Ep. 077: Running a 3rd Generation Screen Printing Biz with your Sibling w/ PM Apparel

In this episode of the Rhymes With Odd podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sits down with Ryan and Megan, the third-generation owners of P&M Apparel, a thriving screen printing business based in Polk City, Iowa.

What started in their grandparents' basement has grown into a full-scale apparel operation serving both local and national customers. From humble beginnings and family legacy to digital transformation and e-commerce innovation, this episode is packed with insights on running a modern family business.

🧵 Topics Covered:[00:00] The origin story: from a basement in Webster City to a storefront[02:00] Legacy and lineage: how WWII vet Melvin and wife Phyllis started it all[06:00] Megan’s journey from childcare to graphic design to full-time at P&M[10:00] Family expectations vs. freedom in generational businesses[14:00] Digital transformation: going paperless and streamlining operations[20:00] Strategic relocation to Polk City and the benefits of visibility[25:00] Competing with Amazon: How P&M keeps up in a prime-speed world[29:00] Fundraising and online stores: 1/3 of the business now e-commerce[34:00] Communication and trust as co-owners (and siblings!)[37:00] Blending family life and business with humor and practicality[43:00] Fun lightning round: gas tank trivia, Star Wars trilogies, and more[52:00] Thoughts on Custom Ink, industry evolution, and shop culture[58:00] Representation in the screen printing space: diversity & women in print[1:01:00] Building community: the vision for retreats and peer groups

💡 Key Takeaways:Family businesses can thrive with clear communication and modern tech adoptionCompeting with big players means offering speed and serviceA local shop can still scale by rethinking what “local” meansEvents and networking can often be more valuable after hours than in-sessionRepresentation and innovation matter—even in seemingly “old school” industriesFollow on TikTok: @rhymeswithoddFollow on Instagram: @rhymeswithodd#RhymeswithOdd #BusinessPodcast