Trade shows can be one of the most powerful growth tools in your business or an exhausting expense with little return. The difference is having a clear plan before, during, and after the show. This week on 2 Regular Guys, we welcome back Angie Meese, sales consultant for UxPrint and the creative force behind That Shirt Shack. Angie shares practical strategies for preparing before the doors open, staying intentional on a busy show floor, and following up in ways that turn conversations into real, long-term relationships.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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

Terry: Did you know I had a job interview at UPS?

I apologized for being late because I went to the wrong address, and they made me a regional manager.

Terry: Welcome back. Before we dive into trade show strategies, remind our listeners about you and your story in the industry.

Aaron: When you are evaluating a trade show, what are the key signs that tell you this one is worth your time and investment?

Terry: What does strong pre-show preparation actually look like, and what are most people skipping that hurts them before the show even starts?

Aaron: You have worked shows from multiple sides of the industry. How does your approach change when you are selling versus when you are building long-term relationships?

Terry: What are the must-have tools, materials, or systems you bring with you to every show that make your life easier afterward?

Aaron: How do you use social media before and after a trade show to extend the life of the event beyond the show floor?

Terry: Looking back, what is one lesson from an early trade show experience that still shapes how you approach events today?

Aaron: What does effective post-show follow-up look like after an event?

Terry: Anything we missed today that could help people at an upcoming show?

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.

Every year, we take a step back and ask a simple but important question. What do we really want to see change or improve in the garment and product decoration industry?

In this annual tradition, Aaron, Erich, and Terry share their list of 10 things they hope to see in the year ahead. From meaningful innovations and smarter processes to shifts in mindset and industry culture, this conversation is about progress that actually helps shop owners run better businesses. And as always, this is not a one-way conversation. We want to hear your ideas, your frustrations, and your hopes for the future. Join us live and add your voice to the discussion.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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 was going to quit all my bad habits for the new year

Then I remembered that nobody likes a quitter.

Last year… Here is our update for the first week of 2026

Terry: Consolidation slow down

Aaron: Strength-Led Business Design – I see a lot of business owners who are focused on their weaknesses, the comparison trap. And the worst trap of all – Trying to be all things to everyone. 

Erich: Strengthening and Refinement after Industry Democratization

Terry: Appreciation of screen printing

Aaron: Real Number Literacy for Decorators – I’m still a little in awe of how many business owners I meet who don’t know how much it costs them to be in business. The challenge is – how do you set your pricing if you don’t know your costs? Many of them are just waiting to go out of business, but won’t know it until it is too late, and they are deeply in debt and have ruined a lot of other areas of their life too. We have had great examples of running your business from a place of strength in knowing your numbers, like Daniel Frank, the discussion we had with Brad Pengelly around Thanksgiving about automation, but we also talked about knowledge. Nick Gawreluk talking Smarter Profit Strategies for Apparel Decorators

Erich: Reinforce the Value Proposition for Digitizers

Terry: Tradeshow refocus on education

Aaron: More Involvement in the REGGIEs – I know this might look self-serving at first glance, but in reality, our world gets more and more disconnected the more “connected” to our phones and computers we get. The REGGIEs are a way to keep the industry connected to REAL people. We are just the facilitators, so let’s make sure in 2026, you all break the nomination form with an overload of the amazing people in our industry that need to be recognized.

Erich: Continue to Seek and Develop new Relationships and Enhance new Voices

Regulators from chat:
@dougsobel2571  more embroidery and more Business processes like intake samples approval production ect…

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.

As another year wraps up, it’s time for our annual planning conversation, but this one hits differently. In this yearly tradition, Terry and Aaron step back from the noise to help you reset, refocus, and plan for a year that feels clear, intentional, and sustainable. Instead of piling on more goals and tools, they walk through how to review the past year honestly, simplify your priorities, and make smarter decisions that support both your business and your life. This episode is for shop owners who want fewer surprises, better margins, and a plan that actually holds up once the year gets busy. If you’re ready to move into the new year with confidence instead of chaos, this is the planning conversation you want to be part of.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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 was the snowman digging through the bag of carrots?

He was picking his nose

Last year…

Terry: Let’s do my favorite thing, make a list! Sit down and think about what you would like to accomplish in your business in 2026. Anything from increasing sales, adding production capability, being more efficient, hiring a new employee, or even coming up with a new logo. I like to list 20 things without stopping. The deeper in the list, the more creative thinking is what I’ve found. After you make your list, pick one thing to dig deeper into and build a plan to get there.

Aaron: I love a good list, too, but you know me, always the contrarian. Build a “No List” Before You Build the Plan. This is a list of things, opportunities, and even people you need to say no to. Because every yes costs something, and most of the stress we carry in our businesses comes from yeses we never should have made in the first place. Saying no is what creates space. Space to say yes to opportunities that are a fit, clients you actually enjoy working with, and real possibilities that feed your zone of greatness.

Terry: Try something brand new! It’s easy to stay with the status quo, but you’ll never grow your business or grow personally, trudging along doing the same old things. This doesn’t have to be a big capital expense. Try a new workflow to be more efficient. Order some specialty ink if you’re a screen printer and experiment. Order some different films and test them on your DTF transfers. Experimentation breeds innovation that breeds new opportunities.

Aaron: I’m going to stick with my less-is-more theme. This is normally Terry’s place to bring me back down to reality, but I love that the tables have turned this year. Build the Year Around One Profit Driver. Choosing one primary profit driver for the year can make a massive difference. When you try to improve everything at once, it becomes overwhelming, and then nothing actually improves. Better planning means choosing where improvement truly matters.

Terry: Where do you want to be in 5 years, 10 years? Maybe you want to be doing exactly what you’re doing now. Maybe you’re considering retiring or doing something else moving forward. Are you positioning your business to turn over to the kids, or even sell in the future? Take a look now at what things would need to look like for that kind of transition. You can start now positioning for that intended eventuality.

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.

Join us for one of the most exciting episodes of the year as we reveal the 2025 REGGIE Award winners and welcome as many of them as possible to join us live on the show. The REGGIES are the industry’s only fully community-driven awards, shining a spotlight on the decorators, educators, innovators, and companies who have made a real impact this year. From breakthrough products to exceptional customer care and rising leaders, this celebration highlights the people who continue to strengthen and inspire the garment decorating community. In this special episode, winners will accept their awards live, share a few thoughts, and celebrate alongside the rest of the industry. We’ll also talk through the categories, highlight what made this year unique, and recognize the community that makes the REGGIES so meaningful. To learn more about the awards and all the categories, visit https://www.2regularguys.com/reggies/

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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

Aaron: Did you know that Rudolph didn’t learn to fly in school?

He was “elf” taught

Questions for winners

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.

Most decorators think networking means handing out cards or pushing a pitch, but Angie Meese has built her success by doing the opposite. As a Sales Consultant for UxPrint and the creative force behind That Shirt Shack, she’s learned how to turn simple conversations into long-term collaborations by being useful, consistent, and easy to trust. In this episode, Angie shares how decorators can prepare for events, avoid common networking mistakes, and follow up in a way that feels natural instead of salesy. You’ll hear practical steps any shop can use right away, whether you’re trying to grow customer relationships, strengthen supplier partnerships, or make trade shows more productive. We’ll walk through habits that help small shops build connections as powerful as the big players, plus one actionable step you can take this week to grow your network with intention. Perfect for screen printers, DTF/DTG shops, embroiderers, and sublimators looking to turn conversations into real business.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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

From Keegan: What do you call it when you cross a dinosaur and a pig?

Jurassic Pork!

Aaron: Angie, welcome to the show. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to where you are in the industry today.

Terry: What role has networking played in your success and growth?

Aaron: You like to be prepared for a tradeshow. What’s your strategy for preparing before a big trade show like Printing United?

Terry: What are the most common networking mistakes decorators and suppliers make?

Aaron: Follow-up is something tradeshow vendors struggle with. How do you approach follow-ups without sounding salesy?

Terry: How can small shops build relationships that feel just as powerful as big distributors?

Aaron: What advice would you give to someone who’s nervous about networking?

Terry: What tools or habits help you manage and maintain industry relationships?

Aaron: We like to have our guests leave us with one golden nugget. What’s one actionable step listeners can take this week to grow their network intentionally?

Terry: How can our listeners reach out to you?

https://uxprint.us/angie

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.

Automation isn’t the future. It’s happening now. The 2 Regular Guys are joined by Brad Pengelly, Founder of Hoops, to talk about how automation is reshaping the print and promo industry. Brad shares real-world insights from running his own print business and building Hoops — modern order and sales management software made for decorators. Discover how automation can help you, eliminate wasted time and manual admin, build clarity and consistency into your workflow and unlock new capacity, growth, and profitability. We’ll cover why process is the true foundation of success, how to break the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset, and how automation empowers your team to focus on what really matters — creativity and customers. Tune in and learn how to prepare your print shop for long-term success in an automated future.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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

Terry: Brad, let’s start with your story — what was the turning point that led you from running a print shop to founding Hoops?

Aaron: What does automation mean in practical terms for a small or mid-sized print shop?

Terry: Many shops feel automation sounds too complex or expensive. What’s the mindset shift they need to see it as accessible and empowering instead of intimidating?

Aaron: Before adding software or automation, you talk about “process clarity.” What’s the best way for a business owner to uncover what’s actually happening in their workflow?

Terry: Can you give an example of a shop that transformed their operations by getting their processes right before automating?

Aaron: What kind of measurable results do you see — in time saved, errors reduced, or growth unlocked — when businesses implement automation effectively?

Terry: How do you balance automation with the human side of the business — creativity, relationships, and personal service?

Aaron: We’ve always done it this way – What’s your advice for leaders trying to break through that resistance to change?

Terry: What are some early warning signs that a print shop is falling behind because it’s not embracing automation yet?

Aaron: What do you see as the next big evolution in automation for the print and promo world?

Terry: How does Hoops help decorators simplify their operations today and prepare for what’s next in this rapidly changing industry? 

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, the 2 Regular Guys welcome back Warren Werbitt, The Print Whisperer himself, to explore the growing convergence between commercial print and apparel decoration. Warren recently launched theprintwhisperer.shop, and we’ll talk about what pulled him deeper into the decorating world and why this crossover matters for the future of both industries. We’ll also continue the conversation Aaron and Warren started on his podcast, Printing’s Alive. Together, they unpack the challenges printers unintentionally create for themselves, the real drivers behind standout creativity, how sales mindsets have evolved, and what leadership really looks like in print today. Expect stories, laughs, and practical insights from two people who love this industry and aren’t afraid to say what everyone else is thinking.

Your business doesn’t need more tasks. It needs clarity, alignment, and a structure that supports you.

The Business Builder Accelerator is a guided 12-week experience that helps you uncover what actually matters, make confident decisions, and build a foundation you can grow on.

Explore the experience and sign up for a free clarity call –> OSG.link/Builder

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’ve been warned not to tell any more Thanksgiving jokes

(How’s that going?)

Well, I couldn’t just quit cold turkey

Aaron: Welcome in! It’s been a while since we had you on the show (July of 2020). Give our listeners a brief Warren 101 and as a bunch of apparel geeks here, what inspired you to launch theprintwhisperer.shop?

Terry: On the podcast you did with Aaron, you talked about selling a large batch of shirts and how exciting that felt. What does that kind of excitement tell you about where creativity fits into print today?

Aaron: When we talked on your podcast (https://youtu.be/ZfQpEBmcWiY?si=Eanh7jMqcaEXnb8I), we discussed some ways that printers often create their own challenges. What are a few of those patterns you see popping up again and again?

Terry: You and Aaron had a great conversation about passion being fuel. How do you stay fired up about print after all these years?

Aaron: You’re known for connecting with people anywhere… elevators, airplanes, trade shows. How can less extroverted printers learn to build the same kind of relationships?

Terry: Many shops struggle without realizing they’re creating their own roadblocks. What’s one self-inflicted challenge you see all the time that printers rarely admit to?

Aaron: We talked about young talent on your podcast. What do you believe needs to change for print and apparel shops to attract the next generation?

Terry: Humor plays a huge role in your content and your sales style. How can printers use humor and positivity to stand out to customers?

Aaron: When you look at shops that thrive, what habits or mindsets do you see consistently?

Terry: After everything we’ve talked about today, what do you wish more printers understood about their own potential?

Aaron: Tell us where people can connect with you, learn more about what you do and buy some fun shirts?

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 Daniel Frank, owner and CEO of Silverscreen Decoration & Fulfillment, to explore how process, leadership, and strategic outsourcing can completely transform a growing business. With more than 30 years of experience in logistics and manufacturing, Dan has seen firsthand how disciplined systems and a solutions-first mindset drive real, measurable growth. His company is up 30% to 40% this year, with monthly volume more than doubling. Proof that process can outperform hustle. Daniel shares how outsourcing marketing, IT, art, and finance actually strengthened his company’s control and culture, and how focusing on client-driven solutions led to new revenue streams and loyal partnerships. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

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: What do you call a happy cowboy?

Jolly Rancher

Aaron: Can you start by sharing your background and how your experience in logistics and manufacturing shaped the way you lead your company today?

Terry: You’re in the middle of a 30 or 40% growth year — what are the biggest factors driving that success?

Aaron: You’ve built a system that emphasizes process over chaos. How did you start creating those systems, and what was the first one that made a big difference?

Terry: Many business owners fear outsourcing. What helped you get past that fear and build confidence in the decision?

Aaron: How do you make sure those outsourced teams stay aligned with your brand and standards?

Terry: Let’s get back inside your internal team… How do you develop and empower your leadership team to own their areas while maintaining overall accountability?

Aaron: You run on a merit-based culture. How does that show up day-to-day, and what impact has it had on your team’s performance?

Terry: What’s your process for identifying new opportunities or deciding when to say yes to something new?

Aaron: I know you have added a lot of digital decoration in recent years. As a contract decorator, some people feel they have to stay analog primarily from a pricing standpoint. But you have a unique take on what digital decoration, like DTF, is doing for your business.

Terry: How do you personally balance working on the business versus in it as you continue to grow?

Terry: We have only scratched the surface of some of the wonderful conversations I have had with you. If people want to connect with you or learn more about the services you provide, how can they do that?

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 one of our favorite shows of the year. The 2025 REGGIE Award Nominee Reveal! Join the 2 Regular Guys as we unveil the official list of this year’s nominees and celebrate the people, products, and companies making a difference in the garment decorating world. These awards are 100% community-driven — nominated and voted on by decorators, suppliers, and industry pros just like you. We’ll talk about what makes the REGGIES so special, highlight this year’s standout categories, and share some behind-the-scenes stories from the nomination process. Tune in for a fun, fast-paced episode packed with inspiration, gratitude, and a few surprises along the way. Let’s celebrate the heart of this industry — the people who make it happen!

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: Cars have too many gadgets these days

I tried to back up yesterday, and my car played a video of a guy being run over by a car.

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

www.2regularguys.com/reggies

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, the 2 Regular Guys are joined by our good friend Jay Busselle to talk about how automation and AI are transforming the promo, apparel, and print world. Jay is gearing up for his new event, Automate & Elevate, designed to help professionals work faster, sell smarter, and stay profitable. We’ll dive into why now is the time to embrace automation, how AI can elevate people—not replace them—and what trends are shaping the future of our industry. Tune in for a real-world look at how to turn new technology into a business advantage.

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: Which monster loves to go to the club?

The Boogeyman

Aaron: Jay, lots of changes for you over the past year. Share what you’ve been up to lately.

Terry: The Big Picture:

What makes Automate & Elevate different from a typical webinar or training session? And why is now the right time to focus on automation and AI in the promo, print, and apparel space?

Aaron: The Mindset Shift:

A lot of small business owners still feel like automation or AI is “too big” or “too technical” for them. What’s one mindset shift that can help them get started and actually see early wins?

Terry: Humans + Machines:

You’ve said before that automation shouldn’t replace people — it should elevate them. How are you seeing that play out in the promo and apparel world right now?

Aaron: The Road Ahead:

Without giving away all the secrets from Automate & Elevate, what’s one trend or tool you’re most excited about that’s going to change the way our industry works over the next year or two?

Terry: It’s all happening here on the 2RG’s platform, but give our listeners the details about tuning in. And tell us how people can 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.