2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

(Sponsored by GRAPHICS PRO EXPO) Aaron and Terry will be sharing some tips on what to do (and not to do) while dipping a toe into the decorating business on nights and weekends. Most of our listeners are already decorators, but we want to hear your side hustle war stories as well. Who knows? Sharing your experience might be the difference maker for a future decorator looking for a little help along the way. Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants or lectures or selling. We are not doing this 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 make your business better, and our industry better. 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! News Norm Hullinger, CEO of AlphaBroder for the past nine years, is becoming COO at Commerce, California based Bella Canvas. Dan Pantano who's been serving as president at AlphaBroder is taking over as CEO.Dad Joke: Did you know the real estate market is crazy?Yeah, even bouncy houses are going up due to… inflation! Starting a Side Hustle Decorating Business Get Educated - Even with just a part-time side hustle, learn to do it right, and learn to produce quality products.Create a Business Plan - Aaron, go for it!! :-)Find Your Niche - Your hours and minutes are limited. Laser focus your attention on a specific niche to maximize your potential.Start Small - I don’t mean limit how much money you make, but for efficiency with your limited time also limit your product offerings and processes.Charge Like it’s Worth it! - Some home based businesses, especially side hustle businesses, don’t think what they do has value. It is! Plus, if dreams come true and you turn this into a full-time business, it’s hard to tell all your customers that you have to start charging real prices now.Family/Personal Time - Be sure to block out time for family, friends, and to recharge. Facebook Live Video #5Things 5 Steps to Being a Goal Getter Set Actual Goals, Now wishes of DreamsShare, Read, Review - Keep them in your line of VisionTake Daily Action - Towards your GoalAffirm Your GoalCelebrate Be Part of #5Things If you would like to present your 5 Things, five quick points on any subject whether it be advice or five instructional steps, we would love to hear from you. You can come on the show and present them yourself, or we will share your list with our listeners or even play a recorded video of you sharing 5 things. Whatever is easiest.Reach out to us at info@2regularguys.com, Contact Us or at our Facebook Page. Other Events Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix starting April 17-18Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago starting May 22-23 SOLD OUT. Next Chicago class August 21-22.OurSuccessGroup.Com - Success Business Training. Our missing is to provide resources that empower business owners to achieve their idea of success.The Success Tracker - A program from OSG, to get people started on achieving their goals.Master of Success Inner Circle - The next level for people who are serious about their success. Bi-Weekly Mastermind Groups on top of the industry-leading business training.Aaron's Online Video Series "Small Business Saturdays" #SBSVideos Every SaturdayCheck out the Podcast version at SmallBusinessSaturdaysPodcast.comDemystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich CampbellThe Half with Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery - 30 Minute Q&A - Friday's At 11:30 AM CentralThe Take-up with Erich Campbell - Friday's at 2:30 Mountain TimeYour Style Guide eBook by Jay Busselle ...

Jeremy Picker joins us to discuss the ways in which we can expand beyond basic logo reproduction through creative design and the use of materials to create truly wearable, luxury branded apparel for any client. With guest host Erich filling in, we'll turn the topics toward specialty stitches, embroidery treatments, and digitizing as well as discussing things all decorators can use, like how to tap into the needs and the vibe of your audience. All that and a lot more from the merch master of AMB3R creative, coming this week! Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants or lectures or selling. We are not doing this 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 make your business better, and our industry better. 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! News Aaron: If you folks didn’t get a chance to hear our recent podcast with Jim Raffel and Ray Weiss on Getting the Right Color with DTG & Sublimation, you might have missed the fact that Terry and I were invited on to Jim’s excellent ‘Dyesubcast’ podcast; that episode featuring our interview is now up and ready- catch that episode at the link on the screen and check out all the awesome information in the rest of the episodes over at Dyesubcast while you are at it. https://anchor.fm/dyesubcast/episodes/DyeSubCast-Episode-12-2-Regular-Guys-eth3ibDad Joke: It’s hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally! From Logo to Luxury Erich: With that, let’s bring on someone with a little more style to shake things up and hopefully help you folks shake up how you think of decoration!Jeremy Picker is the creative director and CEO at AMB3R Creative, a Colorado-based merchandise design firm with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. Jeremy has helped launch and grow merchandise for major label bands and is passionate about creating retail quality merchandise for the non-profit sector to fuel fundraising efforts and expand awareness. His client list spans from churches to restaurants to corporations, and he designs apparel for Podswag, the merch side of Sirius XM, Stitcher and Earwolf, doing work for some of the most popular podcasts today including Conan O’Brien’s, Office ladies, Lavar Burton’s, Bill Nye’s and more.Jeremy is also a cancer survivor and a co-founder of ESTAINE, a high-end accessory line to support cancer education. We chat with Jeremy about some of the steps in his creative process for designing merchandise and Jeremy shares freely from his lessons learned while fighting cancer and building a successful business.Welcome to the show, Jeremy!Erich: When we finally locked down this slot for our takeover, you came up with the awesome title ‘From Logo to Luxury’ - before we start to geek out on the details, what does it mean to you. What do we usually see in decoration and what would you want to see?Erich: I’ve seen so many amazing pieces of yours that take a creative bent, and I notice that many of them include applique and multimedia. Why do you like applique so much as a medium? Can we talk about your favorite fabric types, what do you use and why?Erich: As a digitizer, I can’t help but want to discuss interpretation; we’ve talked a little about making coordinating looks, not just replicating logos, but in the process of embroidery, there’s so much we can do to further change the character of a design, even once we’ve already chosen a medium like applique- let’s talk about the things we can do in that phase- How do you approach specialty stitches and what we can do in digitizing?

This Friday we’ll be joined by the guys from the Tacos with Jay & Jeff podcast. Jay Busselle and Jeff Solomon, two veterans of the promotional products industry, will talk about our two worlds colliding using apparel as promotional products. And we'll discuss some untapped markets for apparel we might be missing as well. Plus there will be lots of fun and other action as Aaron is in the middle of a working vacation and will be coming to you live from Terry’s home office. Hang on for some fun! Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants or lectures or selling. We are not doing this 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 make your business better, and our industry better. 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! News Impressions Expo is taking submissions for 2022 educational seminars and workshops. We’re placing a dedicated emphasis on content, and we want next year’s conference program to be more diverse, dynamic, informative than ever while providing maximum value for our attendees and customers. The deadline for submissions is April 30th. Go here to submit your seminar ideas: https://bit.ly/3mghWq2Dad Joke: Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?Because the P is silent! Thanks again to Lexi from Joe Ortinau’s production staff, two Dad Jokes in a row! Wings, Tacos & Promotional Products Terry: Today we want to welcome in Jay Busselle and Jeff Solomon from TACOS with Jay and Jeff.Jeff Solomon, MAS, is the publisher of FreePromoTips, a PPAI award-winning business resource. His promotional products distributor business has won multiple PPAI Pyramid Awards. At the urging of his brilliant wife he expanded his apparel decorating business to include promo products over 20 years ago. That changed the game for him. Jeff has a passion for effective brand marketing and co-hosts the "hit" show TACOS with Jay and Jeff, spotlighting the epic marketing and branding that suppliers and distributors are doing. Along with other industry thought leaders, he is developing a new community, AI: Advocates for the Industry. AI has one goal: Working together for the success of the promotional marketing industry.It's been about 30 years since Jay Busselle started printing and selling “unofficial replica” t-shirts in the mid 80’s of his favorite ski resorts, skiing and skateboarding companies… and a few bands which will remain nameless. Jay is a board member, referred to as “chefs” for PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer nonprofit group focused on mentorship. Jay is a highly rated industry presenter and a trainer on topics like branding, social media and LinkedIn. Jay is currently the marketing director at Equipment Zone, the co-host of the TACOS with Jay & Jeff show and a self-proclaimed CTO – Chief Taco Officer. Jay says he found his home hanging out with the other promo peeps and apparel geeks on the island of misfit toys!Aaron: What was the path that led each of you into promotional products? Let’s start with you, Jeff.Terry: How can a garment decorator get involved in the promotional products marketplace?Aaron: How important is the relationship between promotional product distributors and suppliers?Terry: Let’s talk about the TACOS with Jay & Jeff show - why did you guys start it and what’s it all about?Aaron: You both are involved in education and mentorship. Talk to us about why you believe this is important.Covered… Terry: Let’s talk Tacos vs Wings!! Wings won! :)Terry: How can our listeners find you? Facebook Live Video #5Things

It’s one of our favorite shows of the year! The 2 Regular Guys are kicking off awards season by revealing the 2025 REGGIE Award categories. The industry’s only awards fully nominated and voted on by the garment decorating community. We’ll share what’s new, what’s returning, and how you can make your voice heard in celebrating the people and companies making a real impact. As a special bonus, Aaron Montgomery will close out the episode with a powerful segment on The Uncommon Mindset. The thinking that separates those who just get by from those who create lasting success. You’ll walk away inspired, informed, and ready to nominate your favorites (and maybe yourself) for this year’s REGGIEs! Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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.” Dad Joke Terry: I've changed my name on all my social media to NOBODY So now I can press the 'like' button on any stupid post and it'll say NOBODY likes this REGGIE Announcement 2025 Fresh Impact Product Award - This category shines a light on products that have made a notable difference in our industry during the calendar year. To qualify, products should have hit the market within the last three years and have yet to be on the voting list in previous years. This award aims to acknowledge the fresh and influential contributions these new products bring to our field, showcasing innovation and progress.  Last year Siser Compostable PureHT 2025 Customer Care Spotlight Award - This category is all about recognizing a company, and if applicable, a specific individual within that company, who has shown exceptional customer service in our industry. It's about spotlighting those who go the extra mile to ensure customers are satisfied. Please list the company and, if there's a standout person, mention them too. This award highlights the importance of a customer-focused approach and celebrates the companies and individuals who embody this principle in their daily operations. Last year Joseph Eric from The Magic Touch 2025 Industry Education Excellence Award - This category recognizes the best teacher or online education source that helps people learn in our industry in 2025. It's for those who love to teach and share knowledge, not sell things through their talks or posts. The award is open to amazing teachers and online spots like podcasts, blogs, video channels, virtual events, and training sessions that make learning fun and easy.  Last year Jay Busselle 2025 Decorator's Hub Trade Show Award - This category aims to honor an in-person event that significantly benefited, educated, and fostered networking within the decorator's community in 2024. It's about applauding the event that offered a robust platform for learning, connecting, and growing together. Through this award, we seek to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that go into organizing a trade show that truly serves and uplifts our industry's community. Last year Printing United Las Vegas 2025 Rising Star Award - This award seeks to highlight an individual under 40 who is making waves in our industry. The nominee should embody the essence of excellence in garment and product decoration, showcasing creativity, skill, and a positive impact in the field. Before making a nomination, please ensure they are indeed under 40. This is about fresh perspectives brought forth by the emerging talents in our industry. Last year Kylee Salva of Couture Kreations 2025 Women's Voice Award - This award is all about celebrating a person who is working hard to spotlight the r...

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, Aaron and Terry are joined by industry expert Erich Campbell for a no-nonsense look at the myths that keep decorators stuck. From the belief that you have to be the lowest price, to the idea that buying more equipment is the fast track to success, to trusting that YouTube or a supplier’s rep has all the answers, we’ll tackle the stories that sound good but cost shops time, money, and energy. Together we’ll break down why these common assumptions don’t hold up, and share what actually leads to growth, balance, and long-term success in this business. If you’ve ever wondered whether small shops can compete, if you should accept every order, or if working harder is really the key to getting ahead, this conversation is for you. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com News https://youtu.be/6mNHDlJlrgE If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” Dad Joke Aaron: I'm reading a new book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down. Busting Myths in the Apparel Industry Myths That Hold Decorators Back The customer is always right, even when they’re wrong I have to compete on price… I have to be the lowest price If I just had more equipment, I could be successful If I take every penny I have out of savings and buy equipment, the world will beat a path to my door I don’t know where to start, so I’ll just roll the dice and hope for the best YouTube is the answer to all life and business problems I’ll just ask my supplier's sales rep for everything I need to get started… they’re the experts The guy who is selling me his business and equipment says he’ll teach me everything Part 2: The guy selling me his business and equipment says, “This is what it’s worth.” You need to accept every order that comes in to grow. Small shops can’t compete with the big online players. If I work harder and longer hours, I’ll eventually get ahead. Trade shows and networking are just for vendors, not decorators. Hiring employees just creates more headaches than it’s worth. https://www.printingunited.com/attend/ - Use code 2RG25 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/x61ZKgKfcU0?si=Bivfdwb8TPjPlBIP OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, Nov. 1-2. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Impressions Expo Dallas, TX - October 2-4, 2025 Uncommon Mindset,

In 2025, apparel decorators are facing uncertainty, shifting technologies, and more noise than ever before. That makes hands-on learning, real conversations, and in-person events more valuable than ever. In this episode, Cassie Green from Apparelist and Printing United Alliance joins the 2 Regular Guys to share why face-to-face training and networking give decorators an edge and how in-person experiences differ from what can be learned online. She also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Apparel Zone and the new AI Pavilion at Printing United Expo 2025, while keeping the focus on the bigger picture of how decorators can apply these lessons whether they attend Expo or not. Listeners will walk away with practical insights into vendor selection, sustainable growth strategies for DTF, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in a year filled with challenges and opportunities. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com News https://youtu.be/6hfruGAVnTs If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” Dad Joke Terry: My grandkids asked me what I used to play on the iPad as a kid I told them I used to talk into a fan to sound like a robot In-Person Events for Apparel Decorators Terry: Welcome - Give us a brief Cassie 101… Aaron: You know we love education here, and that has something you have always been very close to in the industry. Why do you think hands-on learning is especially important for decorators right now? Terry: Speaking of hands-on / in-person, the Apparel Zone at Printing United Expo has become a hub for decorators. What makes it a useful model of hands-on education? Aaron: AI is buzzing everywhere—what’s the real takeaway for decorators when it comes to AI tools in business and production? Aaron: We’ve had a tumultuous 2025—how do in-person events help decorators find clarity and direction? Terry: What role does networking play in shaping a decorator’s long-term business success? (Maybe share a story where attending an in-person event directly helped a business shift or grow?) Terry: What would you say to the shop owner who thinks, “I can’t afford the time or cost to attend an event”? Aaron: At the Apparel Zone, I get to chat with Rob Super of American Print and Supply about - What to Look for in Your Digital Vendor. We are both excited about the topic. Why is this important to think about for apparel decorators? Aaron: If decorators took just one mindset shift from events like these, what should it be? Terry: From your point of view, what lessons can decorators take home even if they don’t attend Expo this year? Terry: Let people know how they can register to attend the Expo, learn more, connect with you, and check out the amazing content you share through Apparelist all the time? - https://www.printingunited.com/attend/ - Use code 2RG25 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/Cx3Zh3Yyf1Y OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks!

We’re continuing our conversation on planning for the busiest season of the year! In this follow-up episode, Aaron and Terry dive into the second half of our holiday preparation series for garment decorators, screen printers, embroiderers, sublimators, and DTF shops. This time the focus is on what makes or breaks Q4: clear customer expectations, simple and effective holiday marketing, and protecting your sanity while staying profitable. Learn how to set realistic cutoff dates, communicate policies that keep customers happy, and create a marketing plan that helps you stand out during the holiday rush. We’ll also talk about why saying “no” is sometimes the best business decision you can make. If you want to finish the year strong without the burnout, this episode gives you the practical strategies and encouragement you need to thrive this holiday season. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com News https://youtu.be/fAMbH4LdASM If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” Dad Joke Terry: You know when you buy a bag of salad and it turns brown and soggy really quick?Yeah, a bag of cookies won’t do that Prepare for An Awesome Q4 for Apparel Decorators Segment 4: Customer Expectations & Policies Setting cutoff dates, rush order policies. Importance of clear deadlines and transparency. How early communication prevents complaints. This will not only be appreciated by your customers, but also subtlety let them know you are a serious and in demand decorator. The big deadline for most of us will be the last day before Christmas so that your customer can still place an order and receive it before the holiday. This includes the time to get in any product to decorate, and to allow you time to produce the product and deliver or ship in time. No one wants their order a day late here. If you’re new to this, pad your deadlines a bit. It’s hard to turn down orders, but better to have a shorter window for placing an order than by missing holiday deliveries. Be sure to give your regular customers a heads up that the holidays may stretch out turnaround times, so place your orders now so you’ll be at the front of the production line. Segment 5: Marketing for the Holidays Simple Q4 marketing plan (calendar, social, promos). Teasing products early, loyalty deals, Cyber Monday push. Focus on specialties instead of saying yes to everything. If you’re not taking advantage of promoting on social media, you are definitely leaving holiday dollars on the table. Don’t know where to start? Offer a holiday social media internship at the local college for a marketing student. They can get you and your company in front of thousands of eyes in no time. They add to their resume and portfolio, and you add dollars to your bottom line. And yes, people are interested in seeing you printing a t-shirt, or embroider a hat, or heat pressing a DTF transfers. To you it’s just making a sweatshirt, but for people browsing the internet, it’s something creative, amazing, and even magical. If you’re selling to customers who are reselling holiday-related goods, offer a discount for early orders. Or let’s go a step further. If you’re selling to end consumers, offer them a discount to make their holiday purchases early. That will open up more space in the schedule for new orders closer to the holidays. Next week I’ll have details for my 4th Quarter Marketing Masterclass and Workshop. Opportunity to be intentional. Segment 6: Protecting Your Sanity The power of saying no kindly but firmly.

The holiday season is the busiest and most profitable time of the year for garment decorators, screen printers, embroiderers, sublimators, and DTF shops. In this episode, Aaron and Terry share proven tips to help you plan ahead for Q4 so you can boost sales, meet deadlines, and keep your sanity. You’ll learn how to forecast holiday orders, manage inventory, train staff, and set customer policies that actually work during the rush. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the holiday chaos, this conversation will give you practical strategies to streamline production, simplify your marketing, and finish the year strong. Whether you’re decorating apparel, custom gifts, or promotional products, these Q4 preparation tips will help you avoid burnout and make the holidays your most successful season yet. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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.” Dad Joke Aaron: How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? Tentacles (10 Tickles) Holiday Production Success for Apparel Decorators Segment 1: Forecasting & Capacity Terry: Looking at last year’s numbers & trends.Aaron: Best-guess projections if you’re newer.Discussion: Facing real capacity vs. “perfect world” capacity. What volume of sales do we expect? If you were in business during the holidays last year, that’s your starting point.What dollar amount did you sell?How difficult was it to reach those numbers?And how much business did you leave on the table because you were overwhelmed?If you’ve been in business for multiple years, it’s all the better. You can look at trends up or down for October, November and December. Is it possible this year for you to add to what you’ve done in the past with new marketing, products, graphics, staffing, etc.?Or in semi-turbulent times will you be happy to just maintain your previous sales numbers?Either way, project a number and work backwards on how to achieve it, without the extra hours and the pain, both physical and mental, of previous holiday seasons.Projections are just that, a guesstimate of what we believe we can accomplish. Your best guess is probably more than most decorators do in the run up to the season.As the years go by and you track sales and production, these projections will become more and more precise. What’s your current capability Do you really know your current capacity?Unfortunately, most of us imagine our capabilities in a perfect world, not the world we live in day-to-day. It’s hard for you to admit that where we are today is where we are production-wise, but we have to face reality. And know that you can make it better in the future.If you’re up at night worrying about getting orders out the door, you probably haven’t admitted to yourself at what level you are truly capable of producing right now, today.Again, be honest with yourself, and then start working toward the things you need to do to increase production.For this holiday season, we need to work with what we’ve got. Short of a Christmas miracle, you’re more likely to be missing deadlines than magically producing more.I’ve worked with so many companies that base their sales and production schedules on operating in a world where nothing goes wrong. I don’t know about you, but my production floor doesn’t exist in a sealed bubble of perfection.Scheduling must take unknown delays and issues into account. I’m not saying sell yourself short on what you can accomplish. I’m saying take off your rose-colored glasses and see what you can do right now, today.In the new year,

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Lisbeth Lyons Black, Director of the Women in Print Alliance, and Adrienne Palmer, Founder of AP Media Group and member of the WPA Advisory Council. We’ll explore the exciting milestone Women in Print Alliance just celebrated, the growing benefits available to members, and what’s ahead as the organization enters its second year of formal membership. Plus, get a sneak peek at WPA’s largest presence ever at PRINTING United Expo 2025 and the many opportunities for women in print to connect, learn, and lead. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/EAiz8IE-MFM Dad Joke Terry: I was driving and came across a temporary road sign that said “Survey Crew Ahead” Yeah, they’re actually not interested in your opinion. I know that now. Women in Print Alliance Terry: You’ve both been here before but tell our listeners a little about yourselves. And Adrienne, tell us what you’re doing these days. Aaron: Lisbeth, for those who might be new to Women in Print Alliance, can you share a quick overview of the mission and vision? Terry: Adrienne, what personally drew each of you to get involved with WPA and champion women in print? Aaron: Lisbeth, WPA just celebrated an important milestone. Can you tell us what it was?Adrienne, why is this such a great milestone for the industry to celebrate? Terry: Looking back at WPA’s first year as a formal membership organization, what stands out to you as the biggest success or most popular initiative so far? Adrienne, what stands out to you? Aaron: WPA has a student membership category. Adrienne, why is that important for the future of the industry? Lisbeth, why was this important to the organization? Terry: Can you both share an example of how WPA has supported a student, an individual member, or a business in a way that shows the power of this community? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, Nov. 1-2. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ - September 12-13, 2025 Impressions Expo Dallas, TX - October 2-4, 2025 Uncommon Mindset, Uncommon Results: How to Stop Operating Like Everyone Else - - October 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM Cutting Through the Noise: Finding Success in the Wild West of DTF - October 4,

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Angie Meese of That Shirt Shack. She is a blank apparel enthusiast turned DTG and DTF print pro who’s redefining custom printing with creativity and speed. Angie shares what’s working now in apparel marketing, why not all blanks are created equal, and how to match the right print method to your project. Plus, she dives into the often-overlooked role of packaging and shipping in building loyal customers. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your custom business, Angie brings real-world strategies to help you pick the right products, print with confidence, and keep customers coming back. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/d5EJLrTEht8 Dad Joke Aaron:  I was on a diabetes awareness site, and it asked me if I accepted cookies. Is that a trick question? Blanks to Bold Prints Aaron: Tell our listeners a little about yourself and your journey in the industry. Terry: Over the past year, what changes have you noticed in how custom apparel businesses are marketing themselves effectively? Aaron: Where are you seeing the best ROI right now—email lists, vendor markets, local collaborations, or something else? Terry: How have platforms like Instagram Reels and user-generated content shifted the way you reach and engage customers? Aaron: What’s your process for helping customers choose the right blank apparel for their project? Terry: Can you share an example where the wrong blank choice caused issues and what you learned from it? Terry: How do you explain the differences between DTG and DTF to customers who don’t know the technical side? Aaron: What are some misconceptions people still have about these print methods? Terry: Why do you think packaging plays such a big role in branding and repeat orders?Aaron: If a new decorator came to you today asking, “What’s one piece of advice that will save me headaches down the road?”—what would you tell them? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/aT5cmkX-ejc OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, Nov. 1-2. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ - September 12-13, 2025 Impressions Expo Dallas, TX - October 2-4, 2025 Uncommon Mindset, Uncommon Results: How to Stop Operating Like Everyone Else - - October 3,

Marketing today can feel overwhelming with endless platforms, ads, and tactics pulling you in different directions. This week on 2 Regular Guys, Terry sits down with Aaron to unpack an uncommon approach to marketing that cuts through the noise. The conversation is based on a seminar Aaron was scheduled to give at GPX Long Beach before GPX shifted away from real education and toward sales-driven sessions. Instead of chasing every new trend or burning out on busywork, you’ll discover a framework that helps small business owners simplify their message, attract the right customers, and build momentum with confidence. Whether you feel stuck, inconsistent, or just tired of guessing, this conversation will show you a clearer path to marketing better in 2025 and beyond. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/n08jct2a0Es Dad Joke Aaron: I saw a gentleman yesterday pulling aluminum cans out of the dumpster and he was crushing them. It was so depressing. (Soda Pressing) Better Marketing Strategies You were scheduled to present this seminar at GPX Long Beach, but GPX pulled back from education. Can you share a little about what happened there and why you still wanted to bring this message to people? GPX made a decision after I announced working with APAS to terminate their commitment to bring me out for shows as education. They wanted APAS to pay for the time, and that is not what this is about: trying to sell someone something. I respect their choice, but here’s the thing: small business owners are craving real strategies, not product demos disguised as classes. I felt strongly that this message still needed to be shared, so instead of leaving it behind, we’re bringing it right here to the 2 Regular Guys. You’ve been working with small business owners for nearly 30 years. Why do you think so many still feel overwhelmed or stuck when it comes to marketing? Most education, when it comes to marketing, focuses on the strategies. That's great when people have a foundation, but most small businesses don’t, so for them, marketing feels like a moving target. There are so many options—social media, email, ads, networking, SEO now AI, and they are all changing daily. People end up dabbling here and there but never feeling confident. And the reality is, it’s not that they’re bad at marketing. It’s that they don’t have a clear plan or foundation. That’s what leads to inconsistency and frustration and what feels like wasted time and money on marketing. So what is the answer? How can we all market better in 2025 and beyond? The way I’ve simplified it is by focusing on three core elements that every business can apply, no matter its size or industry. It’s not about copying someone else’s exact formula. It’s about having a framework that works for you. And once you see it, marketing becomes much less about overwhelm and much more about consistency and connection. In the seminar, I call it our marketing superhero plan and it is 3 simple C’sCLARITY – Define WHO you serve and WHY they should choose you. I have borrowed a saying that I like to use to remind myself of how important this is. “When you try to be all things to everyone, you end up becoming nothing to no one.” Who specifically is your ideal customer? Get crystal clear on your ideal customer and what they truly need, not what you sell.CONNECTION – Shaping how you market and going away from marketing being about selling, but instead about awareness that builds trust and relationships.

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we're joined by Nick Gawreluk of Print Profit for a deep dive into the real math behind profitable printing. Pricing your products the right way is the key to staying in business and winning more jobs. We’ll break down common pricing myths, overlooked cost factors, and how to think differently about value and margin. Practical insight you can use to grow your bottom line. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/DeE8B982PwY Dad Joke Terry: I’m sharing the dad joke telepathically today Yeah, so if you think of something funny, that was me Smarter Profit Strategies Aaron: Let's dive right into pricing. What do most printers misunderstand about costing their work? Terry: What’s a common pricing formula or approach you see decorators using that actually puts them at risk? Aaron: Can you walk us through what a profitable job looks like vs a break-even one? Aaron: What should decorators consider besides just time and materials when pricing? Terry: What are the hidden “profit leaks” you see over and over again? Aaron: I know you typically work with larger shops, but for small shops or solopreneurs heading towards your ideal customer demographic, how can they begin thinking like profitable businesses? Terry: Have you seen any shifts in how successful shops are adapting pricing strategies in today’s economy, with supply costs, inflation, etc.? Aaron: What do you say to the shop owner who thinks they’re too busy to stop and figure out all their numbers? Terry: How can people learn more about what you do and follow you to connect? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/pwVa_erOBUA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA - August 21-23, 2025 Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ - September 12-13, 2025 Impressions Expo Dallas, TX - October 2-4, 2025 Cutting Through the Noise: Finding Success in the Wild West of DTF - October 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Printing United Orlando, FL - October 22-24, 2025 Chaos to Clarity: The Mindset Shift That Transforms Everything - October 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM - 12:50 PM The Time Myth: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie and What to Do Instead - October 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM - 3:50 PM

This week, we’re joined by Theresa Hegel and C.J. Mittica from ASI Media to explore the findings from the latest Counselor State of the Industry report. As key editors behind the issue, they share valuable insights on how the promotional products industry is navigating challenges like tariffs, shifting client expectations, and project delays, while still showing resilience and optimism. We’ll also dive into trends around AI adoption, sustainability, and the growing interest in Made in USA products, giving listeners a clear snapshot of where the industry stands and what’s coming next. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/1BNKlQWhxZE Dad Joke Terry: Did you hear about the guy who fell into the upholstery machine? It’s OK. He’s fully recovered. The Real State of the Industry Aaron: Welcome to the show. Theresa is a regular on the show, but CJ, tell us a little about yourself and your journey into the industry. We’re looking forward to talking Counselor State of the Industry report again this year. Terry: We got a little “inside baseball” on the report, so our questions will reflect that. What’s the biggest theme that emerged from this year’s Counselor State of the Industry report? C.J./Theresa: The struggles of promo industry companies in the first half, but also the resilience they’ve shown in navigating issues like tariff challenges and the optimism that companies have for the rest of the year. Aaron: Something that hasn’t come up in a major way in previous reports, what’s been the impact of tariffs? C.J./Theresa: Our most recent ASI Research data shows that the vast majority of promo distributors are still concerned about tariffs, but it’s shifting from very concerned to somewhat concerned. Also most distributors and suppliers have raised their prices, and inventory shortfalls are expected. Terry: Your study the past two years has measured the scope of negative attitudes about promotional products. What does the data say this year? C.J./Theresa: 31% of distributors are concerned that clients are developing negative attitudes toward promo products, up from 23% last year. Choosing thoughtful, quality products and prioritizing sustainability can ease those concerns. Terry: Let's Go Sew with Joanne Banko - I’m a big fan of consumables like experiences or food. Would be interesting to hear creative ways to customize that with swag :-) David Hanes - With the promo industry having “distributors”, have you noticed the fast growth of “print on demand” (distributors) for the apparel industry? Aaron: Are you seeing a shift to Made in USA manufacturing? C.J./Theresa: Made in USA suppliers performed very well in the first half of the year and are reporting greater interest, and distributors are reporting greatest interest among clients. The vast majority of promotional products will still be manufactured overseas, but a select group of companies have been reshoring production to the U.S. Terry: AI has become very big, and the State of the Industry survey asked companies about their AI usage. What did you find out? C.J./Theresa: Only a quarter of promotional products distributors compared to two-thirds of suppliers use AI. Writing copy is the most common use, followed by creating images, writing proposals, and offering customer service. Aaron: Your report shows half of promo distributors feel projects are taking longer. Why is that the case? C.J./Theresa: Stricter requirements from corporate clients are making the bid pro...

This week, Terry Combs is joined by special guest host Erich Campbell for a timely conversation about Production Training in the Digital Age. As training demands grow and time becomes more limited, the guys explore how shops of all sizes can take advantage of digital tools, from structured video libraries to AI-assisted learning, while still honoring the hands-on experience our industry requires. Whether you're onboarding new employees, improving consistency, or just trying to stop repeating yourself, this episode is packed with real-world ideas, honest discussion, and new opportunities for smarter, more scalable training. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/UaFIGx_Aisw Dad Joke Terry: What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet? SUPPLIES!! Smarter Training and Education Let’s talk training in general to start Most people do little to no training. “Watch what I do.” “Watch what she does.” Why do owners and managers do limited training? There’s no time for training… you manage the business in crisis mode, daily They’ll take my double secret methods and techniques to the competition They’ll steal my ideas and go into competition with me Another option for training may not be the end-all-be-all if you’re not of a training mindset What’s reality? The more you invest in training, the more likely that person will want to stay with you The more you invest in training, the more efficient you’ll be, and the better product you’ll produce Most employees rarely want to change jobs if they don’t have to, so if you have a great work environment, they want to stay The bottomline truth, “I don’t know where are how to start.” What is the new opportunity with digital training? Some of us aren’t the best at structuring training in our own businesses Recorded training can get us started and stay on track with a structured format Can we turn training over to the internet? Hands on is still a part of the picture People who come to my screen printing classes who tried to start their business with YouTube training You still need to interact on the content as well. Showing them doesn’t mean they understand how it translates to your company. Onboarding new employees No matter the size of your company, time is at a premium. If you can use digital training for some part of this process, everyone is ahead. 52/15 Training Let’s talk ongoing training Using 2RG Secret Sauce If you’re not comfortable doing this training yourself, digital training may be your salvation Building a library of digital content A large well known company in the industry uses Aaron and my DTG training class available through Printing United Alliance for all their employees.Trade show: “I feel like I’ve been talking with you all week.” Rather than training binders, you’ll have training links. Recording your own content The next time you onboard a new employee, think about recording some or all of it while you're going over the information. When you’re doing any training (like you should be now) record and edit it as a training tool. Ever invite any of your vendors to come into your workplace to train on their products or services? They’ll do that, you know. Record it for future use. Using AI in the training process AI is making the both the creation of training materials and the capture of trainable tasks easier and more accessible Tools for digesting and creating training regimens ...

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, Terry turns the tables and interviews Aaron about how decorators can stop spinning their wheels and start building a business that actually works for them, not the other way around. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck in survival mode, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable ways to gain control of your time, money, and direction. Aaron breaks down the five foundational areas every business owner will get tremendous value by focusing on, how to avoid common planning mistakes, and why even 30 minutes of intentional strategy can transform your entire shop. No fluff, just real talk and proven tools to help you create a business you’ll love showing up for every day. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/rBy9HL5PzOU Dad Joke Terry: I told the nurse I was bitten by a wolf, and she said, “Where?” Aaron: Where? No, a regular wolf. Business Planning You and I are both a little obsessive about planning, but in your business, you have seemed to really take the charge of encouraging people to a whole new level. Tell us about that. We hear a lot about hustle and scale, but you teach something different. What are some of the common misconceptions around business planning, and what are the signs a decorator is just winging it? What would you say to the decorator who’s afraid that writing a business plan will lock them into something rigid? How does mindset play a role in this kind of planning? Isn’t a plan just about goals and numbers? What are some key areas a business owner might want to focus on in their plans? Let’s talk time — how much time does someone need to invest to start seeing results from a real business plan? What kind of changes do they usually see after they go through your planning process? If someone’s listening right now and wants to get started — what’s the first step they can take today? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/DPGpzQS3214 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN - August 1-2, 2025 Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals - Friday, Aug 01, 2025 at 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit - Saturday, Aug 02,

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Anthony Schmitt,  a full-time firefighter who turned a side hustle into a fast-growing screen printing business, Gladiator Graphics. Starting with a Silhouette Cameo in 2018 and leveling up through hands-on training (shoutout to Terry’s class!), Anthony now runs an automatic print shop approaching half a million in sales. We’ll dive into how he juggles firefighting and entrepreneurship, the unconventional strategies that have fueled his growth, from Google reviews and metal business cards to a mobile print bus and a podcast. Plus the lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for new growth tactics, this is an inspiring and practical episode you won’t want to miss. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/sgpNcGmFV5M Dad Joke Aaron: A friend of mine got kidnapped by a group of mimes. They did unspeakable things to him. How to Build a Screen Printing Shop Aaron: Anthony, welcome to the show! Before we dig into your current success, take us back. What was the tipping point that made you go from casual creator to full-on garment decorator? (Terry: Take your time on this. Don’t leave any detail out!) Terry: A lot of our listeners are juggling a day job and a side hustle just like you are. What’s your real-world advice for staying focused and making meaningful progress without burning out? Aaron: You’ve gone from YouTube deep dives to hands-on training. For someone standing at that same fork in the road, how do you decide what’s worth your time and money? Terry: Every journey has speed bumps. What were some of the biggest mistakes or missteps that helped shape how you run your business today, and what would you tell others to avoid? Aaron: On the other side of our commercial break, let’s talk about some steps to success. Aaron: Let’s flip to the wins. You’ve done some things that moved the needle, like creative outreach. What’s worked best and why? Terry: Tell us about your (idea for?) podcast. How did that come about, and how has it helped your business or community connections? Aaron:  One of the coolest things you’re doing is mobile printing with a converted transit bus — seriously, that’s next-level. Walk us through how that works and what kind of impact it’s had. Terry: We always ask for one golden nugget. What’s the one mindset, habit, or strategy that you believe more decorators need to adopt right now? Terry: Where can our listeners connect with you, learn more about Gladiator Graphics? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/S9hAPyMR6HY OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re diving into the evolution of sublimation with industry educator and Sawgrass Brand Ambassador Laurie Donovan. The rise of hybrid decoration, combining traditional sublimation with new materials and techniques, is opening the door to products and partnerships that were previously off-limits. Whether you’re a veteran decorator or just exploring your options, this episode will break down how hybrid sublimation works, where it fits into a broader production strategy, and how decorators can leverage it. From cotton to wood to uncoated ceramics, we’ll explore what’s possible and what’s practical as sublimation technology enters a new era. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/V21GSyC-cHU Dad Joke Terry: 4th of July joke from Kim Johnson What do you call a duck that bursts into flames? FIRE QUACKER!! Hybrid Solutions Terry: Hi Laurie. Share with our listeners a little bit about your journey in this industry. Terry: Let’s define “hybrid decoration.” What exactly are we talking about? Aaron: Why is now the moment for hybrid to become part of the mainstream conversation? Terry: What substrates are we talking about here? Aaron: This option is more expensive than other Sawgrass systems. What is the justification for the higher price? care.sawgrassink.com Terry: Give us an example of how you’ve used this system for an actual customer. How did you solve a problem for them? Aaron: How do you think this changes the conversation around "sublimation is dead"? Terry: If you already have a Sawgrass printer, can you convert it to Versiflex inks? Aaron: How can our listeners find out more? www.sawgrassink.com https://www.facebook.com/LearningSublimationwithLaurie https://go.oncehub.com/lauriedonovanworkshop 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/DhKt_yMrnKU OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN - August 1-2, 2025 Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals - Friday, Aug 01, 2025 at 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit - Saturday, Aug 02, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA - August 21-23, 2025 Graphics Pro Meadowlands,

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by decorated apparel legend Johnny Shell, Principal Analyst for Textile & Apparel Printing Services at Keypoint Intelligence. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Johnny brings unmatched insight into the current state of apparel decoration. We’ll explore where the market is shifting, which technologies are truly moving the needle (and which are just hype), and how small to mid-sized decorators can keep up with rising demand for customization, speed, and sustainability. Whether you're looking to adapt, invest, or gain a competitive edge, this conversation will give you the clarity and strategic takeaways you need to thrive in today’s evolving print landscape. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/-mgcsYoFImU Dad Joke Terry: My 4 year old granddaughter made me realize I might have a road rage issue. She was riding in my shopping cart at the grocery store and yelled at the shopper in front of us, “Pick a lane, jerk!” Where Apparel Decoration is Headed Next Aaron: I’m sure all of our listeners know you, Johnny, but tell us a little about Keypoint Intelligence. Terry: You’ve been in the decorated apparel space for nearly four decades. How have you seen the industry evolve, and what would you say are the most pivotal shifts happening right now? Aaron: With your finger on the pulse of this industry, where do you see technology making the biggest impact today, and which innovations are being overhyped? Terry: How are decorators, especially small and mid-sized shops, adapting to the demands of customization, speed, and sustainability? Aaron: You’ve often spoken about market signals. Can you share where you see demand trending, both in product types and in printing methods? Terry: If a listener walks away from today’s episode with one strategic insight, what do you hope it is? Aaron: How can our listeners find you? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/XcWWy0EGj2U OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN - August 1-2, 2025 Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals - Friday, Aug 01, 2025 at 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit - Saturday, Aug 02,

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Adrienne Palmer and the team from Fabric.ink to talk shop ownership at a deeper level. Beyond revenue goals and the daily grind. We’ll unpack the real struggles that keep decorators stuck, and the shifts needed to grow with intention. From building financial stability to gaining back control of your time, we’re asking the hard questions. What actually moves the needle in today’s print shops? What tools, habits, and mindset changes separate growth-focused owners from the rest? If you’ve ever felt buried in production or unsure what “growth” really means for your business, this episode is for you. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/i9hugEvCF2k Dad Joke Terry: (Aaron shared this one.) How does a sunflower ride a bicycle? With its Petals Growth Strategies Terry: We want to welcome into the show today, Fabric co-founders Steven Farag and Bruce Ackerman. Bruce, tell us a little bit about your journey in the industry. And Steven, you’re up. Erich: What do you think causes most print shop owners to plateau after a few years in business? Terry: Many shop owners got into this business for freedom, but end up chained to it. What are a few first steps to reverse that? Erich: How can owners begin shifting from being 'doers' to being strategic leaders, even if they’re still small? Terry: What’s a common bottleneck or fire drill in most print shops that could be solved with a simple system or process? Erich: If someone listening only has 5 hours a week to work on their business (not just in it), what should they focus on first? Terry: How do you help owners get clarity when they’re overwhelmed with too many ideas or directions to go? Erich: What’s one habit you see successful shop owners adopt that changes everything for them? Terry: What one golden nugget of advice would you give a business owner today? 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/5qKhUhSzpSc OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN - June 19-21, 2025 Marketing Better in 2025: Grow Profits with Clarity and Connection - June 21, 2025 at 11 AM DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN - August 1-2, 2025

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we welcome Jared Barbosa from Heat Press Nation to set the record straight. Sublimation is alive and well. With rumors swirling that sublimation is fading, we’ll explore what’s really happening in the marketplace. Jared brings a front-line perspective from one of the most trusted names in the industry. From product trends and customer behavior to HPN’s support of SkillsUSA and the next generation of decorators, this episode dives into why sublimation still has a strong foothold and what the future holds. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your sublimation business, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/UWACgyijiC0 Dad Joke Aaron: It’s my first week at the bicycle factory. They’ve already made me the spokes person. (Thanks to Marcia and James) Sublimation in 2025 Terry: Welcome to the show. Give us a little background on you and your path to the industry. Aaron: Jared, I want to dive right in the deep end here. We’ve heard folks say “sublimation is dead” because of all the attention DTF is getting. What’s your take on that? Terry: With so many printing options out there, DTF, sublimation, UV, screen print, how should decorators decide what’s right for them? Aaron: For someone who’s thinking about getting into sublimation, or maybe coming back to it, what would you say makes it still such a strong option? Terry: From your perspective, what’s changed most in sublimation equipment over the years? Aaron: How does someone know if sublimation is right for their business, or if it’s time to branch into another method like DTF or UV? Aaron: Where do you see sublimation going in the next couple of years, and what products are still growing? Terry: To wrap it up, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to decorators trying to figure out the best path forward for their business right now? Aaron: Thank you so much for being here with us. How can people connect with you and learn more about Heat Press Nation? Links Main Website: www.heatpressnation.com Free Weekly Classes: https://heat.press/class  HPN YouTube: www.youtube.com/heatpressnation  Sublimation Video Playlist: https://heat.press/subplaylist  HPN Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatpressnation My Brand Instagram (not HPN): www.instagram.com/Tuesdays_Best  Grandview Research Report on Global Dye Sublimated Apparel Market Grandview Research North America Dye Sublimated Apparel Market Size & Outlook 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. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our 'Secret Sauce' for insights that can help you soar. https://youtu.be/MzRyrb99nZ8 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! - Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Ch...