2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization 2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

In the second part of our series on starting a decoration business in 2024, hosts Terry and Aaron dive into the crucial topic of equipment selection. Drawing from their extensive experience in the industry, they offer valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in the right tools for success. From screen printing and embroidery to DTG/DTF and sublimation, they explore the latest advancements and considerations in each decoration method. Join us as we discuss key factors to consider when choosing equipment, including budget, scalability, and technological advancements. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to upgrade your existing setup, this episode provides essential guidance for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of decoration business equipment.







Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Attend FUNdamentals Live on June 7th and 8th in O'Fallon, MO.















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/UjwyWdp12IM











Dad Joke







Terry: The doctor said, do you want to hear the good news or the bad news?







Aaron: "Good news please."







"We're naming a disease after you."









Essential Tools - Analog







Aaron: Erich’s from last week: Make use of the many services that offer decoration options that let you ‘ease in’ to other decoration methods - for embroiderers, that might mean digging into and making client inroads for printing through transfer houses before bringing print in-house.







Screen Printing - Terry









* I have a recommended list of things to buy at TerryCombs.com







* I bought a 4 color press, and today would be a 6 color 







* I would have purchased 4-5 different screen mesh counts, rather than trust the equipment sales rep with “All you need are 110 mesh screens.”







* I would have bought a tension meter sooner







* Today, I would buy a dryer built to grow with… ideally with more potential throughput than I need







* I would have a short-run option. Probably a DTG printer since I can do both DTG and DTF and not have to run it daily (depending on the machine I select)

















Embroidery - Erich

Join us for a reflective discussion as we delve into the intricacies of launching a garment or product decorating business in 2024. In this episode, hosts Terry and Aaron candidly share their insights and experiences, reflecting on what they wish they had known when they first embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. From challenging misconceptions about expertise to exploring the evolving landscape of the industry, they highlight key lessons learned and adaptations for aspiring business owners. Tune in as they discuss the importance of adequate funding, diversified decoration options, and leveraging modern resources for informed decision-making. This episode marks the beginning of a two-part series, with next week's episode focusing on equipment selection for startups in today's dynamic market.







Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Attend FUNdamentals Live on June 7th and 8th in O'Fallon, MO.















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/lOeVtGoyqHo











Dad Joke







Terry: Did I tell you that last week I went to a wedding that was held at the base of a cell tower?







The ceremony wasn’t that great, but the reception was incredible.









Lessons Learned







Aaron: Let’s start talking about any garment or product decorating business. And let’s go with, If I knew then, what I know now.









* The belief that everyone already in the business knew more about the process, the business, and everything else.







* The belief that everyone who started a business worked hard to be an expert at the craft







* Questioning the value of the end product based on a lack of experience and technique









(Ideas from Erich - Could be for either of you)









* I would start looking for my cooperative ‘dream team’ of other decorators and service providers sooner and not think that I need to do everything under the sun.







* I would act on ideas faster and with less perfectionism. Quality is important, but someone else is watching and thinking as you do, and the first one to market often gets to set the scene about a product, style, or market. More output and less attachment to individual outcomes.







* I would court the ‘best-fit’ customers that suited my strengths rather than ‘shotgun’ my message and hope for the best. Less desperation in taking every client on - unprofitable relati...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jenna Warriner, Marketing Coach, and Social Media Management agency owner, as she shares valuable insights on leveraging Instagram to grow your business. Jenna simplifies Instagram marketing through her program, Magic Marketing Machine, helping small business owners and freelancers create a sustainable online presence and turn followers into clients. Tune in to discover practical tips, strategies, and the power of social media in starting, sustaining, and growing your business on Instagram.









Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business?







Attend FUNdamentals Live















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/qMFiGme5on4











Dad Joke







Terry: Did you know Sylvester Stallone is on his third marriage?







I guess the first one was rocky, and the second one was rocky, too.









Instagram Mastery







Aaron: Jenna, welcome in! We always start by getting to know our guests. Learning who you are from you is way better than some overly curated Bio. Give us your history and what led you to become a Marketing Coach and Owner of Parkdale Republic.







Terry: Start us off by helping us understand why Instagram. What makes that platform appealing?







Aaron: What advice do you have for businesses looking to integrate Instagram marketing into their overall marketing strategy?







Terry: Do you have some tips for us and the #Regulators (our regular listeners) for what posts to make on Instagram to grow our followers?







Aaron: What are the key elements of a successful Instagram profile?















Terry: Can you share some tips for creating engaging and visually appealing content on Instagram?







Aaron: How can businesses effectively define their target audience on Instagram?







Terry: How can businesses use Instagram Live to connect with their audience?







Aaron: What are some common mistakes you see businesses making on Instagram?







Terry: How can people learn more about you and Parkdale Republic? Also what programs do you offer that will help people simplify Instagram?









https://www.youtube.com/embed/L87JDXMRAoc?si=iRNOEQisQdVXQ0wj









The Secret Sauce

Join hosts Aaron and Terry as they reveal simple strategies to increase sales to your existing customers. In this episode, they'll share practical tips to make your customers feel special, offer additional services, and gather feedback to improve your business. Whether you're new to business or a pro, this episode will help you make more sales and grow your profits. Tune in and discover how to maximize your revenue from your current customer base!









Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Attend FUNdamentals Live















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/-tnd1rRmkso











Dad Joke







Aaron: I was going to give archery a shot.







But there were too many drawbacks.









10 Ways to Increase Sales







1 Aaron: The easiest customer to sell to is the customer you already have…









* As businesses, we spend so much time trying to win new business.







* The most profitable way to grow is through your existing customers.







* Already ‘trained’, already on the same page with expectations, and already in your system.







* 80/20 Rule - 80% of your income 20% of your customers







* Tip #1 - Make the most important customers (Top 20%) your Priority









2 Terry: Do good work. Deliver on time. “Don’t tell me it’s the economy.”







3 Aaron: Bundles or package deals.









* Help them understand what they might not know they need







* Doesn’t have to include discounting









4 Terry: Sample other products when a customer orders from you. Do you do hats? What’s a product you have available that would be a natural for this end customer? Put one in the box.







5 Aaron: Persistence, Reach out often









* Find the balance. Don’t want to overwhelm them with pitches, but want to stay top of mind.







* Requires research, personalization, and a CRM







* Leave every interaction with an excuse for the next one.

















6 Terry: Sample other decoration techniques when a customer orders.







7 Aaron: Gather Feedback OFTEN









* Your customer's needs and preferences will change,

Join in on this sit down with Ian Hinkley, of DGI Apparel, for an insightful discussion on innovation in apparel sourcing. From Ian's journey from high school printer to MIT graduate to entrepreneur, discover the driving forces behind the creation of DGI Apparel and the challenges it seeks to address in the apparel decoration industry. Explore topics ranging from supply chain optimization and technology integration to the future landscape of apparel sourcing. Tune in for a conversation meant to inform apparel decorators looking to stay ahead in a competitive market.









Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Attend FUNdamentals Live















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/6DhlJNb_QE0











Dad Joke







Terry: I can't take my dog to the park anymore. The pigeons keep biting him.







I should have known this would happen. He's purebred.









Apparel Sourcing







Aaron: We don’t read bios anymore, so Ian tell us a little about yourself and from what we heard, you were a printer in high school.







*where Ian worked in high school: (https://www.adsnartscreenprinting.com) 







Terry: Let’s head to MIT. Talk to us about that experience and what brought you to this industry.







* Ian MIT basketball info: https://mitathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/ian-hinkley/9707







Aaron: As someone who has experienced the challenges of ordering blanks firsthand, what were some of the key problems you encountered, and how did you address them through DGI Apparel?*Our story: https://www.dgiapparel.com/our-story







Terry: Beyond using DGI Apparel, what advice would you offer to apparel decorators who are facing sourcing challenges or looking to optimize their supply chain management processes?















Terry: What we understand is DGI Apparel is free to use. Could you share why you made this decision and how it benefits your users?







Aaron: With your background at MIT, how has your education and expertise influenced the development of DGI ...

Drawing from recent industry developments and conversations hosts Terry Combs and Aaron Montgomery unpack the contrast between growth and scarcity mindsets, shedding light on the importance of finding balance amidst evolving market dynamics. From the implications of industry giants shuttering their doors to the competitive landscape reshaping pricing strategies, Terry and Aaron navigate through real-world examples to highlight the essence of fostering a growth mindset. Terry and Aaron will unpack practical insights and discuss with the Regulators how they navigate challenges and seize opportunities with resilience and optimism.









Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!







Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Attend FUNdamentals Live















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/m_mJyg72cdk











Dad Joke







Aaron: I invented an air freshener that’s controlled by your mind.







It makes scents when you think about it.









Growth Mindset







Understanding Growth Mindset vs. Scarcity Mindset: Define what constitutes a growth mindset and contrast it with a scarcity mindset. Discuss how each mindset influences attitudes and behaviors in the business world.







Industry Developments and Conversations: Explore recent developments and conversations within the garment decorating industry. Highlight significant events or trends that reflect shifts in the market landscape.















Implications of Industry Giants Closing: Delve into the implications of established industry giants closing their doors. Discuss the impact on market dynamics, competition, and the broader industry ecosystem.







After the break - Talk about DTF Power Hazards v Cassie Sustainability







Reshaping Pricing Strategies: Analyze how competitive pressures are reshaping pricing strategies, particularly in the context of DTF (Direct to Film) transfers. Discuss recent pricing adjustments by major players and their implications for the market.









https://www.youtube.com/embed/rLmkM52M4Ks?si=Eqr5dvHANpPGh1xt









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.