Success Stories with Marshall Atkinson

If there's one true thing in life and business is that nothing ever stays the same; companies and businesses are always evolving. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk with Cole Lundstrom about the evolution of a career and business. He's the only guest on this podcast I've invited back for a second interview, and the reason is simple, the lessons he most recently learned with his former company, Shirt Agency, has pushed him into a new direction with a new idea called merch troop. This episode is critical to hear, because I think it's okay to stop doing one thing and start doing another. Cole will share his thoughts, and we'll get into some ideas about the industry's future that you probably need to hear.

If you were in the deco network ecosphere, you're probably well aware of Zach Dewhurst; he's everywhere with that software. But did you know that he also runs his own decorated apparel company and has roots that go back years?In this episode of Success Stories, we'll focus on that. We'll explore his background as a decorator and entrepreneur and chat about how he sees things as his presence is global. So get ready!

On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with several Draw the Line Tees members. This nNew Jersey-based company is a Christian faith, biblically based company that is creating something unique and original with its approach to business.Owner Tracy Smith and her team Jahfar Gaines, Teona Pagan, and Zabaidah Gaines will share how they use live activations, fashion shows, and other ideas to celebrate their faith and build a business.

In today's success stories podcast, we're going to explore the concept of wanting to do more to be better and not to be satisfied with the status quo. Who better to discuss this topic than Atlanta-based McKenzie Brackett. He's been in the decorated apparel game since 2015 and has always strived to get better and do more. He runs his shop The Shirt Company of America that way, but has recently entered the shop software game with DecoGro. On today's show, we'll peel back the layers and find out what drives McKenzie to constantly want to improve, and where the inspiration comes from to get into the software game. This is an episode you won't want to miss!

On today's Success Stories podcast, you are in for a fantastic treat. Nicole Pape with Embellishr is going to join the show. Ang guess what -- she's the real deal folks!With a background in operations and running a shop, she knows what works and what doesn't. That led to an opportunity in equipment sales with ROQ US which also led to her branching off into her own company.If you haven't met Nicole yet, get ready to have your doors blown off. If you've known Nicole, you already know what I'm talking about!

If there's one person who is quietly churning out amazing entrepreneurial ideas to help people in the decorate apparel and promotional marketing spaces, it is our guest today, Tony Wavering. Tony is fantastic at gathering information, analyzing the situation, and then building something that capitalizes on an opportunity to help and serve others to make their work smoother. He is absolutely not afraid to put in the work and get the best people to help him along the way. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak to Tony regarding what he's built, what he's building, and probably something about the future. You aren't going to want to miss this episode.

Do you need more sales? Is your marketing not up to stuff to generate interest in leads? If that sounds familiar, then today's Success Stories guest Bill Petrie with Brandivate will be just the ticket. For years, Bill has been actively helping companies succeed in educating the promotional products industry with his blend of humor, unique perspective and clarity of thought. He is one of the industry's leading sales thought leaders. This episode is one you're going to recommend to your staff and probably listen to more than once. So get your pin ready!

Many people talk about growing their business into success, but on today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk to a young entrepreneur who is doing that literally. Zeke Chapman owns Magnolia Loom, a completely vertical operated apparel business in Georgia. This company is unlike any other you may have heard of. It sources the cotton from local farmers, mills the fibers, spins it into yarn, creates the shirts, dyes the garments, and then ultimately prints the shirts. How does that happen? We'll learn about that and more on today's show. So grab a cup of coffee and a pen and get ready to take some serious notes.

100 episodes, we've hit our bingo card milestone! And with this episode, you are in for a real treat. So Jason Peters, with S&S Activewear, is on the show today to chat about his career and also thoughts regarding the industry. Jason's been around the block, and he's been in the industry for over 25 years, holding various production leadership and consulting roles. Currently, he's the manager of the Embellishment Solutions team at S&S. So what does that mean? What does he think about the industry? How can he help your shop? We'll explore all of that on this episode of success stories.

It's time for another episode of success stories today. We're thrilled to have Charlie and Nathan Belz with us, and they're not just any couple, they're the dynamic duo behind Impress Designs in Carrollton, Texas, with a sprawling, 90,000 square foot facility, they've taken the decorated apparel world by storm!Join us today as we dive into their story from the family legacy to the innovative spirit that drives their business, you're not going to want to miss this one. 

On today success stories podcast, we'll discuss the world of headwear with Ty Kain of Crafted MFG in Denver. Ty is an expert on headwear trends and decoration styles. So if this is your jam, you're going to want to perk up and tune in embroidery, PVC patches, DTF -- he's done it all since 2016 and we're going to talk sales, decoration techniques, and, of course, tons of other stuff.

How is your sustainability program? Well, we all talk about the three R's: reduce, reuse and recycle. One apparel decorator has expanded that mantra to new heights. I'm talking about Alex Eaves with Stay Vocal. His company is a Green America certified reuse apparel brand.Stay vocal uses apparel, and creates new products for its apparel line. And we'll learn more about what Alex is doing with his company, and how you can maybe rethink ways you can incorporate new sustainable ideas into your business on this episode of Success Stories!

Many people in this industry dream of building something special. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with James Bowens with Print Villains in Booneville, Mississippi about just that. James has been in the industry for a bit and has started sold and started over with a few businesses. And today we're gonna chat about inspiration sales, the importance of getting great employees, and much more. So if you're building something along those same lines, this is one episode that you don't want to miss.

They say it takes one to know one. Well, we'll prove that theory today as JJ McCampbell is our guest on the Success Stories podcast! JJ has been helping shops with their artwork, separations and screen printing for decades, and has quite a number of shops go to person for any type of separation. On today's show, we'll chat about art, dialing in processes, and maybe even some future stuff, too. So stay tuned for a great show that you don't want to miss!

Sometimes you bump into people on the same wavelength as you. Today on the Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Christie Shellenberger and Jeremy Ray, with Rock Hill Screenprinting in Rock Hill, South Carolina.Rock Hill Screenprinting is the sustainability minded shop, and Christie and Jeremy have a great industry podcast called Last Call for Plastisol. We'll get into both of those topics and more on this episode. So get ready to have fun discussing exciting things with these two dynamos!

It's easy to say that sales are the lifeblood of any company. Without a steady stream of sales and new customers, most businesses will wither and die. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll head deep into the often turbulent sales waters with one of the best - John Morris, Vice President of Branded Demand Marketing for Total Technology Solutions Group.John has staked an industry reputation that's hard to beat, and has over 25 years of leading and winning in the sales game. So buckle up for a great show that's going to leave you inspired, hungry, and packed with sales knowledge you didn't have a few minutes ago.

There could be a few twists and turns on the road success. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Jeremy Parker with Swag Space, who has dreamed up develop sold and started over a few times with his businesses?How do you launch a company, good sales, hire the best people learn from your mistakes. Jeremy will guide us through those questions and more based on his career on this episode of Success Stories. This is one you're gonna want to listen to probably a second time. So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to take some killer notes because Jeremy is gonna tell on this edition of the show.

Are you ready to get down and dirty and dig into the real things that you need to be thinking about when it comes to marketing your business? If that's true, then today is your lucky day as we have none other than Jay Busselle the self proclaimed "Taco King" and marketing champion for the industry. As the Marketing Director for Equipment Zone, he is a treasure trove of great ideas, and excitement in ways to get your brand to resonate with your ideal customers. So buckle up buttercup, as we land our marketing brain on the "Island of Misfit Toys," as Jay calls it, and we'll tell marketing stories around this great digital campfire.

One of the things that I've always enjoyed is talking about art with our other artists.  On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll wade forehead deep into some tasty art ways with my friend Jon Anderson with XLNT 3D Art. Jon has been designing amazing t-shirts for years and now, he applies his craft to something completely different: courtroom graphics for trials. So, t-shirts, courtroom exhibits, it's all a design project for Jon!It's gonna be a great show as we'll discuss design, inspiration, and more than likely some artificial intelligence stuff too!

It's rock star day at the Success Stories Podcast!Today, you will be lucky enough to hear all about Johanna Gottlieb, the powerhouse sales force, who lives in the windy city of Chicago. She has been a staple in the promotional products industry for a long time, and is a force multiplier for any organization she touches. On today's show, we'll learn about Joe's journey, her thoughts on education, selling and maybe even how to do things differently to stand out. So buckle up buttercup, it's time to learn how a sales legend thinks about sales!

If you've read any business books in the past few years, you'll know that a lot of them advise you to do things differently. Well, our guest today on the Success Stories podcast not only does things his own way, he authored a book to outline what he believes in, and why it should resonate with you, too. Of course, I'm talking about Ryan Schraffenberger with Promotions Guy! On today's show, we'll find out what it's like to be in a sales nomad. Focus on sustainability first, and take a Jerry Maguire moment and write a book called Retail Responsibly. If you need more sales, then this is the episode you should be paying attention to right now!

On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with Joe Ortinau now with Ortinau Art in Pemberville, Ohio. Joe has a unique spin on running a t-shirt shop. From wearing flip-flops daily to his viewpoint on creativity. He has built a great business in his corner of Ohio. So how does he think about creating someone's new favorite shirt? You'll learn about that and more on today's show. So grab some coffee, get a pen and some paper and kick back as we dig into what makes Joe's shop a success.

On today's Success Stories podcast, the guest is none other than Nashville's own Adam Tanaka. Adam is a thought leader, consultant, and merch specialist and he's also an entrepreneur with several businesses to his name. On today's show, we'll chat with Adam about his origins, building companies, and you're gonna want to know this to future of merch. This is one you don't want to miss!

You're in for a real treat on today's Success Stories podcast! Cole Lundstrom with LA-based ShirtAgency -- is on the show! Cole has been the driving force behind the success of this business since its inception in 2012. Want to know how great a shop Cole has? Well, brands like Bella + Canvas and NextLevel film their marketing videos in his shop;  so you could say the team at ShirtAgency does things the right way and you'd be correct. This episode will talk to Cole about his origins, evolving his sales efforts, podcasting, and how he is looking to make a better future by upselling. So grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and get ready to take some furious notes!

Let's talk sales. And if you want to truly talk sales, let's chat with one of the best in the industry, Tim Gibson, Tim has held major sales roles and some of the top apparel companies in the industry. So what makes a great salesperson? Where do leads come from? How do you keep customers coming back for more? We'll get into all that and more with Tim's unique journey through the industry on today's podcast. So get ready to take some killer notes!

What is it like to design and print for the big boys? On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Kim Cartano, who has worked with Team Edition apparel, also known as Footlocker for over two decades. Kim will share her story, some process ideas, and what she's excited about in the future of apparel decorating. This is going to be a good one so get ready!

One art term used for decades in the decorated apparel industry is simulated process. This technique separates an image into spot colors to build the correct colors and simulate the usual four-color separation process. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Dave Gardner, who invented and perfected that technique. We'll go to art school today and chat about other ideas too!

On today's Success Stories podcast, I'm delighted to have the one and only Scott Fresener on the show!Scott was instrumental in bringing DTG technology to the industry. He wrote the book "How to Print T-shirts for Fun and Profit!" And is an expert in separating art for printing. So buckle up campers, we'll have a fun episode today!

On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk to Matt Reese with  Blk Ankr Originals about his career in Maryland: the self-proclaimed sailing capital of the world, and now he has established a foothold in the Annapolis area. Matt does things his way and has a unique spin on keeping local businesses loyal to him. And we're going to learn all about that and more. So stay tuned!

Are you a fan of sports apparel? Want to know the secrets behind building something for a brand? Well, you are in luck!As today on the Success Stories podcast, we'll be speaking to Mariellen Auer with Custom Apparel Stores about just that. Whether you're starting a brand growing a brand or working with sublimated apparel, Mariellen can help you. Let's find out how she got started her philosophy of working and more on this episode. So let's get ready to have fun, kick back and hear how this expert rocks the industry for her clients daily.

If you are in the print-on-demand game, today's guest will be someone you need to hear. Jed Siefert with stakes manufacturing in Eastlake, Ohio, joins us today to chat all about high-volume digital print-on-demand services. They have one of the largest print-on-demand shops in the United States so you are in for a real treat. But that's not all! They also are quite proud of their diversity and inclusion program with a large number of their employees having intellectual or developmental disabilities, including some of their top performers. We'll learn about those points and more on today's show. So buckle up and get ready for an amazing episode.

If you are a fan of great-looking t-shirts, especially those with a race car, then today's episode of Success Stories will be built just for you.  Today on the show, we welcome Bruce Kittle, an industry vet since 1983.  He's been designing for national sports teams, the music industry, labor unions, national parks, and the auto racing industry.Bruce is currently the owner and director of ScreenArt Studios, a graphic design studio that caters to the screen print and apparel industry by providing design, remote art department options, and remote production consulting.So, get out your sketchpad and get ready to take some notes, or maybe a doodle or two as we welcome Bruce Kittle to the Success Stories podcast.

We have a real treat for you on today's Success Stories podcast.  How do you go from working as a new hire in the screen room to working all the way up to running a massive production facility printing millions of shirts…to starting your own small print shop and beginning your own entrepreneurial journey?Today we're talking with Nate Leber with Leber Design and Print about that subject, as he's the one that did that.  Nate took a career's worth of skill and understanding to build his own boutique shop in Grove City, Ohio. We'll chat with Nate about the lessons he's learned along the way and where he's going now.  So get ready for an incredible discussion.

On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll talk to Ben Spurlock with SE Impressions in Lebanon, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. He's a second-generation t-shirt printer and has taken over the business from his parents. How has he taken his business to another level with increased sales, new processes, standards, and organization? We'll learn all about that and more. So buckle up and get ready for a fantastic episode.

Today's guest on the Success Stories podcast is Erich Campbell, and we'll focus on all things embroidery.  Erich is a prolific writer, content creator, and a fantastic teacher.You may have seen him at a trade show, on the 2 Regular Guys podcast, or on his own podcast, The Takeup.  But what do you actually know about Erich?  How did he get into this business?  What is he interested in?  We'll dig into all that and more in this edition of the Success Stories podcast.  So buckle up and get ready for an amazing episode!

Since 2009, Corvallis Custom has been a mainstay in the Oregon region for custom-printed apparel, promotional items, and large-format print production. They have served in the collegiate market since day one, with a recent name, image likeness, or ni l movement they have been helping athletes was customized merchandise that reflects their unique personalities and viewpoints. Today we'll dig into how Corvallis custom has grown over the years and moved into the NFL market in a major way on this episode of Success Stories, get ready to have some fun.

If one person in the decorated apparel industry has been leading the charge on innovation, it is Michelle Moxley Hruby.  She always seems to be at the forefront of the next big thing.But where did all of that start?  On this episode of Success Stories, we'll chat with Michelle about her roots and career journey and what she is excited about now.So, go grab a fresh cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy the show!

How do you grow from a germ of an idea into a partnership and a flourishing business? That's the subject of today's podcast with guest Marckendy Jean and Jabir Ducasse with Somerville Printing by Villeside Customs. They partnered up in 2018 and have been a leading apparel decoration shop in the Somerville, Massachusetts, area since. We'll learn what it takes go get momentum and some partnership tips from two guys who have figured it out. Get a cup of coffee and be ready for a fun show! 

Behind the oil industry, fashion is the second leading global polluter.  As part of the decorated apparel industry, this is something that we should be concerned about.One person who cares is our guest today on the Success Stories podcast.  His name is Ben Grossman, and he's leading the charge at SwagCycle.  Their mission is to help companies repurpose, recycle, and donate their obsolete branded apparel merchandise in a sustainable way.  They do this with a network of charitable and recycling partners.We'll learn all about that and more on today's show, so get ready to get a hand cramp taking some notes on how you can get involved and thinking about how to make a sustainable difference.

Starting out in his parent's garage, Jeff Meilander has built a thriving contract apparel decoration business in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.  They serve a variety of businesses and decoration types, where literally no job is too big or too small.We'll dig into all of that with Jeff and learn how he has built his company from the ground up into a major player in the industry with over 100,000 square feet of combined production and on-demand facilities.

You're in for a real treat on today's Success Stories podcast. In 1978, Greg Muzzillo began to start in the industry by starting his own company perform up with a $200 investment and an answering machine and some business cards. He started franchising, his distributorship model in 1986. And fast forward today, the company has over 650 offices with over $650 million in annual sales. We'll talk to Greg about all that and more. So buckle up and get ready to hear some great stories on tips on success. 

One of the leading process-driven shops in the industry is Tiny Fish Printing in Rochester, NY.  Tony Esteves has worked diligently to create a fantastic shop, and on today's Success Stories podcast, he'll share his journey and what makes his shop tick.So, if you are interested in learning more about how to build a process-driven shop that uses SOPs, training, and a fanatical dedication to positive outcomes…this is the episode for you.

When do you decide to start your own shop?  That's the subject of today's Success Stories podcast with guest Ray Markey with Evrik Imprints in Flint Township, Michigan.Ray has always believed in himself and what he brings to the table.  Gathering resources and pushing out to begin his entrepreneurial journey was the next evolutionary step for him.  We'll discuss that and more on this episode, so stay tuned!

On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll take a hard look at retail merchandising with industry veteran Seth Anderson with Westside Merchandising.  You might not know their name, but you've seen their work in virtually every mall or concert venue in the United States.With over 160,000 square feet of combined production space in Mexico and the US, Westside cranks out over one million monthly shirts for their clients.  Seth will share his journey into the business of licensed products.  Buckle up; it's going to be a great episode today!

What happens when a few college buddies get together and start hosting local events?  Sooner or later, they will need t-shirts.  That's what happened back in 1984 when Steve Taylor with Native Sons Apparel Printing begin printing and selling their own merch.A lot has evolved for Native Sons since then, and we'll get into that and more on this next episode of the Success Stories podcast.  So, grab some coffee and sit back and hear how Steve has worked to evolve his company into a South Carolina staple.

We all talk about alignment with our customers.  One shop, in particular, has taken that to another level with its focus on sustainability, company culture, and branding, and that is Dom Rosacci's shop Superior Ink in Denver, Colorado.On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll speak with Dom and learn about his shop and its focus on doing things correctly for the outdoor brands and customers they serve.  You don't want to miss this one!

One mark of success is how you inspire or help other people on this planet. On today's Success Stories podcast, we'll chat with King Tilley about his life's journey has helped him focus on giving back to the world. Buckle up and get ready for a moving and inspirational journey that also has a business edge to it too

One of the true treasures in this industry has to be Richard Greaves. He started in this industry in 1979, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has held many roles and shops and companies in the supply chain.During his career, Richard has traveled the world, assisting shops with improvement and changes, and as always open to assisting someone new to resolve their problems.So get ready to get a hand cramp from the knowledge bombs that he's gonna be dropping today on this episode of Success Stories, and don't say that I didn't warn you.

What if you built your business on some core positive attributes like Love and Sustainability?  That's what Citrus Heights, California shop owner Jessica Tillery has done with her business, All Quality Graphics.She turned her background in corporate wellness into a business that is all about giving back and enriching others.  On today's Success Stories podcast, get ready to feel good and learn more about how Jessica and her team are transcending the simple t-shirt into something more.

Occasionally in business, we have to take a “Leap of Faith” and trust that things will succeed.  That's the background story with today's Success Stories podcast guest, Josh Wylie, with IGG Screen Printing and Graphics in El Reno, Oklahoma.  It is a family business, and you'll learn all about how their dedication to doing things the right way has proved to be the winning ticket.So buckle up, sports fans; this one will be a lot of fun!

How do you know when it is right to shift your business from one strategy to another completely?  That's the focus of today's Success Stories podcast, as we'll talk to Josiah Blackmore with Red Threads in Midland, Michigan.Red Threads went from a retail focus and in-house production company to one that outsources the work and has brought in a different strategy for B2B work.Josiah will share his thoughts and tips on why not being afraid to shift his business was the correct choice.  So get ready for a great show!