In this episode, join the 2 Regular Guys as they interview Cheryl Kuchek, an expert in the decorating industry, about the upcoming Sublimation Summit at Peachtree City, Georgia. Cheryl will share insights into what attendees can expect to see and experience at the event, including the featured speakers and exhibitors. Additionally, she will discuss the significance of the Sublimation Summit for those in the decorating industry and why it's a must-attend event. Tune in to get a sneak peek at what's in store for the Sublimation Summit and why you won't want to miss it.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/m3SNps416dA

Dad Joke

Why did the chicken click the PowerPoint presentation?

To get to the other slide

The Sublimation Summit Preview

Aaron: Cheryl, you’ve been here before, but tell our listeners a little about yourself.

Terry: Before we get into the specific, on a broader scale, why do you think decorators need to attend live, in person trade shows in general?

Aaron: So not just about sublimation, talk about the decoration methods people will see and hear about at Sublimation Summit.

Terry: I don’t need to say this for our regular listeners, but we’re all about education here. I know the classes are coming together, but what are some of the main focus areas of education at the Sublimation Summit? 

Terry: Let’s talk about sublimation businesses. How has the way people have to do business changed since the beginning and sort of the end of Covid?

Aaron: Look into your crystal ball and talk to us about what you see in the future for our industry.

Terry: Cheryl, how can our listeners sign up for Sublimation Summit?

Discount code for the 2 Regular Guys - $40 off of 3-day pass and $20 off the 2-day pass.

Code:2reg40 2reg20

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0MInpVhQPO0

OTHER EVENTS

* The Half – 11:30 AM CST every Friday. Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery. Thirty minutes of Q&A. See past episodes and support the show – thehalf.club. 

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago sta...

Tune in this week with hosts Aaron Montgomery and Terry Combs discussing the changing landscape of trade shows. Coming to you live from the DAX Show in Kansas City, providing a unique perspective on the topic. During the episode, Aaron and Terry discuss how vendors are changing their approaches to trade shows, as well as how attendees can have a more productive experience. They draw from their own experiences and observations, offering insights into the evolving nature of trade shows in the current era. This episode provides valuable insights into the changing world of trade shows and is a must-listen for anyone interested in attending or exhibiting at these events.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

Dad Joke

What do you call a bee that lives in America?

A USB

Trade Shows

Why are there new approaches?

* Natural progression

* Things we learned during COVID about communicating with customers - social media, etc.

* Getting more from fewer shows

* Shows still need to happen - touch and feel and observe

* What is the tipping point - Why aren’t they here?

Drawing attention

* Nothing more discouraging than, “You were at the show? I didn’t see your booth.”

* Jay’s graffiti wall (and backdrop)

* Do gimmicks work?

Partnering with other vendors

* Print/Take station with SanMar and EZ

* SanMar got to demonstrate non-garment items, and EZ had an  activity to attract attention plus have another vendor send people to the booth

* Success by association

* Coupon for a discount from a garment vendor if you buy XYZ equipment

* Providing equipment vendors with free garments to decorate

Social media videos and posts live during the show with hashtags

What would attendees like to see at a show?

* If what you’re selling does something… be doing that thing

* Me personally… put down your phone and get out of your chair

https://www.youtube.com/embed/U0eP-7xdwBo

OTHER EVENTS

*

Join the 2 Regular Guys as they welcome Ray Weiss from Printing United Alliance. Ray will be discussing the latest advancements in the field of print decoration and sharing the exciting news about the new iLEARNING+ Platform. This cutting-edge educational program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a variety of decoration methods, with courses designed to help printers of all levels expand their skills and knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the iLEARNING+ program is the perfect way to take your printing skills to the next level. So tune in this Friday to find out more and get a sneak peek into this exciting new educational opportunity!

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/zvgkSVeApl4

Dad Joke

(From Martha Taylor) What’s the difference between Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

The people in Dubai don’t like the Flintstones, but the people in Abu Dhabi do.

iLEARNING+

Aaron: Welcome Ray, into the show. Tell our listeners a little about yourself.

Erich: Tell us about iLEARNING+. What is it? How will it impact our listeners.

Aaron: How will these courses benefit our listeners?

Erich: What is the value of a certification vs a course?

Aaron: What’s coming up this Spring and Fall?

Erich: Some of our listeners are also educators. What are their opportunities here?

Aaron: Talk to us about becoming a member of PRINTING United Alliance as either a company or an individual.

Erich: How can our listeners find you and find out about iLEARNING+?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sRMXv_xWj_g

OTHER EVENTS

* The Half – 11:30 AM CST every Friday. Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery. Thirty minutes of Q&A. See past episodes and support the show – thehalf.club. 

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago starting April 22-23, 2023.

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, starting March 11-12, 2023.

Discussing Niche Markets has been a staple of 2 Regular Guys in the past. Terry and Aaron will be discussing some of the more unique and unusual niche markets. And they’ll be asking the Regulators for their thoughts and examples as well. Tune in this Friday to talk about Niche Markets in 2023 and get the creative juices flowing so you can find the right niche for you.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/jo1CgFhLbqE

Dad Joke

Why do Swedish warships have barcodes on them?

So when they dock they can Scandinavian (Scan the navy in)

Apparel Niche Markets

Why niche markets?

* Focus your marketing, focus your products, be the “go to” expert in that marketplace

* What’s your passion?

Create a niche from your own experiences

People will pay a premium for what they’re passionate about

Home brewers (Example)

* The weirdest one - Hit a deer, get a t-shirt

* Maybe they don’t know they’re in the market - National Corn Growers Association 

“Do they have hats?”

* Shirts teams wear under their uniforms

* Military

* Rock bands

* Ice cream and whale watching

* Charter fishing

* Gymnastics, cheer, dance events

* County race track

* Forest fires

* Cheerleading fundraiser

* Content Creators

https://www.youtube.com/embed/YHOnS8vDYcI

OTHER EVENTS

* The Half – 11:30 AM CST every Friday. Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery. Thirty minutes of Q&A. See past episodes and support the show – thehalf.club. 

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago starting March 4-5, 2023.

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse...

Join the 2 Regular Guys as they delve into the impact of Direct-to-Film (DTF) transfers on the apparel decorating industry. Russ Turner from Impressions Expo joins the show to share his insights from the recent Long Beach event and what he expects to see at the upcoming show in Atlantic City. Terry and Aaron continue the conversation, exploring the potential safety concerns and the real impact of DTF on the industry. Is DTF truly a game changer for the apparel decoration sector? Tune in to hear Terry's thoughts as someone deeply involved in the industry through his work with Equipment Zone, and join the conversation with the #Regulators live.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/wrtXv6mPu7c

Dad Joke

What do you get from a dwarf cow?

Condensed Milk(Thanks to Gösta Pyzze Karlsson)

Is DTF a Game Changer?

Aaron: Russ Turner with Impressions Expo is joining us here at the top of the show. Russ, welcome to the podcast.

Terry: Myself and Erich were just in Long Beach, California. Tell us how successful you thought the event was in terms of attendance and satisfaction of those attendees and the vendors.

Aaron: A lot of buzz is happening around DTF in the apparel space and I heard Long Beach was no different. What does DTF mean to the Impressions Expo and what does one of the industries learning trade shows think about the technology?

Terry: Impressions Expo is doing three shows this year. Tell us what our listeners can expect in Atlantic City in March, and then down the road in Ft Worth.

Aaron: Beyond 2023, is there a plan to expand the locations again like in the past?

Terry: Russ, how can our listeners reach you and how can they sign up to attend upcoming events?

* Why did the 2 Regular Guys want to tackle this topic?

* Had others on in the past (Todd Downing twice, Don Copeland)

* Honesty about Terry and his role with Equipment Zone and their place in the market(Terry has always been that type of guy anyway, never steering people wrong just to get a sale)

* Direct-to-Film… how it works and why do people use it?

* PET Film - Polyethylene terephthalate

* Adhesive - polyurethane resin

* Let’s talk about curing options

* Why is it so appealing that everyone is flocking to get their piece of the DTF pie?...

The decorators' community brings a world of creative people together to make the most amazing stuff. The 2 Regular Guys know that pricing can be a huge challenge for many businesses, both large and small. In this episode, Terry and Aaron will discuss the art of finding the right pricing model for your business. They both have years of experience pricing products and so their back and forth about the methods they use will surely give you the knowledge you can put to work immediately. It's time to find a  pricing strategy that puts profit in your pockets.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/R5-WW_eCHBo

Dad Joke

In the new year, I’d like to tell some healthier dad jokes. I've been trying to think of new jokes that contain fruits and vegetables.

If any of you listeners think of any, lettuce know.

The Art of Pricing

* Our experience with pricing and what we have learned

* End of U.S. Screen and our take on why

* Didn’t know their numbers - selling for less than what it cost - Could not make it up in volume and then from there it was how long could they feed the beast (Payroll, etc.)

* Other mistakes we have seen

* Art Versus Science

* What is a pricing strategy

* Can't just use a spreadsheet

* .99 on everything

* Being the lowest price = commodity.

* Pricing by committee

* Models for markup

* Value Propositions

* Measurable vs. Perceived

* Unique Value

* Higher Value =/= More Input

* Intangibles

https://www.youtube.com/embed/1oPtYkqmfqA

OTHER EVENTS

* The Half – 11:30 AM CST every Friday. Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery. Thirty minutes of Q&A. See past episodes and support the show – thehalf.club. 

* Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago starting March 4-5, 2023.

*

REGGIE Award winner Meghan Rodenhouse joined the 2 Regular Guys this Friday. Meghan is the spokesperson and runs marketing for Craft Express. We’ll discuss the importance of education and how to become an educator. And discuss creating online content via Facebook live, TikTok video, Reel, and more. Join us for a conversation with a rising star in our industry.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

Dad Joke

What did one volcano say to the other?

I LAVA you!

Sublimation Education

Meghan Rodenhouse is the current spokesperson and runs marketing for Craft Express. Previous Sawgrass spokesperson where she ran social, worked on Academy, had a podcast, hosted lives, etc. And Meghan is a current REGGIE Award winner.

What sets Craft Express apart from other dealers?

Education is important to us!  We do Facebook lives, reels and TikTok videos regularly focusing on education.  Plus, our YouTube video is stocked with How To videos.  Most importantly, we are approachable.  We love our crafty community members and want to help them.  We will answer messages at all hours of the day and night.  We see our users as family and we love helping them and being involved in their lives.

What does Craft Express bring to the crafting world?

Craft Express is focused on the joys of crafting for makers at all levels.  At Craft Express we cater to sublimation, vinyl/HTV, rhinestone, laser engraving and several other forms of crafting.  We offer makers and small businesses with the basic cornerstone products, but also offer them unique products they can’t get anywhere else.  We also offer heat presses and machines that are made to not only be functional, but that people want to show off in their craft room. 

Why are you working to build a community of users with Craft Express?

We are working to build a community of users because we think its important that people know that they are not alone.  Crafting can be fun but it can also be difficult,

It is Friday the 13th, but the 2 Regular Guys listeners are in for a lucky day. Marketing guru Jay Busselle is taking a break from his speaking travels and will join Terry and Aaron to talk branding. By studying successful businesses in a variety of fields, Jay has put together a blueprint for branding success we can follow in our own businesses. Fasten your seatbelts whenever Jay joins the 2 Regular Guys!

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/73PvQcu28to

Dad Joke

Did you know the new book I’m working is set entirely in my own basement

I’m hoping it makes the best cellars list.

Branding Success

It's been about 30 years since Jay started printing and selling “unofficial replica” t-shirts in the mid 80’s of his favorite skiing and skateboarding companies. Jay is a board member, referred to as “chefs” for PromoKitchen, an all-volunteer nonprofit group focused on mentorship within the promo and apparel industry. He is a highly rated industry presenter and a trainer on topics like branding, social media and LinkedIn. Jay is currently the VP of sales and marketing at Equipment Zone, founding partner at FLEXpoint 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!

Terry: What can I do to “future proof" my business?

Aaron: What is "Brand Relevance" 

Aaron: Jay, how cool would it be if there were an index that measures how relevant your brand is?  (Explain / show the BRI: Brand Relevance Index & Prophet.com) 

Terry: Do you think you could break this down a little and keep it simple for us apparel decorators and branded merch business owners?  (Explain 4 Pillars - the blueprint)

Terry: Can you share any examples of businesses in our industry that have created culture and maintain their brand relevance? ( Printed Threads & BrandFuel)

Terry: Jay, you’ve got a special project going next week in Long Beach. Tell us about that.

Aaron: How can our listeners find you?

https://youtu.be/UXN-MtCz7yU

OTHER EVENTS

* The Half – 11:30 AM CST every Friday. Erich Campbell and Aaron Montgomery. Thirty minutes of Q&A. See past episodes and support the show – 

From things the industry really needs to wishful thinking, the 2 Regular Guys are back in 2023 with their annual “10 Things” list in their own 10th year on the air. Whether from a 10,000-foot perspective to nuts and bolts ideas, Aaron and Terry look to the coming year with hope and anticipation. Join in with your own thoughts on the future of our industry in this new year.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

https://youtu.be/gurRFB5YUfA

Dad Joke

Did you know I opened a gym called New Year’s Resolution

For the first two weeks I have gym equipment there. After that it’s just a bar.

10 Things

Our list from last year…

Terry: Is it too easy and cheap to just say I’d like to see more trade shows happen this year? Most of us like to touch and feel new products, and more and more new industry participants need to be face-to-face with not only equipment and supplies, but vendors, instructors and other decorators. 

Aaron: What Printing United Does in the Garment and Personalized Product Space? This is not necessarily something I'd like to see that I'm not seeing, more of a hope to see what comes from our industry's trade association. My concern is the packaging and printing worlds that they've acquired push out the garment space. But I know there are some fantastic people there like Amanda, Josh Carruth and Cassie Green. So I'm optimistic, just more of a cautionary tale. I'm happy to participate be on panels or support so I'll do my part.  I'd also love to see more sublimation and embroidery representation. ThreadX?

Terry: Fewer snake oil salesmen. That sounds like a negative but I’m just asking for people to do their research before handing over your CC. There are a few companies in our industry that cause you to cringe when someone says “I just bought from…” 

Aaron: Less “Cliques”. We are all decorators and I know we all have our own communities and what we are drawn to, but how do we support the greater good?

Terry: Shop checkup checklist. When I talk to decorators in a variety of areas about an issue they’re having, I always have them walk step by step through their process. There are certain things consistent from shop to shop I’m looking for. A checklist could be applied to most any decoration method to get everyone “on the same page.” Maybe suppliers could put together a loaner kit to use for testing.

Aaron: A USA made Vacuum Press - I thought back about 5 to 10 years ago there was some interesting s...

Break out your junior yellow legal pad or Google Docs, and let's do some planning for success. It's time for another annual 2 Regular Guys tradition. PLANNING for the new year. 2023 is going to be a great year for the Decorators Community as we all continue to get better at this “new normal.” Aaron and Terry will break down how they plan for the next year, and we are excited to discuss with the #Regulators what the future will hold. It’s GO Time!

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, 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 improve your business and our industry. 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!

Ready to have clarity and confidence in your business? Got to https://oursuccessgroup.com/tryosg

News

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

Dad Joke

When Santa’s elves are busy in the workshop, what music do they listen to?

Wrap Music

Terry's New Book

Exciting News! Terry has published his latest book. Beer, Bait & Barbecue: The Secret and True Origin of Vampires upon the Earth. Get your copy at https://decorators.ink/bbb

Planning for 2023

Previous Year - 2022

Aaron: Have a Process 

Aaron: What are the metrics you will be used to track your progress in 2022

Aaron: Set clear goals that include how much and by when

Terry: Look at the changes your business went through during the 2021 version of the Covid year, and determine which you want to keep

Terry: Equipment purchases in 2022 - Lead times are real and not going away

Terry: Follow through… with customers, with employees, with your personal plans…

Planning for 2023

Terry: Do you know your brand?

* And if you do, is it the brand you want?

* Here’s what it’s not…

* Your brand is not your logo

* Your brand is not “Hey, look at me!”

* Your brand is not a mission statement

* So what is your brand?

* Your brand is your promise

* Brand is about relationships

* What can they expect from you?

* What separates you?

* Why do you do what you do?

* Your brand is who you are… who you want to be… who people perceive you to be

Aaron: Love that you brought up branding. Clarity on who you are and who you service is so important.

* What customers did you enjoy working with?