The Future of Printing: How Automation Frees You to Grow

October 17, 2025| Aaron Montgomery| 0 Comment| 10:00 am

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Show Notes

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:34 — 57.1MB)

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Thero of Pythias Technologies to explore how automation is transforming print shops of every size. From DTF and DTG to sublimation and fulfillment, automation isn’t about replacing people. It’s about removing bottlenecks, reducing waste, and giving decorators more time to focus on creativity and customers. We’ll dig into where to start with automation, and how connected workflows are leveling the playing field between small shops and large-scale producers. Whether you’re still printing manually or already testing connected systems, this episode will help you see what’s possible and how to take the next smart step toward a faster, more profitable shop.

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News

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Dad Joke

Aaron: What do you call a paper airplane that can’t fly?

Stationary

REGGIE Announcement

2025 Fresh Impact Product Award
2025 Customer Care Spotlight Award
2025 Industry Education Excellence Award
2025 Decorator’s Hub Trade Show Award
2025 Rising Star Award
2025 Women’s Voice Award
2025 2 Regular Guys Podcast Guest Star Award
2025 Best Ambassador for the Industry
The REGGIE Nominations are officially open – Nominate today at https://www.2regularguys.com/reggies/

Aaron: Michael, welcome to the show. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey in this industry. What got you interested in automation and workflow systems for the print industry?

Terry: I’ve done some writing and consulting called Double Your Production in 30 Days or Less. You’ve talked similarly about going 0-60 in a few weeks. What does that look like in real terms?

Aaron: Many decorators think automation means expensive robots or complicated software. What are a few simple automations that can make a big difference right away?

Terry: I know you’re all about streamlining processes in the actual decoration. Share some thoughts on streamlining in DTF, DTG, and sublimation.

Aaron: Automation is often viewed as a tech topic, but what mindset shifts do shop owners need to make before implementing it successfully?

Terry: For shops selling online through Shopify, Etsy, or Amazon, what are some best practices for syncing orders, inventory, and fulfillment efficiently?

Aaron: It feels like shipping costs are going up and up, and shipping times occasionally feel a little fluid. Share your thoughts on reducing shipping costs and times.

Terry: How has the explosion of DTF changed the conversation around automation and connected workflows?

Aaron: Looking ahead, what excites you most about where automation and the print industry are headed in the next few years?

Terry: Tell us a little about your own software product and how our listeners can find you?

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.

OTHER EVENTS

Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago, Nov. 1-2.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD
The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
Understanding Emblems: Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.

Trade Shows

Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025
- Chaos to Clarity: The Mindset Shift That Transforms Everything – October 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM
- The Time Myth: Why Work-Life Balance Is a Lie and What to Do Instead – October 23, 2025 at 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
- Setting and Achieving Goals Yet This Year: Making the Most of 2025 and Beyond – October 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM – 4:50 PM
Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025
All dates and events are subject to change

DTG, Screen Printing, and Mixed Media DesignsDTG, Screen Printing, and Mixed Media Designs

August 9, 2019| Aaron Montgomery| 0 Comment| 10:00 am

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:39 — 59.1MB)

Please find some links and notes from the 2 Regular Guys Podcast. Jeff Lavin from One Off Apparel joins us to talk about DTG, Screen Printing and Mixed Media Designs. Jeff has a story many of us recognize, starting off in his parent’s basement, making some beer money in college and falling in love with garment decorating. He has grown his business from the basement to a woodshed to a commercial building in West Boylston, Massechesuts. He now does work for the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox plus he has found his sweet spot in mix media and also 500 to 5,000 piece orders. He shares with us a ton of great tips on how mixed media can fit into your shop, where he sees the market heading and how to grow your business from the basement to reality. He is a guy you want to root for as he is a super person and someone to emulate.

Sponsored by: Embrilliance.com. Get 10% off by using the code 2RG at check out.

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August 14th Show Notes – Printing on Demand to Make More ProfitAugust 14th Show Notes – Printing on Demand to Make More Profit

August 14, 2015| Aaron Montgomery| 0 Comment| 2:58 pm

August 14th Show Audio

Please find some links and notes from the 2 Regular Guys Podcast. Aaron and Terry are back together again this week to discuss the power of adding Printing on Demand to Make More Profit to your decorating business. They will share, tips, tricks and niche markets to target for Printing on Demand to Make More Profit and doing on site printing services. They will discuss what printing on demand is and why you should look at printing on demand for your personalization business. They will also give you information about what equipment you need and why. Plus they will cover how to set-up at these events, upselling on the spot and what types of imprinted products work well.

Cut-and-Sew Success: Adding All-Over Custom ApparelCut-and-Sew Success: Adding All-Over Custom Apparel

May 2, 2025| Aaron Montgomery| 0 Comment| 10:00 am

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:00:16 — 55.2MB)

This week, Aaron Montgomery goes live from the American Print and Supplies Open House. He and Terry will dive into the world of full cut-and-sew apparel decoration. Whether you’re curious about offering custom-made garments or wondering how to expand without sewing a stitch, this episode has you covered. We’ll talk about what makes cut-and-sew unique, from design and file prep to pricing and pattern considerations. Learn how to use cut-and-sew as a brand differentiator and how to market it. If you’re looking to add high-value products to your line without adding a whole new department, this show is for you.