Building your T-Shirt Empire

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

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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.

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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 Apparel
01:43
Tariffs and Their Impact on the Apparel Industry
06:11
Supplier Strategies Amid Tariff Changes
11:11
Market Trends and Pricing Dynamics
17:20
Optimizing Pricing for Small Shops
22:15
Building a Comprehensive Apparel Marketplace
23:39
Optimizing the Purchasing Experience
25:48
From Software to Custom Apparel
29:57
Navigating Investment and Growth
34:27
Industry Dynamics and Supplier Relationships
37:29
Enhancing Supplier Integration
39:45
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

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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

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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

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.

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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

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

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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 Hiring
03:09
Determining the Right Time to Hire
05:49
Creating a Strong Company Culture
09:06
Tips for the Hiring Process
11:32
Interviewing and Onboarding
15:36
Specializing Roles and Firing Bad Fits
18:26
Building a Sustainable Team and Prioritizing Financial Stability
21:53
Conclusion and Free Hiring Checklist