How to Build a Screen Printing Shop from the Ground Up

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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.

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News

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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.