In this conversation, Zach Acorn shares his journey in the screen printing industry, emphasizing the importance of strategic growth, operational efficiency, and effective employee management. He discusses the significance of documentation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in maintaining quality and training staff. Zach introduces Print Plugs, a new resource aimed at connecting printers with opportunities and fostering community within the industry. He highlights the need for maximizing eq...
Apr 30, 2025•50 min•Ep. 99
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 ...
Apr 24, 2025•28 min•Ep. 98
INKTAVO LAST CHANCE 2025 DEAL https://bit.ly/4jABUZ6 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 un...
Apr 14, 2025•44 min•Ep. 97
INKTAVO LAST CHANCE 2025 DEAL https://bit.ly/4jABUZ6 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...
Jan 31, 2025•48 min•Ep. 96
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 fo...
Oct 01, 2024•52 min•Ep. 95
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 discus...
Sep 02, 2024•23 min•Ep. 94
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. T...
Aug 20, 2024•27 min•Ep. 93
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 ...
Aug 17, 2024•36 min•Ep. 92
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 profes...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 91
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 a...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 90
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...
Apr 18, 2024•44 min•Ep. 89
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....
Apr 03, 2024•52 min•Ep. 88
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
Mar 06, 2024•17 min•Ep. 87
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 a...
Jan 31, 2024•28 min•Ep. 86
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 uni...
Jan 25, 2024•9 min•Ep. 85
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 t...
Jan 25, 2024•9 min•Ep. 84
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...
Jan 25, 2024•11 min•Ep. 83
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 targete...
Jan 25, 2024•11 min•Ep. 82
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 custome...
Jan 25, 2024•12 min•Ep. 81
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...
Jan 25, 2024•10 min•Ep. 80
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...
Jan 24, 2024•9 min•Ep. 79
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 insightful conversation with Adrienne as we delve into the dynamic world of Direct to Film (DTF) printing. From industry trends to the impact of technology, we discuss how DTF is reshaping the landscape of apparel decoration. Adrieene shares valuable i...
Jan 24, 2024•11 min•Ep. 78
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 Stan Banks, the mastermind behind T-Shirt Side Hustle, for a laid-back conversation that unravels the secrets of the print world. Stan takes you on a journey through the bustling showrooms, sharing our experiences and ...
Jan 23, 2024•16 min•Ep. 77
In this enlightening episode of 'Building Your T-Shirt Empire' with Cole and Gavin, sponsored by ShirtAgency.com and SEPS.io , the conversation revolves around pivotal shifts in the apparel and sports industry. The hosts dissect the impact of Tiger Woods' departure from Nike after 27 years, as detailed on CBS Sports, and delve into Amazon's AI-driven approach to online clothes shopping, as reported by TechCrunch. The discussion also covers Beyond Yoga's significant legal settlement in California...
Jan 10, 2024•42 min•Ep. 76
Join hosts Cole and Gavin in this engaging episode of Building Your T-Shirt Empire, brought to you by Seps.io and ShirtAgency.com delve into the state of the screen printing and merchandising industries during a seemingly quiet end-of-year period. They discuss the recent layoffs at major companies like Custom Ink and the scandal surrounding the merch management company Revolt. The conversation explores the implications of these industry shakeups, the importance of sound business strategies, and ...
Jan 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 75
Join hosts Cole and Gavin in this engaging episode of Building Your T-Shirt Empire, brought to you by Seps.io and ShirtAgency.com . Dive into the latest print shop news, industry trends, and upcoming trade show insights. Discover the implications of new policies on garment manufacturers, learn about Gildan's leadership changes, and get the scoop on Amazon's reduced seller fees for apparel. Plus, don't miss our discussions on the impact of AI in design and the newly announced Pantone color. Tune ...
Dec 14, 2023•34 min•Ep. 74
Join Cole and Gavin in this captivating episode of "Building Your T-Shirt Empire," where they broadcast live from the sun-kissed shores of Newport Beach at the Print Hustlers Conference 2023. Dive into the highlights and behind-the-scenes exclusives with Bruce Ackerman, the founder of Printavo and a pivotal force behind the event. This year's gathering was a treasure trove of high-level content, tailor-made for owners in the screenprinting and apparel decoration industry, with a focus on innovat...
Nov 08, 2023•11 min•Ep. 73
Cole and Gavin peak with Ryan Moor and Brett Bowden as they delve into their various industry ventures at a major trade show. From the fun-filled Roqtober Fest to their collaborations with Sanmar, the duo covers many aspects of their thriving businesses in this video. Learn about Allmade's organic cotton products, the educational push through madelab.io, the upcoming Print Hustlers conference and more. This is a must-listen for those interested in the cutting-edge work happening in the apparel i...
Oct 23, 2023•11 min•Ep. 72
In this insightful interview, Adrien Palmer touches on numerous topics in the print industry. From her major career shift and current work at dtf.com to incisive perspectives on the rising importance of Direct-to-Film (DTF) in the business landscape, Palmer discusses how automated screen shops can leverage DTF. Additionally, she dialogues about the establishment of United Together, a nonprofit aiming to cultivate diversity and inclusivity within the industry. She talks about its efforts to suppo...
Oct 16, 2023•16 min•Ep. 71
Join us for an eye-opening episode as we go live from the Graphics Pro Expo, right from the ROQ booth! In this special episode, we sit down with Adam Metzger, the Sales Manager for ROQ, to uncover the latest in ROQ technology. If you're a new shop owner or considering entering the screen printing world, this episode is your golden ticket 🎫. We'll give you a sneak peek at what the Graphics Pro Expo has to offer and even spill the beans on what to expect from future shows. Don't miss out on upgra...
Oct 09, 2023•11 min•Ep. 70
