2 Regular Guys Podcast

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.

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Terry: What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet?

SUPPLIES!!

Let’s talk training in general to start

What is the new opportunity with digital training?

Can we turn training over to the internet?

Onboarding new employees

52/15 Training

Building a library of digital content

Recording your own content

Using AI in the training process

Wrap up: Just like with new decoration methods, we decorators have multiple options with training as well. It’s just a matter of what we do with them.

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.

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?

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If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Terry: I told the nurse I was bitten by a wolf, and she said, “Where?”

Aaron: Where?

No, a regular wolf.

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?

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.

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?

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Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.
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If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Aaron: A friend of mine got kidnapped by a group of mimes.

They did unspeakable things to him.

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?

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.

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.
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If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Terry: 4th of July joke from Kim Johnson

What do you call a duck that bursts into flames?

FIRE QUACKER!!

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

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.

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.
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If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

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!”

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?

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.

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

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Terry: (Aaron shared this one.) How does a sunflower ride a bicycle?

With its Petals

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?

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.

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

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Aaron: It’s my first week at the bicycle factory.

They’ve already made me the spokes person. (Thanks to Marcia and James)

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

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.

It’s our 600th episode! And what better way to celebrate than with Spencer Cenrnoff of Limitless Transfers, a two-time DTFPrinting.com Award Winner and standout in the world of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. We’re diving into Spencer’s journey. From how he got started to building an award-winning DTF transfer business. We’ll also break down what’s driving the explosive growth in the DTF market, what decorators need to know to succeed, and what’s next for the technology and the industry. Whether you’re deep in the DTF world or just DTF-curious, this milestone episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and a few golden nuggets you won’t want to miss. Join us as we celebrate 600 episodes of educating and elevating the decorating community!

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

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

FROM OUR GUEST! Why did the screen printer go to the doctor’s office?

He couldn’t stop cracking up and needed to be cured.

Aaron: Welcome into the show, Spencer. Tell us a little about yourself and how you found your way into the industry.

Terry: I was at an event here in Phoenix where you won an award recently, and your 2nd DTF award! Tell us about that.

Aaron: Let’s start with the “big picture”. What do you attribute the huge growth of DTF decorating and where do you think the industry is going?

Terry: How about your specific business? What do you feel the future holds as to technology and beyond?

Terry: For our listeners on the sidelines and thinking about this business, what’s your take on diving in with an equipment purchase, or starting by jobbing out your DTF transfers?

Terry: Are there some downsides you see to DTF printing and the process? Or the end product? How about any downside to what you see being produced by DTF contractors that isn’t necessarily “award contenders”?

Aaron: For 13 years, 2RG has done an annual show on what we would like to see in the coming year. What innovations would you like to see in the DTF world in the coming year, and beyond?

Terry: What’s one golden nugget of advice you would give to other DTF decorators, or people thinking about taking the plunge into this marketplace?

Aaron: How can our listeners reach out to you?

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.

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re teaming up with Cassie Green and Kristine Shreve, co-hosts of the brand new Threads of Change podcast by Apparelist, to bring you a powerful collaborative episode. Together, we’ll explore the intersection of mental health, gratitude, and self-care in the decorated apparel industry and beyond. Our special guest is Kylene Montgomery is a vocational rehabilitation counselor, certified Success Principles trainer, yoga instructor, and author of The Gratitude Shift: A Simple Path to Find More Peace and Joy. We’ll have an honest conversation about how gratitude can be a transformative tool for navigating burnout, building resilience, and supporting the well-being of yourself and your team. Whether you’re a shop owner, creative, or industry pro, this episode offers a fresh, thoughtful perspective on how taking care of yourself is just as essential as taking care of business.

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

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Aaron: Why can’t you trust an atom?

Because they make up everything.

Aaron: Let’s welcome in the Threads of Change Co-Hosts first, Cassie Green and Kristine Shreve. Thanks for being here with us. Before we grab Kylene, can you guys give us a quick overview of the Threads of Change?

Cassie: I put out a brainstorming call to my editorial advisory board quite a while back, asking them to send me topic ideas and things that the Apparelist should be covering. Kristine came back to me with this idea that there really isn’t a lot of discussion in the industry about topics like mental health or being a minority in the industry. Of course, groups like UNITE Together exist that are helping change the rhetoric, but we really wanted to bring these conversations to the public sphere.

Kristine: Additional thoughts – how we met and started our brainstorming on how the podcast came to be

Back and forth about our goals with the podcast, but then let’s bring the conversation back to Mental Health Awareness Month.

Cassie: Our May guest is Amanda Delaney of Logomark, and she’s been openly discussing mental health for quite some time, so we felt it was perfect for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Terry: Where can people tune in and learn more about the podcast?

Lives on the Apparelist website here: https://www.apparelist.com/podcast/.

Cassie: You do a lot of work in the health and wellness space: you’re a yoga instructor and I’ve listened to a few of your curated meditations. Can you tell us about your journey into this world and specifically into mental health?

Kristine: What value do you think it brings to talk openly about mental health?

Cassie: One of the things we talked about with Amanda is whether or not you have to share your personal story. How does each person’s experience with mental health differ, and why don’t we always have to share it?

Kristine: Kylene, as a mental health and wellness advocate, what’s your experience been like leading conversations and being the one who’s more in the “public eye”?

Cassie: I read your and Aaron’s book, The Gratitude Shift. Another topic we talked with Amanda about in Threads of Change May is the fact that there are resources like this out there, from books like yours up to professional help. How do you see resources like your book serving as a positive way to help others?

Kristine: As you’ve gone through this journey of exploring and educating in the mental health and wellness space, what have you found to be the most powerful messaging that might help others out there going through some struggles?

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.

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Lon Riley. A seasoned expert in UV printing and manufacturing workflow innovation. Whether you’ve never touched a UV printer or are curious how it might fit alongside your current technology, this episode is for you. We’ll break down what UV printing is great for (and what it isn’t), explore how digital decorators can streamline their operations, and talk about the trends shaping the future of efficient, on-demand production. Plus, Lon brings insights on U.S.-based manufacturing, automation, and how to think smarter about your print processes, no matter the decoration method.

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

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Terry: My neighbor has identical twins named Amal and Juan, but their mom only carries one baby picture in her wallet

Aaron: Why does she only carry one baby picture?

Because if you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amal

Aaron: Welcome to the show, Lon. Tell us a little about how you got into the industry and where you are today.

Terry: I think traditionally, people would think of our podcast as one for t-shirt printers. Our listeners (Regulators) do cover a broad spectrum, but for anyone unfamiliar, can you explain UV printing technology to our listeners?

Aaron: What are the ideal applications for UV printing, and are there scenarios where it’s not the best fit?

Terry: How can UV printing complement other decoration methods like screen printing or embroidery in a shop’s offerings?

Aaron: What are some common challenges print shops face when integrating new technologies, and how can they overcome them?

Terry: What role does automation play in modern print shops, and how can businesses start implementing it?

Aaron: How do you see the future of on-demand manufacturing evolving, especially concerning UV printing?

Terry: What advice would you give to a print shop considering diversifying their services with UV printing?

Aaron: Looking ahead, what innovations or trends in UV printing and workflow optimization are you most excited about?

Aaron: Where can our listeners learn more about your business and connect with you?

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.