Building your T-Shirt Empire

Cole Lundstrom & Gavin StGeorges
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Learn business tips for your t-shirt business and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes about DTG, screen-printing, internet marketing and interviews with professionals from the apparel industry. Powered by MerchTroop.com | The best T-Shirt Live Printing and www.seps.io - the simplest remote art department for screen printing shops. 

  1. 30 APR

    Maximizing Efficiency- Insights from Zach Acorn

    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 equipment utilization and the shift towards contracting as a means to enhance profitability and flexibility. The discussion underscores the importance of investing in youth and education to replenish the workforce in screen printing. In this conversation, Zach, Cole, and Gavin discuss various aspects of the printing industry, focusing on growth strategies, quality assurance, client engagement, and the importance of understanding production capabilities. They emphasize the need for proper certification pipelines, shop readiness, and the significance of establishing business boundaries to ensure profitability. The discussion also highlights the value of networking and education in driving business success. Powered by Merchtroop.com and seps.io Contact Zack HERE

    50 min
  2. Stanley / Stella: Redefining Premium Apparel

    24 APR

    Stanley / Stella: Redefining Premium Apparel

    INKTAVO LAST CHANCE 2025 DEAL! https://bit.ly/4jABUZ6In 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 00:00Introduction to Stanley Stella and Inktavo Promotions 03:03The Unique Selling Proposition of Stanley Stella 05:58Navigating the American Market: Challenges and Strategies 08:50Understanding the Customer Base and Market Positioning 11:57Sourcing and Sustainability: The Journey from Cotton to T-Shirt 15:00Trends in Apparel: Colors, Styles, and Market Adaptation 18:01Personal Journey: Transitioning to Stanley Stella 20:55Sales Strategies: Building Relationships Over Transactions 23:57Sampling Programs and Customer Engagement

    28 min

  3. 14 APR

    Tariffs and Rising Prices in the T-Shirt Industry with Ian from DGI

    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 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 Suppliers are adjusting inventory strategies to mitigate tariff impacts.Hats and bags are expected to face the most significant price increases due to tariffs.Nearshoring is becoming a trend to reduce supply chain risks.U.S. manufacturers may benefit from increased demand as tariffs raise import costs.Pricing dynamics are shifting, with some costs decreasing while others rise.Small shops should explore different pricing tiers to optimize costs.Building a comprehensive marketplace requires significant technical effort and understanding of user needs. We have a high standard for what the shopping experience needs to be like.The autopilot feature will optimize purchasing processes.Building processes and systems is crucial for business growth.Investment decisions can shape the trajectory of a startup.Understanding customer needs is key to product development.Supplier relationships can impact purchasing efficiency.Automation can save time and improve productivity.Scaling requires outreach beyond existing customer networks.Adapting to industry changes is essential for survival.The custom apparel industry is ripe for innovation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to DJI Apparel01:43 Tariffs and Their Impact on the Apparel Industry06:11 Supplier Strategies Amid Tariff Changes11:11 Market Trends and Pricing Dynamics17:20 Optimizing Pricing for Small Shops22:15 Building a Comprehensive Apparel Marketplace23:39 Optimizing the Purchasing Experience25:48 From Software to Custom Apparel29:57 Navigating Investment and Growth34:27 Industry Dynamics and Supplier Relationships37:29 Enhancing Supplier Integration39:45 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

    44 min

  4. 31 JAN

    How to be PROFITABLE and not just busy in your print shop.

    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 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

    48 min

  5. 01/10/2024

    Buying or Selling the right machine. Nicole Pape | Embellishr

    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

    52 min

  6. 02/09/2024

    How to guide: Hiring your first 5 employees for your t-shirt shop

    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 Finding the right people and putting them in the right seat is critical for business success.Reliability, respect, and clear communication are key factors in building a sustainable team.Hiring should be based on specific roles and responsibilities, rather than hiring jack-of-all-trades.Firing bad fits is necessary for the overall health and success of the business.Creating a strong company culture and core values is essential for employee satisfaction and retention. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Importance of Hiring03:09 Determining the Right Time to Hire05:49 Creating a Strong Company Culture09:06 Tips for the Hiring Process11:32 Interviewing and Onboarding15:36 Specializing Roles and Firing Bad Fits18:26 Building a Sustainable Team and Prioritizing Financial Stability21:53 Conclusion and Free Hiring Checklist

    23 min

  7. 20/08/2024

    Making your Local T-shirt Printing Shop #1 in SEO

    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 Keywords and keyword phrases are crucial for optimizing your website and Google My Business profile.Utilize the Google Keyword Planner to identify popular search terms in your area.Optimize title tags, meta descriptions, and image alt tags with relevant keywords.Create keyword-focused content with city-specific information to improve your rankings.Leverage reviews and testimonials to increase credibility and optimize SEO.Engage with your community through sponsorships, discounts, and collaborations.Optimize your website for mobile and improve page speed.Utilize local business directories to increase your online presence.Consistently work on improving your SEO to see long-term resultsCommunity Engagement and Backlinking StrategiesThe Power of Keywords and Keyword Phrases in SEOSound Bites "Making your local screen printing t-shirt shop number one in SEO""Keywords matter because this is how people actually search""Google is still king when it comes to search"Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Making Your Local Screen Printing T-Shirt Shop Number One in SEO02:07 The Power of Keywords and Keyword Phrases in SEO05:31 Optimizing Your Website for Better SEO07:14 Headings, Alt Tags, and Other Technical SEO Considerations09:02 Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile11:54 The Importance of Reviews and Testimonials in SEO15:41 Community Engagement and Backlinking Strategies19:31 Utilizing Local Business Directories for Increased Online Presence23:03 Consistent Effort: The Key to Long-Term SEO Success Seps.io merchtroop.com

    27 min

  8. 17/08/2024

    The Highs and Lows of Running a T-Shirt Empire

    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.

    36 min
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About

Learn business tips for your t-shirt business and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes about DTG, screen-printing, internet marketing and interviews with professionals from the apparel industry. Powered by MerchTroop.com | The best T-Shirt Live Printing and www.seps.io - the simplest remote art department for screen printing shops. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cole Lundstrom & Gavin StGeorges
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Cole Lundstrom & Gavin StGeorges
  • Show Website
    Building your T-Shirt Empire

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