The GRAPHICS PRO Files

Staying ahead of the game with data-driven pricing and process evaluation for a more efficient and profitable graphics business. The second part of our discussion with John Tarn, president of Xtreme Marketing, Pilot Mountain, North Carolina.

How to grow a full-service graphics business from the ground up with John Tarn, president of Xtreme Marketing, Pilot Mountain, North Carolina. Tarn provides advice on how to add products and services while maintaining a healthy profit margin to ensure both short- and long-term success.

Meet artist, experiential graphic designer, and children's book author Lauren Stern. Stern shares her journey from being downsized during the pandemic to opening her own successful studio almost two years ago. Find out how she overcame diversity, the keys to starting her studio, her approach to experiential graphic design, and more.

This episode is sponsored by Hix Corporation. Growing a business from scratch with a targeted niche, intelligent outsourcing, continuous quality improvement, tapping into a unique employee pool, social media interaction, and customer service with a personal touch with Christy Rossi, owner of Snatch & Run Screen Printing in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

This episode is sponsored by Epson. Download Epson's eBook about DTG pod printing at gpro.link/epson. Pinpointing the key elements that make for a successful graphics business, finding the right customers, pricing for profit, teaching and nurturing employees, mapping the wraps market, and more with Tim Evans, owner of Pro Signs & Graphics and wrappermapper.com, Columbus, Ohio.

This episode is sponsored by Epson. The practical use of mission statements and core values, pricing and profit margin, and branding yourself and your customers effectively with Sean Tomlin, CEO of Designer Wraps, Pitman, New Jersey.

This episode is sponsored by Epson. Printing techniques that add depth and dimension to a print project, setting up a showroom for upsell success, color management, artwork setup, and much more – Part 2 of our discussion with renowned wrapper Adam Sumner, owner of Wrapix Imaging and Wrapix Academy, Burbank, California.

This episode is sponsored by Epson. Overcoming challenges in the graphics production and installation business, from supply chain issues to finding good employees – Part 1 of a two-part discussion with renowned wrapper Adam Sumner, owner of Wrapix Imaging and Wrapix Academy, Burbank, California.

This episode is sponsored by ASI. Taking promotional products and decorated apparel to the next level, giving value to the client and more sales and profit to your shop. Jeremy Picker, CEO and creative director of AMB3R Creative, provides some great ideas and guidelines to make it happen.

This episode is sponsored by Epson. Navigating the stormy seas of licensing and business development with David Topkins, president of Gotham City Online in Austin, Texas.

This episode is sponsored by PPAI. Growth through diversification, multiple sales channels, and simple marketing techniques at Recognitions, Awards and More, Aviston, Illinois. Jeff Morgan details his journey from the Air Force to a successful custom graphics company.

This episode is sponsored by HIX Corporation. Delving into the factors that create growth, and managing that growth through pricing practices, honing procedures and processes, training and retaining employees and more with Nikki Bowen, co-owner of Machine Gun Graphics.

This episode is sponsored by STAHLS'. Building a custom print company for multiple markets by employing various online platforms, e-commerce, and the right print processes, while balancing work and life at Breeze Print Company.

This episode is sponsored by Hix Corporation. Travis Ross, founder of Make Your Mark Design, Broomfield, Colorado, shares his experience and lessons learned with printing personalized products on demand, fulfillment and e-commerce, among other topics.

This episode is sponsored by Gildan. Josh Merrell, owner of Liquid Graphics, Los Angeles, shares his perspective on building a successful screen-printing operation through purposeful and intensive planning that also allows flexibility and scalability.

This episode is sponsored by Gemini. Matt Baker, Company Co-Owner at Bakers' Signs, is a third-generation sign guy and an all-around Texan. He's a passionate advocate for the overall betterment of the sign industry and has a vast knowledge and understanding of the full cycle of our industry. He's always pushing to move the ball forward! Hosted by Matt Dixon, reachable at mdixon@nbm.com.

Sponsored by HIX Corporation, this episode with David Condon, founder and creative director of andHOW! Graphics, Fairfield, Connecticut, explores delivering quality custom graphics across a diverse range of products and processes.

Josh Kice, a partner at Ink & Drink Denver, joined us at GPX Theater in Denver to discuss building the Ink & Drink concept and how it feeds into the commercial apparel-decorating business. Belly up to the bar! This episode is sponsored by Franmar.

Shane Wilson, owner of Scottsbluff Screen Printing & Embroidery and The Zone Sporting Goods and Team Sales, talks about staying on top of the screen-printing game. This episode is sponsored by Sanmar

Longtime sign designer Matt Charboneau talks about the financial realities of turning your shop into a source for channel letters and how building partnerships with wholesalers may help you achieve that goal.

Longtime awards and signs businessman Keith Baldwin discusses how he persevered through the pandemic and how it lead to his new book “A Leap Year of Firsts.”

Visual artist and designer Todd Gilens talks about the outdoor projects that required him to install graphic films onto surfaces such as asphalt and cement. This Episode is sponsored by Epson.

Lori Champagne – Succeed together or fall individually Award-winning engraver Lori Champagne talks about how she's been successful in the market since 1994 and how important it is to work in a collaborative spirit instead of a competitive one. Editor's Note: At 9:40 and 11:10, the guest meant GCC rather than GDC. This episode is sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO EXPO

Longtime sign manufacturer JD Hamilton talks about the ins and outs of creating a successful wayfinding signage system. This episode is Sponsored by Epson

Phil Lewis of Phil Lewis Art in Boulder, Colorado, shares his experience of becoming a professional artist and embracing technologies such as laser engraving and digital printing to give customers a variety of options when it comes to enjoying his art.

Reed Silberman, the founder of Ink Monstr, talks about the work that went into turning his business into a successful company, taking risks to increase rewards, and making the decision to take his role in a new direction after selling his company. This episode is sponsored by Epson.

Dana Curtis of Biztools talks about the mistakes many new shops make, the importance of consistent branding, and why it's a great idea for those who haven't to take that leap and start their own business. This episode is Sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO EXPO

Matt Charboneau shares his methods for collecting payment for design time. This episode is sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO EXPO.

Teresa Young has supported new entrepreneurs entering the digital sign and graphics industry for over 30 years. She discusses how her business, Sign Biz Inc., supports those who are just starting out in the sign business, how walking in-person trade shows is an invaluable experience, and how she remains a trailblazer for women in the industry. This episode is sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO EXPO.

Global print leaders from HP, Mimaki USA, Mutoh America, and Roland DGA talk about what's happening in the wide-format printing market and its effects on the U.S. market today. Topics discussed include supply chain and shipping issues, inventory and product fulfillment, current supply and demand in the market, trending and emerging markets, and more.

Pat DePirro, founder of BirdieBox, explains how his company creates magical gift box experiences for big names like Pepsi and the PGA Tour. He details how their business philosophy enabled them to grow year-over-year during the most difficult times of the pandemic. (Sponsored by LogoJET)

Miller Decals has been laying down vinyl on vehicles since 1979, becoming one of the premier vehicle graphics installers in the world. Owners Jim and Starla Miller discuss their methods for continuous improvement, how they've managed growth and expanded their business to handle huge projects like the Super Bowl, and the incorporation of new products like PPF and tint. (Sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO Expo)

Brandon Levy, owner of North Carolina's Digitize4U, dives into the challenges of doing DTG on polyester. He also discusses how educating companies like Nike and Gap on customization has opened a new revenue stream for his shop. (Sponsored by Hirsch Solutions)

Longview, Texas, signmaker Rick Williams has been perfecting his craft since 1973. He discusses his work with vinyl and offers other tips & tricks, as well as his work-life balance of working 60- to 80-hour weeks.

Chanel Stovall, owner of online-based apparel shop Tee Guru USA, developed an online quiz to streamline orders for customers and best determine their needs. She discusses the reasoning behind it, as well as the hurdles of finding capital as a person of color. (Sponsored by Hanes)

In Part 2 of our two-episode interview with Howard Potter, we discuss tips on how to improve customer service to create long-term business relationships. The co-owner of A&P Master Images in Utica, New York, goes into specifics about their machine investments and sublimation and screen-printing processes, as well. Sponsored by GPX Breakaway

In Part 1 of this two-episode interview, Howard Potter discusses how preparing for “what if” enabled A&P Master Images to navigate the pandemic year unscathed and grow by 19 percent. He also discusses the benefits of landing uniform contracts and how other decorated apparel shops can do it.

Oklahoma City-based Walker Companies celebrates 70 years of working in the custom graphics industry. Owner Kenny Walker discusses how the company began to really thrive thanks to technological advances in the 1980s. He also touches on the ups and downs—from the Oklahoma City bombing to pivoting during the COVID pandemic.

Rachel O'Neill and her husband took their sublimation work to the next level with Loftipop. We break down some of her techniques, Loftipop's road to success, new oven purchase and new hires they plan to make this year.

Rachel Stuckey, co-owner of one-stop shop My Awesome Graphics, tackles the difficult subject of how to deal with difficult employees. She also explains how loyalty is earned through education and employee benefits.

Elsie Acevedo, owner of Deluxe Screen Printing in Los Angeles, joins the podcast to discuss her open-door philosophy and the success that's stemmed from it. She gives an example of working with clients to help them reach their goals and the artistic decisions therein.

Custom apparel professional Lon Winters joins The GRAPHICS PRO Files to talk about the hard choices made during the pandemic. He explains how Graphic Elephants found new revenue streams in shipping and packaging, and their plans to get out of survival mode in 2021.

GRAPHICS PRO columnist Aaron Montgomery talks about where new shops go wrong and how business plans are intimidating but necessary. He also discusses three areas of focus that can lead to success.

Embroidery expert Erich Campbell details the nuances behind executing perfect patches and the secrets behind creating professional gradients. He also dives into tips on eCommerce, as well as his nonstop search for inspiration.

Laser-engraving wizard Bob Hagel joins the podcast to talk holiday and corporate gifts, and the secret behind 17 years of success. He also details how to seamlessly mount, er, a baboon skull.

Braden Todd explains how he benefited from diversifing his shop's services and offers solutions to supply chain shortages. The man of multiple hats also dives into hot custom gift ideas for the holidays. This episode is sponsored by The NBM SHOW Breakaway Sessions

Jess Bonifacio and Mike Shedd of Wrapsesh, aka Vinyl Vixen Wraps, explain how having 40,000 Instagram followers keeps them busy. They also share the rules of the #PRINTGAMESTRONG giveaway happening Sept. 16. Find out more here: https://graphics-pro.com/news/mutoh-wrapsesh-fellers-team-up-for-printer-giveaway/ This episode is sponsored by 3M Commercial Solutions

Charity Jackson, owner of California-based Visual Horizons Custom Signs, joins the podcast to discuss different approaches to wraps and signage. She also dives into the importance of checklists and workflows, and how to improve on them.

Cheryl Kuchek is the owner of Just My Imagination DeZigns in New York, and a regular columnist for GRAPHICS PRO magazine. She joins the podcast to discuss the new trend of using lamination film to sublimate on uncoated substrates, and how to bring the “wow” factor to schools this fall.

Adam McCauley, co-owner of screen-printing and embroidery shop Sandlot Sports, joins the podcast to share advice on how to prepare for the back-to-school season. He also dives into the marketing benefits of making “hype” videos for clients.

Stan Banks, owner of T-Shirt Side Hustle, sits down with The GRAPHICS PRO Files and details how to find key influencers to bolster your business. He offers insight on the right time to start a business and best practices for expanding into new markets in unconventional ways. Banks also can be seen in THE NBM SHOW's Breakaway Session #2 “Looking for New Opportunities? START HERE!” The on-demand video from the event can be accessed for a limited time: https://thenbmshow.com/looking-new-opportunities