. In this episode of Success Stories, Todd will break down his approach for how he develops relationships with new customers that are in alignment with KREATIV LAUNCH his capabilities and profit goals.
If you want to learn how to succeed in this area, this is an episode that you don't want to miss.
On today’s Success Stories podcast we will have a real treat. Brian Jolin with Jolin Promo will discuss how he uses the foundation of stories to sell and engage customers.
Brian is a certified StoryBrand professional, and we’ll learn how that has helped him over the years connect and align with his clients to serve them better. Brian has a personalized approach that helps clients find the right products to serve their needs best.
You don’t want to miss this episode that is sure to connect with you on many different levels.
Are you in sales for decorated apparel? If so, you might want to pay attention to this new episode of Success Stories as Josh Appelbaum who runs the Apparel Division at Hit Promotional Products, will be discussing his approach to sales.
That's right, we'll be chatting about the evolution of the apparel sales process, and how you should be thinking about if you want to increase your numbers for your company. Josh has a great track record in this area, and his unique perspective on selling is going to make a great topic for the show. So get ready to take some notes.
Is your company completely dialed in to your exact target customer? Do you hit the bullseye every time?
That’s what we’re going to focus on with today’s Success Stories podcast as Salinas, California-based Darryl Garcia with Color Tech will be discussing his journey to align his business goals with the customers he can serve best.
A former UPS driver, Darryl knows all about the hustle. He’s created something special with Color Tech that is laser-focused on alignment and profitability. This is an episode that will get you to rethink how you are handling business with your shop, so get ready!
On today’s Success Stories podcast we’re going to explore how the notion of core values plays an integral role in the development and growth of a company. Both internally with employees, and also externally with how customers are served.
Julie Denton leads the business development and customer service team with Blue Cotton will chat today about their four core values:
- Customer-Centered
- Profit and Growth
- Integrity and Character
- Family Atmosphere
So, get ready to take some great notes and learn how this stellar environment has lead to amazing growth and success for Blue Cotton!
As a business owner, how do you set up your company to work for you?
That’s an interesting point, and one that we are going to get into in tremendous detail with Mike Chong with Merch Monster on today’s Success Stories podcast. Mike operates his business out of Oakland, California but also spends a lot of the year traveling. He has built his business to not only maximize profit but also get more out of life in general.
On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll learn the steps that Mike took to not only run his business better, but make himself happier simultaneously.
There is one shop in the industry that is best known for their technical expertise, willingness to experiment, and also their ability to train other shops on best practices...and that is with Lon Winters’ shop Graphic Elephants.
Lon has been running his Elizabeth Colorado-based shop since 1993 and is world-renown for his expertise in screen printing.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll speak with Lon about using specialty printing inks and techniques, the recipes for success, what he’s learned along the way in his career, and maybe even a glimpse into the future.
If you are a screen-printer, sell t-shirts, or maybe even are a print geek like me...this is an episode that you don’t want to miss.
Have you ever wondered who is behind the amazing success of political fundraising for campaigns?
On this episode of Success Stories, Christl Mahfouz with Ace Specialties in Lafayette, Louisiana will share her story of the success of building a branded merchandising business that focuses on fundraising and politics.
During the discussion, you’ll hear how she started her business in 2007 focusing on the oil and gas industry but pivoted in 2015 into the political arena. In 2020, Ace Specialties raised over a billion dollars for candidates through branded merchandise and online stores.
Whether you work with political candidates or not, learning how Christl and her team at Ace Specialties have generated that level of success is something that you should hear.
One of the most fascinating developments in apparel print technology that has surfaced in the past few years has been the development of hybrid digital and screen printing technology. This means that screens are used for the underbase, and a digital print is printed over that.
This gives the shop plenty of capabilities to explore and capitalize on with their product offerings, workflow, and more.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll talk to Sean Kirkpatrick with Integritees in Lubbock Texas, and explore the reasons why he jumped into hybrid printing with both feet and hasn’t looked back since.
It’s going to be a fun and interesting conversation that you don’t want to miss!
How does humor play into how you think about sales? Not sure if you ever have considered that, but I know one person that has, and it is Ron Goodwin with Goodwin Graphics in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
Ron has been using humor in his sales approach since 1976 to help keep his customers coming back and develop relationships. 45 years later, some of his best customers have their sons or daughters doing business with his shop. Now, that’s loyalty.
In this episode of Success Stories, we’ll learn how he speaks their language keeps his customers coming back for more.
Guess what? With this episode, Season 1 of the Success Stories podcast is officially in the books! Thank you so much for tuning in and enjoying the stories of success that have been shared on this show.
We thought it might be fun to turn the tables on me as the interviewer, and we’ve asked some of the guests from this season to record and send in some questions for me to answer. Six of this year’s guests were asked to ask me three questions.
One was on a topic I gave them, question two was something they wanted to know about how to improve their business, and the third was a completely fun and silly question.
Tune in to hear the questions that Danny Rosin, Robert Fiveash, Traci Miller, Mark Graham, Monica Maglaris, Alison Banholzer, and Brett Bowden have in store for me. By the way, if you like their questions and want to revisit their episodes, don’t forget to click and launch those conversations!
Are you trying to compete in an oversaturated market? These days, that can be a challenge even for experienced veterans of our industry.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, Sara Webb with InTandem Promotions in Kennesaw, Georgia, will help you unlock the secrets of infiltrating and succeeding despite overwhelming competition. Sara will share some tips and tricks that have worked for her and allowed her to be one of the top sales leaders in the promotional products industry.
If you are in sales, this is one that you don’t want to miss!
One way to expand your opportunities in business is to niche down and use a hobby or something that you are passionate about as a starting point.
On this episode of Success Stories, Scott Dawson with East Coast Screenprinting in Okeechobee, Florida will be sharing his story of how he turned his love for motorcycle racing into a successful business.
So if you are ready to rev up your sales, Scott has a story or two that just might help.
Sometimes a basic t-shirt is more than just a shirt. It can be a social or political statement.
On this episode of Success Stories, Rick Roth with Mirror Image in Pawtucket Rhode Island will share his story of success with producing apparel for Human Rights campaigns, Amnesty International, and Farm Aid, to name a few.
Rick will talk about his involvement with these movements has led to not only business success, but personal success as well.
Get ready to learn about these things and more on this episode of Success Stories!
Have you ever wanted to make your business more efficient but simply didn’t know where to start?
On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll learn about the journey that one apparel decorator took, as she earned her Six Sigma Black Belt while making her shop more efficient.
Ali Banholzer with Wear Your Spirit Warehouse in Huntingtown, Maryland is our guest on this episode. We’ll learn how she got started, what she learned on the way, and even what steps that you should be doing in your shop to be more efficient and successful.
Get your notebooks ready, this is going to be a great episode!
I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “People buy from people they like.” On today’s Success Stories podcast, we are going to be talking to probably one of the most likable people in the industry, Natasha Rawls with The MRL Group about her experiences on using TikTok to cultivate new relationships.
If you have ever wanted to try to put together a short and engaging video to help with your marketing or lead generation, then this podcast episode is for you.
So, get ready to take some notes and be ready to explore how to build a great TikTok video with Natasha Rawls.
If you are a successful contract decorator, you know that you don’t sell ink or thread on cotton...what you sell is Trust with a capital T.
One shop in Connecticut has found a higher level of success by generating trust through hard work, creativity, getting the job done, and simply being their authentic selves.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll speak with Monica Maglaris with Liberty Print Co about what it takes to be successful as a certified women-owned and LGBT company in this highly competitive industry.
One of the most overlooked garments in the promotional and decorated apparel industry is the ubiquitous bandana. This staple has been around our necks, heads, and faces for a very long time.
Currently, there is a renaissance happening in the marketplace for people wanting customized bandanas for their events, company fundraisers, and giveaways. On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll talk with Holly and Heather Trevino, owners of Planet Apparel in San Diego, California about how they have become the go-to partner for all things bandanas.
We’ll dig into some history, who are good customers for bandanas, and some tips on making your next bandana order a success.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many small businesses to their knees, or frankly, completely out of business.
One Michigan business, Sandlot Sports, made a dramatic shift in their business from athletic and sports event-based apparel and merchandise to more of a B2B focus. On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll be chatting with Ryan Dost and Adam McCauley about their business, the shift in a new direction, and their plans for the future in 2021 and beyond.
If you have been trying to move your business in a different direction, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
How are you with the mindset of failing? I know that I usually learn more from my mistakes, than from my successes. How about you?
As we move through our careers and business, the concept of constantly evolving and learning has helped one business thrive.
Eric Solomon with Night Owls in Houston Texas has taken the concept of leveling up by constantly challenging themselves to do better.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we will explore the notion of how learning and the concept of intentionally conquering challenges have set them apart from other screen printers.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we are going to talk about the “journey” that people have in the industry with Joelly Goodson, who is a self-described “Branding Badass” with Genumark in Calgary Canada.
People start down their career path for whatever reasons, and it is always full of ups and downs. Joelly has mastered the art of sales for Genumark to the point where she is recognized as the go-to person that can help.
How did she go from “Zero to Hero” in this industry? That’s the topic of today's Success Stories discussion.
One of the biggest emerging trends in the decorated apparel industry is the notion of “Print on Demand”. This is the idea that you sync up the decoration of the shirt with the order when it is sold, and not in advance.
This high-wire trapeze act happens courtesy of technological advancements in logistics, printing, workflow, and equipment.
On this episode of Success Stories, we will chat with Kevin Oakley and Shane Snodgrass, the owners of Stoked On Printing in Las Vegas, Nevada about their push into this new ballgame for apparel decoration. What it means to them, how they are doing it, and where the future is with this space.
Where a business owner’s journey starts, and where they end up is the topic of today’s Success Stories podcast.
In 1997 Mark Graham founded Rightsleeve, a promotional design agency in Toronto, Canada. The firm specializes in merchandising aimed at businesses, schools, camps, and organizations. Mark successfully operated that business for 22 years before selling the company to Genumark in 2019.
Along the way, Mark founded another company, commonsku, which is a trusted CRM, order management, and social collaboration tool for the promotional products industry.
Today’s Success Stories podcast will focus on the origins of Mark’s career-building Rightsleeve, starting the beginnings of commonsku, and then his journey into building commonsku into what it is today.
Many businesses talk about growing their sales and setting goals. For apparel decorator and marketing king Tom Rauen with Envision Tees in Dubuque Iowa, expanding the business and obtaining new customers has been a focus.
He has developed an interesting way of doing that with his “Growth Acquisition System” or G.A.S. for short.
On this episode of Success Stories, we will dig into exactly what this unique approach is, and why it is working so well for Tom at Envision Tees.
It’s no secret that many people gain tremendous insight and inspiration from reading books. And by reading, I’m including paper-printed books, ebooks, and of course, audiobooks.
As many people tend to buy and share their favorite books as holiday presents, on today’s episode of Success Stories, I’ve asked a wide array of industry leaders to give us their favorite tips and recommendations for books that they have enjoyed this year.
So whether you are looking for a new book to glean some insight about something, or the perfect gift for your staff or customers, we have you covered.
You’ll hear from Mark Graham, Charity Gibson, Tom Rauen, Jeff Solomon, Brian Rainey, Roger Burnett, Mark Kapczynski, Mark Coudray, Nate Leber, Shawn LaFave, Jay Busselle, Meg Erber, Stephan Baere, & Brittany Tucciarone.
Plus, I’ll give you my favorites too!
These days there is a lot of talk about trying to find a competitive advantage that gives your company an edge. One apparel decorator in North Fort Worth Texas has found that edge, and what they are doing may surprise you.
Printed Threads is a full-service merchandising company that specializes in high-quality screen printing, embroidery, retail finishing, and fulfillment services. Brett Bowden is the self-proclaimed “El Capitan” of the shop, and his fun, creative, and sometimes quirky style carries over to his staff of dedicated professionals.
Today on Success Stories, we will dig into what makes Printed Threads a Texas powerhouse, that competes nationally and is driven by a unique culture that gives them the edge.
Have you ever wondered who is handling the apparel programs for some of the largest and most well-known brands?
The answer can be found with one Atlanta branding and promotional merchandise agency, Icebox. Founded in 2001, they have been building turn-key solutions for corporate clients that include product sourcing, in-house design, production, warehouse fulfillment, and global distribution.
Their 125-person strong agency has helped brands such as Delta Airlines, Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and AT&T with their apparel programs and other needs.
On today’s Success Stories podcast, we’ll learn more about how these programs work with Icebox co-founder Jordy Gamson.
Many apparel decorators design, print, and produce orders for the collegiate or school market. Building more sales is a game that everyone wants to win.
On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll speak with Spokane Washington’s Brayden Jessen with Zome Design on how they build a better platform for this unique market. What goes into making their program successful? What about marketing or distribution?
We’ll get a behind the scenes look at one of the Northwest’s best shops and how they tackle this end of the business.
One thing that contract apparel decorators sell most is Trust, with a capital “T”. Sure, you can focus on the embroidery, screenprinting, heat transfer or other methods of embellishing a garment, but seasoned contract professionals know that sales for them are not transactional. Everything is about the relationship.
To that point, on this episode of the Success Stories podcast, we’ll be discussing the wholesale side of apparel decorating with seasoned veteran Traci Miller with Color3 Embroidery in Warren, Ohio. She’s been in the industry for over 25 years and knows how to make business relationships work.
Promotional marketing companies have always tried to connect the best products for the best use cases for their clients. But do they always make the world a better place?
One company has found success with targeting the marketing needs of clients and aligning them with products that offer a deeper and more meaningful story.
Social Good Promotions works diligently to link promotional marketing products that serve more than just simply giving a platform for a logo, they are authentically socially responsible and “give back” in some way.
On this episode of Success Stories, we’ll discuss this with Roger Burnett and discover how his passion for improving the world, providing value, and always surprising and delighting his clients has moved him to the forefront of the promotional marketing space.
How do you tie creative art development into more sales?
On this edition of the Success Stories podcast, we’ll dig into that by discussing how Jeremy Picker and his team of creative professionals have found success by going the extra mile when developing ideas for their clients.
We’ll break it down by examining their process and unique ability to translate someone’s idea into a fully developed apparel merchandise campaign.
AMB3R is a Colorado-based apparel design firm that brings fashion to people by creating products that people love. They serve non-profits, churches, restaurants, corporations, and other businesses with their team of talented designers and project managers that takes a kernel of an idea from start to finish.
We’ll learn how they use t-shirts for everything from an entire clothing line, to a merchandising campaign for promotional products.
During and after the coronavirus pandemic, many screen-printing shops found success by developing a local “Here for Good” campaign to help surrounding businesses in their community stay afloat during these difficult times.
In Rockford Illinois, one business owner, Jarrod Hennis developed a “Here for Good” campaign and assisted businesses in his area to raise money by selling t-shirts. Each shirt sold helped that local business, but also kept Jarrod’s shop, the Rockford Art Deli in business as well.
On this edition of Success Stories, we are going to discuss the Rockford Art Deli’s “Here for Good” campaign and learn how it worked, what Jarrod learned, and how this idea is laying a solid foundation for a successful future in his community of Rockford Illinois.
COVID-19 has shifted a lot more business online recently and with great uncertainty ahead, you'll need to make sure people can find you online. In this episode of Success Stories, we'll help you get ahead of the competition and make sure you're set up to drive new business to your website.
Shelby Craig with Rocket Shirts will be sharing his knowledge of what you'll need to get optimized, and how it's helped his business. We'll be touching on web design, search engine optimization, and tools that you can use to bring out your best results.
Shelby is a serial entrepreneur, marketing junkie, home chef, coffee connoisseur, and girl dad times three. He's also a t-shirt snob and is the founder of Rocket Shirts in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Join us on this podcast as we explore ways to make your website work for you and drive more sales to your door.
A lot of revenue streams have dried up due to the COVID-19 situation. Many businesses have been forced to pivot into a new direction.
Today we are going to discover how one company has found success with new opportunities.
We will be talking about this with Danny Rosin and Robert Fiveash with Brand Fuel. They are the leaders of a free-spirited brand merchandising agency that delivers experiences, eCommerce, inspiration, and results - all while having fun along the way.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dig into how they are having success in these turbulent times.