Direct to Garment – 2 Regular Guys Podcast

Color Confidence: Better Workflows, Consistent ResultsColor Confidence: Better Workflows, Consistent Results

August 7, 2026| 0 Comment|

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:44 — 46.9MB)

With Aaron and Terry away at a trade show, Cassie Green from Apparelist steps in to co-host alongside Producer Erich Campbell for a conversation all about better color, stronger workflows, and getting more from PRINTING United Expo. Their guest is Shelby Sapusek of ColorCasters, a color management consultant and trainer, G7+ Expert, and two-time PRINTING United Expo All Star. Shelby helps print providers take the confusion out of color management and build practical systems that create more consistent, repeatable results. During the episode, Shelby will break down what a color management workflow really looks like, the common mistakes shops make, and the simple improvements decorators and print providers can start using right away. The conversation will also explore how changing printers, inks, software, and substrates are affecting color management, along with what shops should be paying attention to next. Shelby will also share details about the G7+ Exchange, her role as a PRINTING United Expo All Star, and how attendees can use the All Star program to navigate the Expo, find the right resources, and avoid feeling overwhelmed on the show floor.

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Growing Pains: The Business Mistakes Holding Your Shop BackGrowing Pains: The Business Mistakes Holding Your Shop Back

July 31, 2026| 0 Comment|

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:32 — 58.3MB)

Growth sounds exciting, but growing the wrong way can create more stress, smaller profits, and a business that controls your life. This week, Terry and Aaron welcome Colin Sinclair McDermott, The Online Print Coach, to explore the common mistakes print and apparel businesses make while trying to grow. Drawing from his experience running print companies, overcoming business failure, and coaching hundreds of industry professionals, Colin will share how owners can approach growth more strategically in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. We’ll discuss outdated sales and marketing habits, poor planning, inconsistent systems, customer relationships, accountability, and the difference between simply getting busier and building a stronger, more profitable business. Whether you are preparing to grow or already feeling the pains of expansion, this conversation will help you recognize the warning signs and make better decisions before expensive mistakes slow you down.

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Sustainability Made Practical: Regulations and What Comes NextSustainability Made Practical: Regulations and What Comes Next

July 24, 2026| 0 Comment|

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:01:35 — 52.4MB)

Powerfully-simple email marketing for ecommerce businesses by AWeber

Sustainability is becoming a bigger part of doing business in the promotional products industry, but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. This week, Aaron and Terry welcome Liz Wimbush, PPAI’s Director of Sustainability & Responsibility, to help make the topic practical and easier to understand. Liz shares how PPAI is supporting members at every stage of their sustainability journey, from businesses just getting started to those already leading the way. The conversation covers available tools and education, the Carbon Intensity Study, packaging Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, emerging textile legislation and the upcoming PPAI Responsibility Summit. Whether you are a supplier, distributor, or decorator, this episode will help you better understand what sustainability means for your business, what changes may be coming, and what steps you can begin taking now.

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Buying Transfers vs. Printing In-House: When Should You Make the Move?Buying Transfers vs. Printing In-House: When Should You Make the Move?

July 17, 2026| 0 Comment|

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:42 — 53.7MB)

Is it time to buy a DTF printer, or are you better off continuing to outsource your transfers? In this episode, Terry and Aaron look at the decision from both sides. Terry brings the production perspective, while Aaron focuses on the numbers, cash flow, and business planning behind the investment. They will discuss order volume, staffing, available space, maintenance, turnaround time, equipment costs, and the real impact of downtime. They will also explain why the best answer may not be choosing one option over the other. For many decorators, a hybrid approach can provide the right balance of control, flexibility, and backup capacity. Before you invest in equipment or assume outsourcing is holding you back, this conversation will help you understand what factors should drive the decision.

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Print and Apparel Convergences – How Can an Apparel Decorator Sell Printing?Print and Apparel Convergences – How Can an Apparel Decorator Sell Printing?

July 10, 2026| 0 Comment|

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:36 — 57.5MB)

The lines between commercial printing and apparel decoration are disappearing. More customers want one trusted partner who can provide everything from business cards and brochures to branded apparel, signage, and promotional products. So where does that leave today’s apparel decorator? This week, Aaron and Terry welcome print industry veteran Mark Pomerantz, founder of SalesWisdom, to explore what apparel decorators can learn from the world of print sales. With more than 40 years of experience helping print professionals grow their businesses, Mark shares practical sales strategies, relationship-building techniques, and ideas for expanding your offerings without losing focus. We’ll also discuss why print and apparel are converging, what that means heading into PRINTING United Expo, and how decorators can position themselves as complete branding partners. If you’ve ever wondered whether adding print could grow your business, this episode is for you.

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