2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Biweekly

2 Regular Guys... talking decorations, personalization and customization every Friday.

  1. Oct 16

    AI Art and Copyright: What Every Print Shop Should Know

    AI-generated artwork is changing how decorators create designs, but are you putting your business at risk without even knowing it? Who owns AI-generated artwork, what can you legally print and sell, and what happens when a customer brings you an AI-created design? Attorney Gordon Firemark returns to 2 Regular Guys to help us make sense of AI art and copyright in the garment decorating and personalization industry. We’ll explore commercial-use licenses, trademark concerns, copyright protection, and the legal responsibilities that come with printing AI-generated designs. Plus, we’ll discuss practical steps decorators can take to protect themselves while still embracing AI technology. Whether you’re creating artwork, selling decorated products, or handling customer-supplied designs, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/xpjqlZIscL8 Dad Joke Aaron: Where do you take someone who has been injured in a peek-a-boo accident? The ICU (I see you) What Print Shops Need to Know About AI Artwork Copyrights and Trademarks Past 2018 Show – https://www.2regularguys.com/copyright-and-trademark-law/ Past 2021 Show – https://www.2regularguys.com/copyright-and-trademark-law-questions-answered/ Aaron: Gordon, welcome back to the show! You’ve helped us understand copyright and trademark law in the past, but AI has added a whole new layer to the conversation. Before we get into that, give our listeners a quick refresher on your background and the kind of legal work you do. Terry: Let’s start with the big question. If I sit down at my computer, type a really detailed prompt into an AI image generator, and create an amazing T-shirt design, who owns that artwork? Can I copyright it? Follow-up: What if I spend two hours in Photoshop modifying that AI image, adding my own elements, and making it unique? At what point does my human creativity change the copyright situation? Aaron: Let’s say I’ve created some great artwork using ChatGPT, Midjourney, or another AI tool. Can I legally put it on T-shirts, mugs, or promotional products and sell them? And does it matter which AI platform I used? Terry: Here’s a situation our listeners might recognize. A customer walks into my shop with an AI-generated image and wants 200 shirts printed. What responsibility do I have as the decorator to determine whether that image infringes on someone else’s copyright? Aaron: Here’s what worries me about AI-generated artwork. I could ask it for a cowboy riding across the desert, and it might give me something that looks almost identical to an existing artist’s work. If I didn’t know that original artwork existed, could I still be held liable for printing and selling it? Follow-up: Is there anything practical a small shop can do to check AI-generated artwork before printing it? Terry: Let’s turn that around. Suppose I create an original design, put it on a T-shirt, and discover another decorator is selling the same image. If my original artwork was generated entirely by AI, do I have any legal recourse? Aaron: What about logos and branding? More small businesses are using AI to create their company logos. Can an AI-generated logo be protected as a trademark? What should decorators tell customers who want AI-generated logos? Terry: The Etsy and online marketplace question: We’re seeing thousands of AI-generated designs sold as downloadable artwork on Etsy and other platforms. If I purchase one of those designs with a commercial-use license, how much protection does that actually give me? Aaron: What should we be putting in writing? Should decorators update their customer agreements, artwork approval forms, or terms and conditions to address AI-generated artwork? Would a customer statement that they have the right to reproduce the image offer any real protection? Terry: Let’s finish with some practical advice. If you owned a small garment decorating business today, what are a few things you would do immediately to protect yourself legally while still taking advantage of the tools available to us today? Aaron: Gordon, we’ve covered a lot today, and I know there are probably some Regulators out there realizing they need to pay a little more attention to the legal side of their business. Tell us about the work you do. How can you help a decorator or small business owner who wants to protect their artwork, their business, or just make sure they’re doing things the right way? And what’s the best way for them to connect with you? Terry: Gordon, we seem to have a bad habit of only inviting you back every three or four years, but fortunately, our Regulators don’t have to wait that long to learn from you! You’ve got podcasts of your own. Tell us about your shows, what listeners can expect to learn, and where they can find them. @dougsobel2571 Do you have to register designs with the copyright office? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/GqhJrMSCt4U OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  2. Oct 9

    The 2026 REGGIE Awards Are Here. New Categories, New Partners, Your Vote!

    The REGGIES are back for their 14th year, and we’re shaking things up for 2026! With new categories, new industry partners, and broader reach across print and digital decoration, we’re ready to recognize even more people, products, and organizations making a difference. This week, Aaron and Terry welcome members of the new REGGIE Awards Committee: Cassie Green of Apparelist, Theresa Hegel of ASI, and Dan Barefoot and MJ Clavijo of World Imaging News. Together, we’ll introduce all nine award categories, explain what’s changing, and officially open nominations for the 2026 REGGIE Awards. From garment decoration and promotional products to wide-format printing and beyond, the REGGIES remain true People’s Choice awards. You nominate. You vote. The industry celebrates! Nominations open October 9 and close November 6. Join us to learn how you can help recognize the people and innovations moving our industry forward! Learn more and nominate: https://www.2regularguys.com/reggies/ Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/E227MHXIJYQ Dad Joke Terry: I saw a chameleon today Not a very good one People’s Choice Awards for The Printing Industry Terry: It’s REGGIE Awards category announcement day. And we’ve changed things up a bit for our 14th Annual Awards. Aaron: That’s right, Terry, we have a little help this year… {Introduce the Committee!} Terry: We’ve always tried to be fluid and ready to change on 2RG’s when it feels like it’s time. We brought in the smartest people we know to help us with those changes, so can we start by asking you all some questions? Aaron: What excited you about getting involved, and what do you hope we can accomplish together? (Cassie, MJ, Dan, Theresa) Terry: As we talked together as a group, we all felt it was important to make sure that we recognize the wider print and digital decoration industry. Dan, I think this started as your suggestion. Why do you think that’s important, and what opportunities does it create to recognize people who might otherwise be overlooked? {If anyone has anything else to add…} Aaron: We’ve refreshed several categories and added some new ones. When you look at the awards as a whole, what changes are you most excited about, and why? (Theresa, MJ, Cassie) Terry: The REGGIES have always been a People’s Choice awards, and we want to protect that. You guys are going to help verify nominations and make sure the rules are followed, but the industry still chooses the winners. Why is that distinction important? Terry: Before we reveal the categories, what would you say to someone who has never participated in the REGGIES? Why should they take a few minutes to nominate people, products, and organizations that are making a difference? Aaron: Next, let’s get to the categories, but first the rules that were refined a bit this year but still similar to years past: You must submit valid nominations in at least 5 of the 9 categories. Nomination forms with fewer than 5 completed categories will not be counted. Self-nominations are allowed, provided the nominee meets all eligibility requirements for the category. All nominations are subject to eligibility review and certification by the REGGIE Awards Committee before finalists are announced.  Nominations close on November 6th at Midnight Central Time. This is a hard deadline, and late nominations will not be accepted. Giving ourselves a week this year instead of killing myself the night before like the last 13 years. LOL Certified nominees and finalists will be announced on November 13th, when public voting opens. A company or organization may appear on the final voting ballot in a maximum of two categories. This limit includes individuals, products, events, initiatives, programs, or other entries associated with that company or organization. When nominating, this won’t matter, but just so people don’t wonder why their favorite vendor or teacher or whatever is not in all 9 categories. They will just stay in their two strongest nomination categories. Voting will run from November 13th through December 11th at Midnight Central Time. Winners will be announced live on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast on December 18th. Campaigning is encouraged, but offering discounts, gifts, prizes, giveaways, compensation, or other incentives in exchange for nominations or votes is prohibited and may result in disqualification. Any questions or comments about the rules? 1. Product of the Year Recognizes a product introduced within the previous three years that has made a meaningful impact on the print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. Eligible products may include equipment, machinery, software, apparel, promotional products, consumables, decoration products, tools, technology, or other products used by businesses within the wider print and digital decoration market. Products developed by manufacturers, suppliers, decorators, printers, PSPs, distributors, or other industry participants may be nominated. Nominations should identify the product and explain why it has made a meaningful impact on the industry or the businesses that use it. Eligibility: ● Product must have been introduced within the previous three years. ● Product must serve or meaningfully impact the wider print or digital decoration industry. ● Previously nominated products may be eligible, provided they have not previously appeared as a REGGIE Award finalist. ● Companies may nominate their own products. 2. Customer Care Spotlight Award Recognizes a company or individual who demonstrates exceptional customer service, responsiveness, support, and commitment to helping customers succeed. This award is open to the entire industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, decorators, printers, PSPs, promotional product companies, service providers, and others serving the print and digital decoration market. If the nomination is for a company, nominators are encouraged to identify a specific individual when one person played a particularly important role. Eligibility: ● Nominee must serve customers within the wider print or digital decoration industry. ● Nomination should explain what makes the customer experience exceptional. ● Both individuals and companies may be nominated. 3. Industry Educator of the Year Recognizes an individual or educational source that has made a meaningful contribution to learning and professional development within the industry. Eligible education may include live instruction, trade show education, podcasts, videos, blogs, webinars, workshops, training programs, online communities, courses, or other educational platforms. The emphasis should be on genuine education and knowledge sharing rather than content primarily designed to sell a product or service. Eligibility: ● Nominee must provide meaningful education to people within the print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. ● Educational content should provide practical knowledge, skills, ideas, or professional development. ● Individuals and educational platforms may be nominated. 4. Industry Event of the Year Recognizes an in-person industry event that provided exceptional value through education, networking, community building, inspiration, business development, or professional growth. Eligible events may include: ● Trade shows ● Conferences ● Summits ● Regional events ● Educational events ● Networking events ● Open houses ● Industry gatherings ● Other in-person professional events Eligibility: ● The event must serve participants within the wider print and digital decoration industry. ● The event must have taken place during the current awards cycle. ● Nomination should explain why the event created meaningful value for attendees. 5. Rising Star Award Recognizes an individual under age 40 who is making a meaningful positive impact within the wider print and digital decoration industry. The nominee may be recognized for creativity, skill, leadership, innovation, business growth, education, community involvement, or another significant contribution. Eligibility: ● Nominee must be under 40 years old at the time nominations close. ● Nominee must be actively involved in the wider print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. ● Age may be verified by the REGGIE Awards Committee before the nominee is approved for voting. 6. Women’s Voice Award Recognizes an individual who actively elevates the roles, accomplishments, opportunities, and visibility of women within the print and digital decoration industry. The award celebrates someone who helps strengthen the industry through advocacy, leadership, education, mentorship, community building, or other efforts that positively impact women working within the industry. Eligibility: ● Nominee must demonstrate meaningful efforts to elevate women within the industry. ● Nominee may come from any segment of the wider print and digital decoration market. ● Nomination should include an explanation of the nominee’s impact. 7. 2 Regular Guys Podcast Guest Star Award Recognizes a guest whose appearance on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast delivered valuable information, actionable ideas, immediate takeaways, or meaningful perspective while also creating an engaging and memorable episode. Eligibility: ● Nominee must have appeared as a guest on the 2 Reg

  3. Oct 2

    The Future of Print Starts With Learning: Training the Industry.

    The equipment, technology, and opportunities in the printing industry keep changing, but are we doing enough to make sure our people are keeping up? This week, Aaron and Terry welcome Ray Weiss, VP of eLearning and Certifications for PRINTING United Alliance, to talk about education, training, and the continued development of iLEARNING+. Now in its fourth year, the platform brings vetted, industry-specific education from experts directly to print professionals, with courses designed for everyone from newcomers learning the basics to experienced professionals sharpening their skills. We’ll also get Ray’s perspective coming out of the recent PRINTING United Expo. What stood out? What did he learn from conversations with people across the industry? And how are the needs he saw at the Expo influencing where education and iLEARNING+ go next? Plus, we’ll tackle one of the biggest challenges facing every busy shop: finding time to train when there is always another job that needs to get out the door. If you want to build a stronger team, develop your own skills, or better prepare your business for what’s coming next, this conversation is for you. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/ABjsy3CwH3M Dad Joke Aaron: What did the nut say when it was chasing other nuts? I’m a cashew (Catch you…) Training the Industry Terry: Welcome to the show. Can you start us off by telling us about your journey in the print industry? Aaron: Ray, we just wrapped up PRINTING United Expo. From your perspective, what stood out this year, and what did you hear or see that told you where our industry needs more education or training? Terry: We hear a lot about the challenge of bringing new people into the printing industry. What are they coming in knowing, where are the biggest knowledge gaps, and how can better education help us get them productive faster? Aaron: There are already general learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy. Why does the printing industry need something specifically built for us, and what makes iLEARNING+ different? Terry: For someone who has never explored iLEARNING+, give us the tour. What kinds of courses are available, and how does the platform serve everyone from a brand-new employee to an experienced owner or industry veteran? Aaron: You’re now four years into iLEARNING+. What have you learned about how people in our industry actually want to learn, and has anything surprised you or changed the way you develop education? Terry: Coming out of the Expo and looking at where the industry is headed, what skills or areas of knowledge do you think shops should be developing now, and how is that influencing what comes next for iLEARNING+? Terry: Let’s talk to the shop owner who says, “Training sounds great, but we’re too busy getting jobs out the door.” How do you make education part of running the business instead of one more thing you’re supposed to find time for? Terry: How can people find you and where can they learn more about iLEARNING+ and Printing United? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/NJYvQJFiVHU OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  4. Sep 25

    Live from PRINTING United: What’s Making News and What’s Next

    We’re live from PRINTING United Expo as we head into the final day, bringing together some of the industry’s sharpest eyes and ears. Dan and MJ from World Imaging News, Theresa Hegel from ASI, and Cassie Green from Apparelist join Aaron and Terry to break down what caught their attention, what people are talking about, and what this week might tell us about where the printing and decorated apparel industries are headed. We’ll also get into the REGGIE Awards, hear what our guests are excited to report on next, and compare notes on the technology, trends, conversations, and surprises coming out of the show. Consider this your full dose of PRINTING United news, happenings, and “did you see that?” moments straight from the show floor. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/HH0uyXvcYHk Dad Joke Aaron: I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey. But I turned myself around. What’s Making News and What’s Next The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/tgo5y5GkHOA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  5. Sep 18

    INKclusivity: Building a Better Business by Seeing Ability

    What if one of the best ways to build a stronger business is to start looking at the talent most companies overlook? This week, we welcome back Jed Seifert, co-founder of Stakes Manufacturing and the reigning 2025 REGGIE Award Industry Ambassador. Jed joins us to talk about the newly released book INKclusivity: Company Benefits of Disability Inclusion & How-To Implementation Guide, which he co-authored with Vince Bartozzi, Patrick Bardsley, and Tim Howe. We’ll explore why disability inclusion is more than a social initiative. It can also be a smart business strategy. Jed will share what Stakes Manufacturing has learned from building an inclusive workforce, some of the misconceptions that keep businesses from getting started, and practical steps even a small print or decorating shop can take to create opportunities for people with disabilities. We’ll also talk about Jed’s new Raising the Stakes podcast and his mission to highlight business leaders who are using their success and influence to make a difference. If you’ve struggled to find and keep great employees, wondered how disability inclusion could work in your business, or simply want to build a company that creates an impact beyond the bottom line, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/zOvG4NjnFnc Dad Joke Terry: I tried calling the tinnitus help line today. No answer, just kept ringing Building a Better Business by Seeing Ability Aaron: Jed, it’s been a while since you’ve been on the show, so give us a quick rundown of your journey in the industry. Terry: Let’s start with the title. What does “INKclusivity” mean, and what made you decide this was a book that needed to be written? But first, share the names of the other authors. Aaron: You’re not approaching disability inclusion as just a social issue; you’re making a business case for it. What are companies missing when they overlook people with disabilities? Aaron: A business owner might hear “disability inclusion” and immediately think, “This is going to be complicated or expensive.” What would you say to that person? Terry: The subtitle calls this a “How-To Implementation Guide.” You mentioned that 10% of your 275-person workforce consists of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and read that you guys also run internships with your local school system that have led to full-time employment. What are some things a small business could actually do tomorrow to become more inclusive? Aaron: I’ve seen you on panels shaking your head when the question comes up. We talk to a lot of decorators who are struggling to find and keep good employees. Is there an untapped workforce here that our industry simply isn’t paying enough attention to? Aaron: What have you learned at Stakes Manufacturing from employing and working alongside people with disabilities that surprised you personally? Terry: Where do companies most often get disability inclusion wrong, even when they genuinely have good intentions? Aaron: Let’s switch to the Raising the Stakes Podcast. Why launch a podcast now, and what conversations do you want to have there that you weren’t able to have anywhere else? Terry: The name Raising the Stakes obviously connects to Stakes Manufacturing, but I’m guessing it has another meaning. What do you want to “raise the stakes” on? Aaron: If somebody listens to this conversation, reads INKclusivity, and then starts listening to Raising the Stakes, what do you hope they ultimately do differently in their own business? Terry: Okay, Jed, let’s say I own a 10-person screen printing shop. What do I do Monday morning? Terry: OK, Jed, where can people find the book, find the podcast, and find you? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/tgo5y5GkHOA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  6. Sep 11

    Would You Fire This Customer? Challenging Customer Reset

    We all have customers who make us stop and wonder, “Is this order really worth it?” This week, Terry and Aaron are loading the Wheel of Names with some of the most frustrating, awkward, and all-too-real customer situations print shops deal with. The customer who always claims the counts are wrong. The one who haggles over every price. The customer who signs the art approval and then says they never really looked at it. The late-night caller. The chronic order changer. The customer who is rude to your staff. And yes, the one who needs everything tomorrow, then waits a week to pick it up. Wherever the wheel lands, we’ll talk through the situation and ask the bigger question: Do you fix the process, reset expectations, charge more, set a boundary, or fire the customer? Terry will bring the production perspective, Aaron will look at the business and customer-fit side, and the Regulators joining us live get to weigh in too. Because not every difficult customer needs to be fired, but not every dollar is good revenue either. This episode is about knowing the difference. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/qwCEiRiGrGk Dad Joke Terry: Scientists are trying to cross crabs with cheetahs This could go sideways… really fast Challenging Customer Reset But Online It’s Cheaper Full situation: Customer constantly tells you that another shop, website, or online seller can do it cheaper. Why are they still talking to you if price is the only factor? Are they comparing the exact same product and service? Local service, communication, artwork help, deadlines, and problem-solving all have value. Should you ever match an online price? Sometimes the correct response is to encourage them to take the cheaper option. The Fake Emergency Full situation: The customer absolutely has to have the order by a certain date, so the shop rushes it through. Then the customer waits a week to pick it up. Rush fees should be based on what the deadline does to your operation, not when they pick it up. Should rush orders require full payment upfront? How much disruption did the artificial emergency cause? Do repeat offenders lose access to rush service? Customers often value deadlines differently when there is no cost attached. Waiting on Sizes Full situation: “I’ll call you with sizes, but go ahead and get everything ready.” Then you chase them for days while the production deadline keeps getting closer. An incomplete order is not a production-ready order. When does the turnaround clock actually start? Could an order confirmation clearly state that deadlines begin after all information is received? Should inventory be reserved before sizes are finalized? Customers should understand how their delays affect their delivery date. Best Price Buyer Full situation: “I never pay full price. What’s the absolute best price you can do?” If your first price is not your real price, what message does that send? Some buyers negotiate because they have been trained that everyone has room. What happens when you simply say, “That is our best price”? Can you change the scope instead of changing the margin? Do they want a better price or a better deal? The Oddball Order Full situation: One or two customers constantly require a product or production method that does not fit your normal workflow, such as jackets when you otherwise never decorate jackets. How much disruption does this work create? Are you carrying supplies, equipment, or knowledge for one account? Does the margin compensate for the complexity? Could you outsource this work instead? Revenue from an unusual job can hide its real operational cost. The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/mT6HGFHgyI0 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  7. Sep 4

    The Print Shop BS Detector: Myths, Bad Advice & Industry “Truths”

    DTF costs pennies. Screen printing is dying. Customers only care about price. You need to be on every social platform. That machine will pay for itself. Sound familiar? This week, Terry and Aaron are firing up the Print Shop BS Detector and putting some of the decorated apparel industry’s most common claims to the test. We have loaded a prize wheel with myths, sales pitches, internet advice, old-school habits, and those things everyone seems to repeat because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Wherever the wheel lands, we are going to break it down. Some claims are complete BS. Some have a little truth hiding inside them. Others depend entirely on your shop, your customers, your numbers, and what you are trying to accomplish. Terry will bring the production reality, Aaron will challenge the business logic, and the Regulators joining us live get to weigh in along the way. No sacred cows. No sales spin. Just a fun conversation about what actually holds up when you put common print shop advice under a little pressure. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/6IzHJHZ9xuU Dad Joke Terry: I went to a magic show in Mexico over the weekend The magician counted uno, dos… and then disappeared without a tres Tres = Trace Myths, Bad Advice & Industry “Truths” This machine will pay for itself. The better question is, “What business problem does this machine solve?” Machines do not create sales by themselves. You need enough profitable volume to support the payment and operating costs. Production capacity without demand can turn into an expensive idle asset. In screen printing, you need to flash between every color. Flashing every color can slow production dramatically. Good ink, proper screens, print order, off-contact, and technique can reduce unnecessary flashes. Over-flashing can create adhesion or curing issues. This is a great example of outdated internet advice getting repeated as a rule. You should price your embroidery at $1 per 1000 stitches. Stitch count alone does not determine production cost. Setup, hooping, garment type, thread changes, machine time, trims, and complexity all matter. Two 10,000-stitch designs can have very different production times. Pricing should reflect your actual costs and value, not an industry shortcut. The customer is always right. Customers can be wrong about artwork, deadlines, garment suitability, and production methods. Good service does not mean blindly agreeing. Your job is often to guide the customer toward a better result. Sometimes protecting your team or your business means saying no. A 300 DPI file is automatically good artwork. DPI alone says nothing about whether the artwork is clean or usable. A tiny bad image can still be 300 DPI. Resolution does not fix poor edges, compression, transparency issues, or bad color. Decoration methods have different artwork requirements. The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/Kz-u9ywXqJw OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

  8. Aug 28

    What’s Really Happening in Promo? The 2026 State of the Industry

    Every year, ASI’s Counselor State of the Industry report gives us one of the clearest snapshots of what is really happening across the promotional products world. This week, we welcome back Theresa Hegel and C.J. Mittica from ASI to help us look beyond the headlines and break down what the 2026 numbers mean for the people actually doing the work. The industry grew in 2025, but beneath that growth are some important shifts. Aaron and Terry will dig into the findings with Theresa and C.J., including what surprised them, which trends deserve more attention, where the biggest opportunities may be hiding, and what distributors, suppliers and decorators can learn from the data. This isn’t just about where the industry has been. It’s about what the numbers can tell us about where we’re going next, and how you can use that information to make better decisions in your own business. Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you. The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on. Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/oDogBOhF9HU Dad Joke Terry: I tried to organize a hide-n-seek tournament, but it was a total disaster Yeah, good hide-n-seek players are hard to find Promo State of the Industry Aaron: Welcome to you both. Theresa, you’ve been on with us dozens of times, but CJ, it’s been a while. Could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey in the industry? Terry: Theresa, can you give us some history and background on the Counselor State of the Industry Report? Aaron: For people who haven’t dug into the SOI yet, what’s the main takeaway for promo right now?  CJ, let’s go to you first. Anything to add, Theresa? Terry: Theresa, what surprised you most when you started looking through this year’s data? Anything else CJ? Aaron: Teresa, can you talk about some of the most popular products and biggest markets in promo?  CJ, how have these categories changed over the years? Terry: Can you talk a little about industry health? Distributor profit margins declined for the first time since 2020. CJ, what do you attribute that to? Theresa, how are distributors handling the decline? Aaron: Theresa, how are trends like AI and print-on-demand affecting the industry? CJ, anything to add? Terry: CJ, can you talk a little about product sourcing and how geopolitical uncertainty and tariffs have affected it? Theresa, how are suppliers and distributors responding to these headwinds? Aaron: Theresa, what’s one finding in the report that you think promo companies should be paying more attention to? How about you, CJ? Terry: Theresa, where can our listeners find you, ASI and beyond? And CJ, how can our listeners find you? The Secret Sauce We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/Jfr4qzD2QYA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, March 21-22, 2026 The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

See All (50)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

2 Regular Guys... talking decorations, personalization and customization every Friday.

Information

You Might Also Like