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

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.

Join us for a deep dive into practical sustainability solutions for the apparel industry in this enlightening episode featuring Cassie Green from the Apparelist and special guest Gary Jones, VP of Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs at Printing United Alliance. Cassie shares invaluable insights and research-backed strategies for reducing environmental impact in apparel decoration businesses. From small yet impactful changes to comprehensive approaches, Cassie and Gary provide actionable steps to help decorators navigate the path to sustainability with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover valuable resources and take your business towards a greener future.









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/F4YLij45dkk











Dad Joke







Aaron: I can cut a piece of wood in half just by looking at it.







You might not believe me, but I saw it with my own eyes.









Sustainable Solutions







Aaron: Welcome in. As you might know, we gave up reading bios a while ago because we would rather learn about you from you. Can you both briefly share a little about yourselves and how you came to the industry?







Terry: For Cassie: Can you provide an overview of the current state of sustainability in the apparel industry?







o   According to the EPA, the main source of textiles in municipal solid waste (MSW) is discarded clothing, although other smaller sources include furniture, carpets, tires, footwear, and other nondurable goods such as sheets and towels.







o   92 million tons of textiles waste is produced every year. Earth.org shares that in America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis.







O The good: We’re starting to see so many companies make progress: Marine Layer, Everywhere Apparel, Living Ink (making ink out of algae), Allmade, S&S’s Giveback Box program, etc.







Aaron: For Gary: From your perspective, what are some common environmental challenges faced by apparel decorators?









* There are three areas of concern for decorators:



* The manufacturing process and this includes requirements such as air permits, wastewater discharges, hazardous waste management and OSHA compliance. 







* The input materials being used and this includes ensuring that cu...

Join us on the next episode as Terry and Aaron debate new people coming into the market. With the rise of accessible technology and DIY solutions, the landscape of the crafting and decoration industry is rapidly evolving.  The line becomes more gray and there are concerns from established professionals. Are those concerns justified, or should we embrace the influx of new talent and innovation? From Epson's entry into the DTG market to the impact of "Cricut Moms" on traditional decorators, we'll explore the dynamics of competition, adaptation, and the evolving definition of professionalism in the industry. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging market trends.









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/ugt7_ZqpXFI











Dad Joke







Terry: I’ve opened a gym where the instructors go door to door to tell people about the benefits of joining.







I call it Jehovah’s Fitness









Embracing Innovation or Protecting Tradition?







Is there a difference between a crafter and a maker?









* One source said, “There’s more glue involved in crafting.”









Are there distinct categories?









* Crafter







* Maker







* Side gig, part-time business







* Starting small or part-time with the intention of future full-time business









Why do some “professional” decorators fear the “Cricut Mom”? (Let’s not forget the Cricut Warrior)









* Fear of more competition



* Your issue isn’t the competition if that’s the case











* Fear of bottom-feeder pricing from these competitors







* Muddying the water with sub-par decorating souring the buyers

















From the vendor perspective - equipment, garments, supplies - what are the drawbacks and benefits? Why the sudden interest from that sector?









* A whole new group of potential buyers







* From the vendor side, becoming aware of an untapped market







* The potential for more hand-holding than with the current customer base

Join us for an engaging three-way conversation led by our esteemed producer, Erich Campbell. We try to answer the question “What is the impact of creative execution in decoration businesses?” Innovative decoration techniques, artistic flair, and practical strategies for leveraging creativity to drive business growth. Through thought-provoking questions and Erich's expert insights, we uncover the intrinsic value of standing out in the competitive market of decorated garments. From identifying untapped creative opportunities to understanding why creativity matters to the bottom line, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration for those looking to elevate their brands. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and discover how to harness the power of creative execution.









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? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg















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/1WkeRgEmXMg











Dad Joke







Aaron: The world’s worst limbo player walks into a bar







No, that's the joke...









Creative Execution









* Erich: Intro to topic - Technique education, ‘art projects’, and value







* Q1: When you think about creativity in your corner of decoration, what do you think of?







* Q2: How much of the value of a decorated garment is there in ‘standing out’ or ‘standing apart’?







* Q3: With the rise of digital decoration, the overall lowering of the bar to entry into all decoration methods, how do you see the role of creativity in building a business?



















* Q4: In your part of the decoration market, what are the creative opportunities or techniques that you think people are missing?







* Q5: What parts of running a business aside from art creation and decoration techniques do you see creativity as an asset? Where should people be looking to add some flair?







* Q6: When you get creatively stuck, where do you go to get inspired?







* Q7: Why does creativity matter to the bottom line?











https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQCaG4szbUA?si=1hHCDDh5XBJkuRKt









The Secret Sauce







We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business.

Join hosts Aaron and Terry as they explore the ins and outs of optimizing production efficiency in your apparel decoration business. Efficiency is about the importance of meeting customer needs, increasing profitability, and maximizing resources. From identifying stumbling blocks and choke points to tracking downtime and implementing changes to streamline processes. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips to help enhance your operational efficiency regardless of the size of your business. Discover the steps to drive productivity and success in your apparel decoration business. Unlock the full potential of your production workflow.









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? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg















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/dcgi6_7Lt8U











Dad Joke







Terry: Is it OK that I start drinking as soon as the kids get to school?







Or maybe I’m just a bad teacher









Production Efficiency







Aaron: I’m excited about this week as we get to talk about a passion area for you, and something I understand is crucial for businesses. Working with small businesses, they don’t think they need to worry about efficiency because they don’t have enough work yet. My reply is you don’t have enough work yet because you are not efficient enough to be able to take it on. We will fill the space we have. Anyway, you are a master of this and have changed many printing shops with your ideas around maximizing efficiency. So this is going to be part of me “interviewing” you and part discussion. Sound good?







Let’s talk about the why of production efficiency









* Getting products out the door to meet our customers’ needs. To keep our promises.







* Most shops don’t schedule production, they juggle production







* Make more money with the same equipment and staff









Where do we start?









* Look for stumbling blocks or choke points







* Track downtime







* What one thing could we change to make your job more efficient, easier?

















Explaining “why” to your staff









* “Because I said so,” is not a motivator







* If your employees know why their part of the process is important,