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AI-generated artwork is changing how decorators create designs, but are you putting your business at risk without even knowing it? Who owns AI-generated artwork, what can you legally print and sell, and what happens when a customer brings you an AI-created design? Attorney Gordon Firemark returns to 2 Regular Guys to help us make sense of AI art and copyright in the garment decorating and personalization industry. We’ll explore commercial-use licenses, trademark concerns, copyright protection, and the legal responsibilities that come with printing AI-generated designs. Plus, we’ll discuss practical steps decorators can take to protect themselves while still embracing AI technology. Whether you’re creating artwork, selling decorated products, or handling customer-supplied designs, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 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 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/xpjqlZIscL8 Dad Joke Aaron: Where do you take someone who has been injured in a peek-a-boo accident? The ICU (I see you) What Print Shops Need to Know About AI Artwork Copyrights and Trademarks Past 2018 Show – https://www.2regularguys.com/copyright-and-trademark-law/ Past 2021 Show – https://www.2regularguys.com/copyright-and-trademark-law-questions-answered/ Aaron: Gordon, welcome back to the show! You’ve helped us understand copyright and trademark law in the past, but AI has added a whole new layer to the conversation. Before we get into that, give our listeners a quick refresher on your background and the kind of legal work you do. Terry: Let’s start with the big question. If I sit down at my computer, type a really detailed prompt into an AI image generator, and create an amazing T-shirt design, who owns that artwork? Can I copyright it? Follow-up: What if I spend two hours in Photoshop modifying that AI image, adding my own elements, and making it unique? At what point does my human creativity change the copyright situation? Aaron: Let’s say I’ve created some great artwork using ChatGPT, Midjourney, or another AI tool. Can I legally put it on T-shirts, mugs, or promotional products and sell them? And does it matter which AI platform I used? Terry: Here’s a situation our listeners might recognize. A customer walks into my shop with an AI-generated image and wants 200 shirts printed. What responsibility do I have as the decorator to determine whether that image infringes on someone else’s copyright? Aaron: Here’s what worries me about AI-generated artwork. I could ask it for a cowboy riding across the desert, and it might give me something that looks almost identical to an existing artist’s work. If I didn’t know that original artwork existed, could I still be held liable for printing and selling it? Follow-up: Is there anything practical a small shop can do to check AI-generated artwork before printing it? Terry: Let’s turn that around. Suppose I create an original design, put it on a T-shirt, and discover another decorator is selling the same image. If my original artwork was generated entirely by AI, do I have any legal recourse? Aaron: What about logos and branding? More small businesses are using AI to create their company logos. Can an AI-generated logo be protected as a trademark? What should decorators tell customers who want AI-generated logos? Terry: The Etsy and online marketplace question: We’re seeing thousands of AI-generated designs sold as downloadable artwork on Etsy and other platforms. If I purchase one of those designs with a commercial-use license, how much protection does that actually give me? Aaron: What should we be putting in writing? Should decorators update their customer agreements, artwork approval forms, or terms and conditions to address AI-generated artwork? Would a customer statement that they have the right to reproduce the image offer any real protection? Terry: Let’s finish with some practical advice. If you owned a small garment decorating business today, what are a few things you would do immediately to protect yourself legally while still taking advantage of the tools available to us today? Aaron: Gordon, we’ve covered a lot today, and I know there are probably some Regulators out there realizing they need to pay a little more attention to the legal side of their business. Tell us about the work you do. How can you help a decorator or small business owner who wants to protect their artwork, their business, or just make sure they’re doing things the right way? And what’s the best way for them to connect with you? Terry: Gordon, we seem to have a bad habit of only inviting you back every three or four years, but fortunately, our Regulators don’t have to wait that long to learn from you! You’ve got podcasts of your own. Tell us about your shows, what listeners can expect to learn, and where they can find them. @dougsobel2571 Do you have to register designs with the copyright office? 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. https://youtu.be/GqhJrMSCt4U OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

The REGGIES are back for their 14th year, and we’re shaking things up for 2026! With new categories, new industry partners, and broader reach across print and digital decoration, we’re ready to recognize even more people, products, and organizations making a difference. This week, Aaron and Terry welcome members of the new REGGIE Awards Committee: Cassie Green of Apparelist, Theresa Hegel of ASI, and Dan Barefoot and MJ Clavijo of World Imaging News. Together, we’ll introduce all nine award categories, explain what’s changing, and officially open nominations for the 2026 REGGIE Awards. From garment decoration and promotional products to wide-format printing and beyond, the REGGIES remain true People’s Choice awards. You nominate. You vote. The industry celebrates! Nominations open October 9 and close November 6. Join us to learn how you can help recognize the people and innovations moving our industry forward! Learn more and nominate: 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 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/E227MHXIJYQ Dad Joke Terry: I saw a chameleon today Not a very good one People’s Choice Awards for The Printing Industry Terry: It’s REGGIE Awards category announcement day. And we’ve changed things up a bit for our 14th Annual Awards. Aaron: That’s right, Terry, we have a little help this year… {Introduce the Committee!} Terry: We’ve always tried to be fluid and ready to change on 2RG’s when it feels like it’s time. We brought in the smartest people we know to help us with those changes, so can we start by asking you all some questions? Aaron: What excited you about getting involved, and what do you hope we can accomplish together? (Cassie, MJ, Dan, Theresa) Terry: As we talked together as a group, we all felt it was important to make sure that we recognize the wider print and digital decoration industry. Dan, I think this started as your suggestion. Why do you think that’s important, and what opportunities does it create to recognize people who might otherwise be overlooked? {If anyone has anything else to add…} Aaron: We’ve refreshed several categories and added some new ones. When you look at the awards as a whole, what changes are you most excited about, and why? (Theresa, MJ, Cassie) Terry: The REGGIES have always been a People’s Choice awards, and we want to protect that. You guys are going to help verify nominations and make sure the rules are followed, but the industry still chooses the winners. Why is that distinction important? Terry: Before we reveal the categories, what would you say to someone who has never participated in the REGGIES? Why should they take a few minutes to nominate people, products, and organizations that are making a difference? Aaron: Next, let’s get to the categories, but first the rules that were refined a bit this year but still similar to years past: You must submit valid nominations in at least 5 of the 9 categories. Nomination forms with fewer than 5 completed categories will not be counted. Self-nominations are allowed, provided the nominee meets all eligibility requirements for the category. All nominations are subject to eligibility review and certification by the REGGIE Awards Committee before finalists are announced.  Nominations close on November 6th at Midnight Central Time. This is a hard deadline, and late nominations will not be accepted. Giving ourselves a week this year instead of killing myself the night before like the last 13 years. LOL Certified nominees and finalists will be announced on November 13th, when public voting opens. A company or organization may appear on the final voting ballot in a maximum of two categories. This limit includes individuals, products, events, initiatives, programs, or other entries associated with that company or organization. When nominating, this won’t matter, but just so people don’t wonder why their favorite vendor or teacher or whatever is not in all 9 categories. They will just stay in their two strongest nomination categories. Voting will run from November 13th through December 11th at Midnight Central Time. Winners will be announced live on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast on December 18th. Campaigning is encouraged, but offering discounts, gifts, prizes, giveaways, compensation, or other incentives in exchange for nominations or votes is prohibited and may result in disqualification. Any questions or comments about the rules? 1. Product of the Year Recognizes a product introduced within the previous three years that has made a meaningful impact on the print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. Eligible products may include equipment, machinery, software, apparel, promotional products, consumables, decoration products, tools, technology, or other products used by businesses within the wider print and digital decoration market. Products developed by manufacturers, suppliers, decorators, printers, PSPs, distributors, or other industry participants may be nominated. Nominations should identify the product and explain why it has made a meaningful impact on the industry or the businesses that use it. Eligibility: ● Product must have been introduced within the previous three years. ● Product must serve or meaningfully impact the wider print or digital decoration industry. ● Previously nominated products may be eligible, provided they have not previously appeared as a REGGIE Award finalist. ● Companies may nominate their own products. 2. Customer Care Spotlight Award Recognizes a company or individual who demonstrates exceptional customer service, responsiveness, support, and commitment to helping customers succeed. This award is open to the entire industry, including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, decorators, printers, PSPs, promotional product companies, service providers, and others serving the print and digital decoration market. If the nomination is for a company, nominators are encouraged to identify a specific individual when one person played a particularly important role. Eligibility: ● Nominee must serve customers within the wider print or digital decoration industry. ● Nomination should explain what makes the customer experience exceptional. ● Both individuals and companies may be nominated. 3. Industry Educator of the Year Recognizes an individual or educational source that has made a meaningful contribution to learning and professional development within the industry. Eligible education may include live instruction, trade show education, podcasts, videos, blogs, webinars, workshops, training programs, online communities, courses, or other educational platforms. The emphasis should be on genuine education and knowledge sharing rather than content primarily designed to sell a product or service. Eligibility: ● Nominee must provide meaningful education to people within the print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. ● Educational content should provide practical knowledge, skills, ideas, or professional development. ● Individuals and educational platforms may be nominated. 4. Industry Event of the Year Recognizes an in-person industry event that provided exceptional value through education, networking, community building, inspiration, business development, or professional growth. Eligible events may include: ● Trade shows ● Conferences ● Summits ● Regional events ● Educational events ● Networking events ● Open houses ● Industry gatherings ● Other in-person professional events Eligibility: ● The event must serve participants within the wider print and digital decoration industry. ● The event must have taken place during the current awards cycle. ● Nomination should explain why the event created meaningful value for attendees. 5. Rising Star Award Recognizes an individual under age 40 who is making a meaningful positive impact within the wider print and digital decoration industry. The nominee may be recognized for creativity, skill, leadership, innovation, business growth, education, community involvement, or another significant contribution. Eligibility: ● Nominee must be under 40 years old at the time nominations close. ● Nominee must be actively involved in the wider print, decoration, promotional products, or related industries. ● Age may be verified by the REGGIE Awards Committee before the nominee is approved for voting. 6. Women’s Voice Award Recognizes an individual who actively elevates the roles, accomplishments, opportunities, and visibility of women within the print and digital decoration industry. The award celebrates someone who helps strengthen the industry through advocacy, leadership, education, mentorship, community building, or other efforts that positively impact women working within the industry. Eligibility: ● Nominee must demonstrate meaningful efforts to elevate women within the industry. ● Nominee may come from any segment of the wider print and digital decoration market. ● Nomination should include an explanation of the nominee’s impact. 7. 2 Regular Guys Podcast Guest Star Award Recognizes a guest whose appearance on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast delivered valuable information, actionable ideas, immediate takeaways, or meaningful perspective while also creating an engaging and memorable episode. Eligibility: ● Nominee must have appeared as a guest on the 2 Reg

The equipment, technology, and opportunities in the printing industry keep changing, but are we doing enough to make sure our people are keeping up? This week, Aaron and Terry welcome Ray Weiss, VP of eLearning and Certifications for PRINTING United Alliance, to talk about education, training, and the continued development of iLEARNING+. Now in its fourth year, the platform brings vetted, industry-specific education from experts directly to print professionals, with courses designed for everyone from newcomers learning the basics to experienced professionals sharpening their skills. We’ll also get Ray’s perspective coming out of the recent PRINTING United Expo. What stood out? What did he learn from conversations with people across the industry? And how are the needs he saw at the Expo influencing where education and iLEARNING+ go next? Plus, we’ll tackle one of the biggest challenges facing every busy shop: finding time to train when there is always another job that needs to get out the door. If you want to build a stronger team, develop your own skills, or better prepare your business for what’s coming next, this conversation is for you. 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 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/ABjsy3CwH3M Dad Joke Aaron: What did the nut say when it was chasing other nuts? I’m a cashew (Catch you…) Training the Industry Terry: Welcome to the show. Can you start us off by telling us about your journey in the print industry? Aaron: Ray, we just wrapped up PRINTING United Expo. From your perspective, what stood out this year, and what did you hear or see that told you where our industry needs more education or training? Terry: We hear a lot about the challenge of bringing new people into the printing industry. What are they coming in knowing, where are the biggest knowledge gaps, and how can better education help us get them productive faster? Aaron: There are already general learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy. Why does the printing industry need something specifically built for us, and what makes iLEARNING+ different? Terry: For someone who has never explored iLEARNING+, give us the tour. What kinds of courses are available, and how does the platform serve everyone from a brand-new employee to an experienced owner or industry veteran? Aaron: You’re now four years into iLEARNING+. What have you learned about how people in our industry actually want to learn, and has anything surprised you or changed the way you develop education? Terry: Coming out of the Expo and looking at where the industry is headed, what skills or areas of knowledge do you think shops should be developing now, and how is that influencing what comes next for iLEARNING+? Terry: Let’s talk to the shop owner who says, “Training sounds great, but we’re too busy getting jobs out the door.” How do you make education part of running the business instead of one more thing you’re supposed to find time for? Terry: How can people find you and where can they learn more about iLEARNING+ and Printing United? 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. https://youtu.be/NJYvQJFiVHU OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

We’re live from PRINTING United Expo as we head into the final day, bringing together some of the industry’s sharpest eyes and ears. Dan and MJ from World Imaging News, Theresa Hegel from ASI, and Cassie Green from Apparelist join Aaron and Terry to break down what caught their attention, what people are talking about, and what this week might tell us about where the printing and decorated apparel industries are headed. We’ll also get into the REGGIE Awards, hear what our guests are excited to report on next, and compare notes on the technology, trends, conversations, and surprises coming out of the show. Consider this your full dose of PRINTING United news, happenings, and “did you see that?” moments straight from the show floor. 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 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/HH0uyXvcYHk Dad Joke Aaron: I used to be addicted to the hokey pokey. But I turned myself around. What’s Making News and What’s Next 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. https://youtu.be/tgo5y5GkHOA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

What if one of the best ways to build a stronger business is to start looking at the talent most companies overlook? This week, we welcome back Jed Seifert, co-founder of Stakes Manufacturing and the reigning 2025 REGGIE Award Industry Ambassador. Jed joins us to talk about the newly released book INKclusivity: Company Benefits of Disability Inclusion & How-To Implementation Guide, which he co-authored with Vince Bartozzi, Patrick Bardsley, and Tim Howe. We’ll explore why disability inclusion is more than a social initiative. It can also be a smart business strategy. Jed will share what Stakes Manufacturing has learned from building an inclusive workforce, some of the misconceptions that keep businesses from getting started, and practical steps even a small print or decorating shop can take to create opportunities for people with disabilities. We’ll also talk about Jed’s new Raising the Stakes podcast and his mission to highlight business leaders who are using their success and influence to make a difference. If you’ve struggled to find and keep great employees, wondered how disability inclusion could work in your business, or simply want to build a company that creates an impact beyond the bottom line, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 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 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/zOvG4NjnFnc Dad Joke Terry: I tried calling the tinnitus help line today. No answer, just kept ringing Building a Better Business by Seeing Ability Aaron: Jed, it’s been a while since you’ve been on the show, so give us a quick rundown of your journey in the industry. Terry: Let’s start with the title. What does “INKclusivity” mean, and what made you decide this was a book that needed to be written? But first, share the names of the other authors. Aaron: You’re not approaching disability inclusion as just a social issue; you’re making a business case for it. What are companies missing when they overlook people with disabilities? Aaron: A business owner might hear “disability inclusion” and immediately think, “This is going to be complicated or expensive.” What would you say to that person? Terry: The subtitle calls this a “How-To Implementation Guide.” You mentioned that 10% of your 275-person workforce consists of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and read that you guys also run internships with your local school system that have led to full-time employment. What are some things a small business could actually do tomorrow to become more inclusive? Aaron: I’ve seen you on panels shaking your head when the question comes up. We talk to a lot of decorators who are struggling to find and keep good employees. Is there an untapped workforce here that our industry simply isn’t paying enough attention to? Aaron: What have you learned at Stakes Manufacturing from employing and working alongside people with disabilities that surprised you personally? Terry: Where do companies most often get disability inclusion wrong, even when they genuinely have good intentions? Aaron: Let’s switch to the Raising the Stakes Podcast. Why launch a podcast now, and what conversations do you want to have there that you weren’t able to have anywhere else? Terry: The name Raising the Stakes obviously connects to Stakes Manufacturing, but I’m guessing it has another meaning. What do you want to “raise the stakes” on? Aaron: If somebody listens to this conversation, reads INKclusivity, and then starts listening to Raising the Stakes, what do you hope they ultimately do differently in their own business? Terry: Okay, Jed, let’s say I own a 10-person screen printing shop. What do I do Monday morning? Terry: OK, Jed, where can people find the book, find the podcast, and 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. https://youtu.be/tgo5y5GkHOA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

We all have customers who make us stop and wonder, “Is this order really worth it?” This week, Terry and Aaron are loading the Wheel of Names with some of the most frustrating, awkward, and all-too-real customer situations print shops deal with. The customer who always claims the counts are wrong. The one who haggles over every price. The customer who signs the art approval and then says they never really looked at it. The late-night caller. The chronic order changer. The customer who is rude to your staff. And yes, the one who needs everything tomorrow, then waits a week to pick it up. Wherever the wheel lands, we’ll talk through the situation and ask the bigger question: Do you fix the process, reset expectations, charge more, set a boundary, or fire the customer? Terry will bring the production perspective, Aaron will look at the business and customer-fit side, and the Regulators joining us live get to weigh in too. Because not every difficult customer needs to be fired, but not every dollar is good revenue either. This episode is about knowing the difference. 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 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/qwCEiRiGrGk Dad Joke Terry: Scientists are trying to cross crabs with cheetahs This could go sideways… really fast Challenging Customer Reset But Online It’s Cheaper Full situation: Customer constantly tells you that another shop, website, or online seller can do it cheaper. Why are they still talking to you if price is the only factor? Are they comparing the exact same product and service? Local service, communication, artwork help, deadlines, and problem-solving all have value. Should you ever match an online price? Sometimes the correct response is to encourage them to take the cheaper option. The Fake Emergency Full situation: The customer absolutely has to have the order by a certain date, so the shop rushes it through. Then the customer waits a week to pick it up. Rush fees should be based on what the deadline does to your operation, not when they pick it up. Should rush orders require full payment upfront? How much disruption did the artificial emergency cause? Do repeat offenders lose access to rush service? Customers often value deadlines differently when there is no cost attached. Waiting on Sizes Full situation: “I’ll call you with sizes, but go ahead and get everything ready.” Then you chase them for days while the production deadline keeps getting closer. An incomplete order is not a production-ready order. When does the turnaround clock actually start? Could an order confirmation clearly state that deadlines begin after all information is received? Should inventory be reserved before sizes are finalized? Customers should understand how their delays affect their delivery date. Best Price Buyer Full situation: “I never pay full price. What’s the absolute best price you can do?” If your first price is not your real price, what message does that send? Some buyers negotiate because they have been trained that everyone has room. What happens when you simply say, “That is our best price”? Can you change the scope instead of changing the margin? Do they want a better price or a better deal? The Oddball Order Full situation: One or two customers constantly require a product or production method that does not fit your normal workflow, such as jackets when you otherwise never decorate jackets. How much disruption does this work create? Are you carrying supplies, equipment, or knowledge for one account? Does the margin compensate for the complexity? Could you outsource this work instead? Revenue from an unusual job can hide its real operational cost. 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. https://youtu.be/mT6HGFHgyI0 OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

DTF costs pennies. Screen printing is dying. Customers only care about price. You need to be on every social platform. That machine will pay for itself. Sound familiar? This week, Terry and Aaron are firing up the Print Shop BS Detector and putting some of the decorated apparel industry’s most common claims to the test. We have loaded a prize wheel with myths, sales pitches, internet advice, old-school habits, and those things everyone seems to repeat because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” Wherever the wheel lands, we are going to break it down. Some claims are complete BS. Some have a little truth hiding inside them. Others depend entirely on your shop, your customers, your numbers, and what you are trying to accomplish. Terry will bring the production reality, Aaron will challenge the business logic, and the Regulators joining us live get to weigh in along the way. No sacred cows. No sales spin. Just a fun conversation about what actually holds up when you put common print shop advice under a little pressure. 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 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/6IzHJHZ9xuU Dad Joke Terry: I went to a magic show in Mexico over the weekend The magician counted uno, dos… and then disappeared without a tres Tres = Trace Myths, Bad Advice & Industry “Truths” This machine will pay for itself. The better question is, “What business problem does this machine solve?” Machines do not create sales by themselves. You need enough profitable volume to support the payment and operating costs. Production capacity without demand can turn into an expensive idle asset. In screen printing, you need to flash between every color. Flashing every color can slow production dramatically. Good ink, proper screens, print order, off-contact, and technique can reduce unnecessary flashes. Over-flashing can create adhesion or curing issues. This is a great example of outdated internet advice getting repeated as a rule. You should price your embroidery at $1 per 1000 stitches. Stitch count alone does not determine production cost. Setup, hooping, garment type, thread changes, machine time, trims, and complexity all matter. Two 10,000-stitch designs can have very different production times. Pricing should reflect your actual costs and value, not an industry shortcut. The customer is always right. Customers can be wrong about artwork, deadlines, garment suitability, and production methods. Good service does not mean blindly agreeing. Your job is often to guide the customer toward a better result. Sometimes protecting your team or your business means saying no. A 300 DPI file is automatically good artwork. DPI alone says nothing about whether the artwork is clean or usable. A tiny bad image can still be 300 DPI. Resolution does not fix poor edges, compression, transparency issues, or bad color. Decoration methods have different artwork requirements. 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. https://youtu.be/Kz-u9ywXqJw OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

Every year, ASI’s Counselor State of the Industry report gives us one of the clearest snapshots of what is really happening across the promotional products world. This week, we welcome back Theresa Hegel and C.J. Mittica from ASI to help us look beyond the headlines and break down what the 2026 numbers mean for the people actually doing the work. The industry grew in 2025, but beneath that growth are some important shifts. Aaron and Terry will dig into the findings with Theresa and C.J., including what surprised them, which trends deserve more attention, where the biggest opportunities may be hiding, and what distributors, suppliers and decorators can learn from the data. This isn’t just about where the industry has been. It’s about what the numbers can tell us about where we’re going next, and how you can use that information to make better decisions in your own 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 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/oDogBOhF9HU Dad Joke Terry: I tried to organize a hide-n-seek tournament, but it was a total disaster Yeah, good hide-n-seek players are hard to find Promo State of the Industry Aaron: Welcome to you both. Theresa, you’ve been on with us dozens of times, but CJ, it’s been a while. Could you tell us a little about yourself and your journey in the industry? Terry: Theresa, can you give us some history and background on the Counselor State of the Industry Report? Aaron: For people who haven’t dug into the SOI yet, what’s the main takeaway for promo right now?  CJ, let’s go to you first. Anything to add, Theresa? Terry: Theresa, what surprised you most when you started looking through this year’s data? Anything else CJ? Aaron: Teresa, can you talk about some of the most popular products and biggest markets in promo?  CJ, how have these categories changed over the years? Terry: Can you talk a little about industry health? Distributor profit margins declined for the first time since 2020. CJ, what do you attribute that to? Theresa, how are distributors handling the decline? Aaron: Theresa, how are trends like AI and print-on-demand affecting the industry? CJ, anything to add? Terry: CJ, can you talk a little about product sourcing and how geopolitical uncertainty and tariffs have affected it? Theresa, how are suppliers and distributors responding to these headwinds? Aaron: Theresa, what’s one finding in the report that you think promo companies should be paying more attention to? How about you, CJ? Terry: Theresa, where can our listeners find you, ASI and beyond? And CJ, how can our listeners 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. https://youtu.be/Jfr4qzD2QYA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

AI makes it easier than ever to create marketing content, but easier does not always mean better. This week, Aaron and Terry welcome B2B marketing expert, print industry advocate, and author Joanne Gore to talk about how poorly used AI can strip the personality out of your marketing, blur what makes your business different, and potentially send customers looking elsewhere. We’ll explore how print and decorated-apparel businesses can use AI without producing generic “AI slop,” why a strong messaging foundation matters before you ever write a prompt, and how the human behind the business still makes all the difference. Then we’ll turn from artificial intelligence to real connection. Joanne will share why industry associations, peer networks, and one-to-one relationships remain so valuable in an increasingly digital world, plus how business owners can get far more from membership than simply paying dues. We’ll also connect these ideas to Joanne’s book, Thriving in Chaos: Lessons Learned as a Corporate Marketer, and what decades of change have taught her about resilience, adapting without losing yourself, and building relationships that help us navigate both business and life. 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 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/AZaQj0Nodco Dad Joke Aaron: Did you know the person who invented the Ferris Wheel never met the person who invented the Merry Go Round? They traveled in different circles AI Marketing Slop Aaron: Welcome to the show, Joanne. Tell our listeners a little bit about you and your journey in the industry. Terry: Let’s start with “AI slop.” What exactly do you mean by AI slop, and why should a print business owner care about it? Aaron: AI can produce a tremendous amount of content very quickly. Where do you see businesses going wrong when they start using AI as a content machine rather than as a marketing tool? Aaron: One of the biggest risks seems to be that AI-generated content makes a company sound just like everyone else. How does that actually drive customers toward the competition? Terry: What are some of the telltale signs that you’re looking at AI slop? Are there things that immediately make you say, “Yep, nobody proofread this”? Aaron: You talk about messaging playbooks as a foundation for getting better results from AI. What should a print company have in that playbook before it starts asking AI to create marketing content? Terry: Can AI actually help a small print business sound more human and differentiated or does that still require the human being behind the business? Aaron: Let’s shift gears to associations. You’ve been involved with industry associations and communities for years. Why should a business owner join an association when so much information and networking is available online for free? Terry: There’s an old saying that “membership has its privileges.” What are the privileges of association membership that business owners often overlook? Terry: How can someone get a real return on their association membership instead of simply paying dues and putting the association logo on their website? Aaron: If you could give a print business owner one thing to do tomorrow, one to “stop the slop” in their marketing? Terry: Joanne, where can people find you, learn more about your work, and continue the conversation after the podcast? 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. https://youtu.be/bgrArmA4FHQ OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

This week, Warren Werbitt, The Print Whisperer, is back to talk about something nearly everyone in the print industry has been guilty of: making things more complicated than they need to be. Whether you own the shop, sell the work, run production, manage a team, or are simply trying to grow your career, there are always distractions pulling your attention away from what really matters. New equipment, pricing pressure, customer demands, internal drama, shiny new technology, and plenty of opinions about what you should be doing next. Warren joins Aaron and Terry to talk about putting the blinders on, focusing on what you can control, making smarter decisions, and taking ownership of your role in the business. We’ll get into sales, profitability, people, technology, PRINTING United Expo, and some of the dumb decisions we all make along the way. Sometimes the biggest improvement is not adding something new. It is getting clear about what matters, simplifying the noise, and doing your part better. 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 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/7QH3XyMo17k Dad Joke Aaron: From Andy Swanson: Why was the librarian kicked off the airplane? Because it was overbooked Color Consistency Aaron: Welcome in, Warren. You were here recently, so give us the elevator version of your bio. Terry: You’re known for being innovative, unconventional, and uncensored. What’s something the print industry believes today that you think is completely wrong? Aaron: You work with SMB print businesses. What is the biggest mistake you see owners making that is holding their company back? Terry: A lot of print business owners are busy all the time but aren’t necessarily profitable. How do you help them distinguish between being busy and actually building a successful business? Aaron: What do you think separates a print shop that is simply surviving from one that is positioned to grow and thrive? Terry: How important is it for a print business owner to get out of the production weeds and start working on the business instead of constantly working in it? Aaron: Print owners often focus heavily on equipment, technology, and production. Are we sometimes overlooking the more important investments in people, sales, and business processes? Terry: What’s your advice to a shop owner who says, “My customers only care about price”? Is that really true? Aaron: You’ve seen a lot of changes in print over the years. Which current technology or market trend do you think is genuinely exciting—and which one is getting more hype than it deserves? Terry: If you walked into a struggling print business tomorrow, what are the first three things you would look at to figure out what’s really wrong? Terry: You clearly love print. After everything you’ve seen in this industry, what keeps you excited about print and convinced there’s still a great future for independent print businesses? Aaron: How can our listeners find you? Bonus question if needed: If you could give every print business owner one piece of brutally honest advice—and they had no choice but to listen—what would you tell them? 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. https://youtu.be/uRydzQfjXoA OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry’s DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026 – CANCELLED Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 – CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO – October 30-31, 2026 ASI Orlando, FL – January 5-7, 2027 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 21-23, 2027 DAX Kansas City, MO – February 19-20, 2027 International Personalization Expo Las Vegas, NV – February 23-26, 2027 ASI Fort Worth, TX – March 1-3, 2027 Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 18-20, 2027 DAX Twin Cities, MN – April 16-17, 2027 DAX Nashville, TN – May 14-15, 2027 DAX Chicago, IL – June 11-12, 2027 ASI Chicago, IL – July 27-29, 2027 DAX Indianapolis, IN – October 1-2, 2027 All dates and events are subject to change

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. 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 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/VczTMya_9iM Dad Joke Erich: As a cat dad, Aaron set me up with a special joke today- Why are cats so good at video games? Because they start with nine lives. Color Consistency Erich: Welcome into the show Shelby.  For those who haven't met you yet, tell us about your journey into color management and what led you to become a G7+ Expert and now a two-time PRINTING United Expo All Star. Cassie: Color management sounds intimidating to a lot of decorators and print providers. How do you explain it to someone who thinks it's only for large commercial printers? Erich: What are some of the biggest color management mistakes you see shops making today, and what's one simple improvement they could implement this week? Cassie: When you talk about a "color management workflow," what does that really mean, and why should every print shop have one—even if they're relatively small? Erich: Technology keeps changing with new printers, inks, RIP software, and substrates. How has color management evolved over the past few years, and what should shops be paying attention to now? Cassie: You'll be speaking at the second G7+ Exchange before PRINTING United Expo. For listeners who may not know about it, what is the G7+ Exchange, and why is it worth attending? Erich: What are you planning to share during your G7+ Exchange session, and what do you hope attendees walk away with? Cassie: You've served as a PRINTING United Expo All Star for two years now. What exactly does an All Star do during the event, and why is that program such a valuable resource for attendees? Erich: For someone attending PRINTING United Expo for the first time, how can they make the most of the All Stars and avoid feeling overwhelmed by everything happening on the show floor? Cassie: If a shop owner or decorator could only focus on one color-related project over the next six months, what would give them the biggest return on their time and effort? Erich: Where do you see color management heading in the next few years? Are there emerging trends or technologies that have you especially excited? Cassie: As we wrap up, what's one piece of advice you'd give every print professional before they head to PRINTING United Expo, and what are you personally most looking forward to at this year's event? Shelby: Links to include - iLearning+ at https://www.ilearningplus.org/ and of course to find me, ColorCasters.com 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. https://youtu.be/EjZB1HpE8EM OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry's DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities, MN - August 7-8, 2026 Friday, Aug 07, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - The Myth of ‘Everyone is My Customer’ Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at noon - 1:15 p.m. - Bye-Bye Burnout Saturday, Aug 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - DTF 101: From File to Finished Print (What Actually Matters). Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA - August 13-15, 2026 - CANCELLED Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH - September 10-11, 2026 - CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV - September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX - October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO - October 30-31, 2026All dates and events are subject to change

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. 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 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/-9KxsRQxfoQ Dad Joke Terry: What dinosaur wakes up earliest? The crackodon Business Mistakes Terry: Colin, welcome to the show. We stopped reading bios a while ago and just want to learn who you are from you as well as hear about your journey in the print industry. "I'm Colin Sinclair McDermott, although most people know me as The Online Print Coach. I've spent over 25 years in the print industry. I've owned print businesses, franchised them, made plenty of mistakes myself and now I coach print, sign and garment decoration companies around the world. What fascinates me isn't printing presses—it's business owners. Two companies can have the same equipment, same suppliers and operate in the same town, yet one is thriving while the other is struggling. The difference almost never comes down to print. It comes down to leadership, marketing, systems and mindset. That's why I created Print Mastermind—to stop owners from feeling like they're having to figure everything out on their own." Aaron: Colin, when a print or apparel business starts growing, what are the earliest warning signs that the owner may be building more chaos instead of building a stronger company?  The warning signs are: everyone is busy, but nothing gets finished owner works longer hours despite growing sales customer service slips quoting becomes inconsistent cashflow gets tighter despite more orders every decision still goes through the owner Terry: What is the most common growth mistake you see owners make when sales begin increasing, and they suddenly feel pressure to add equipment, employees, or space? Chasing more customers before looking after the ones they already have Owner buys: another press another van another employee ...before fixing: pricing workflow quoting sales process Then your line: "You don't scale chaos. You organise it first." Aaron: I often talk about the importance of getting clear on what success actually looks like before building a plan. How do you help owners define the kind of business they truly want, instead of simply chasing more revenue? Refer to our meeting in Print Mastermind this week "The first question I ask isn't 'What's your turnover target?' It's 'What do you actually want your life to look like?'" Then discuss Do they want £5m company? four day week? to sell? AGAIN,the one thing many avoid talking about as it feels so far away family business? employ 5 people? employ 50? Then "Too many owners build businesses they end up working for." Terry: How can an owner tell the difference between a temporary busy season and genuine, sustainable business growth? Your answer should centre around predictable systems. Busy means one big customer - seasonal rush firefighting no pipeline Growth means - Knowing your numbers, tracking those top 6 KPI’s repeat customers increasing predictable enquiries improving margins stronger cash position systems improving Then "Activity isn't growth. Predictability is." Aaron: One of the FUNdamentals I teach is knowing your numbers. Which financial numbers should owners watch most closely as they grow, and which numbers are commonly misunderstood or ignored? Everyone watches turnover. Almost nobody watches: gross margin cashflow average order value customer lifetime value sales pipeline Conversion rates Leads coming into the business Terry: What outdated sales or marketing habits are still holding print businesses back in today’s marketplace? Talk about the 8 stage customer journey I wish someone had taught me.  Talk about Waiting for referrals. Waiting for the phone. Thinking the website is enough. Discounting. Posting pictures of presses. Then say "Nobody buys print because you own a Heidelberg. They buy because you solve a business problem." Aaron: Many small-business owners know what they should do, but they struggle to follow through consistently. How important are accountability, peer support, and mastermind-style conversations in turning good ideas into action? "I've never met an owner who didn't know what they should be doing. The challenge is they're trying to do it alone." Then Isolation creates: procrastination doubt inconsistency Community creates: accountability fresh ideas confidence Terry: What mistakes do owners make when hiring their first employees or expanding their team, and how can they avoid creating a payroll problem instead of a growth solution? "The biggest mistake I see is that owners hire because they're overwhelmed, not because they're ready. They get busy, work starts backing up, customers are chasing orders, and they think, 'I need another salesperson,' or 'I need another printer.' The reality is they're often hiring someone to step into chaos. Before you hire anyone, I'd ask three questions: First, have I actually defined what success in this role looks like? Too many job descriptions are just a list of tasks. I want to know: what outcomes should this person be responsible for? Second, have I built a system that someone else can follow? If the only way a job gets done is by asking the owner every five minutes, the problem isn't the employee, it's the business. And third, can the business genuinely afford this hire? Not because you've had one great month, but because your pipeline and cashflow support it. Aaron: Another key FUNdamental is building the business around the customer. How can a company remain customer-focused while also setting boundaries, protecting profitability, and avoiding the temptation to say yes to every request? Being customer-focused doesn't mean saying yes to everything. Sam Armstrong That's a mistake a lot of print companies make. They confuse great service with being available 24/7, accepting every request, discounting to keep people happy, and taking on work they shouldn't. I'd answer it something like this: "I think a lot of business owners misunderstand what customer-focused actually means. They think it means saying yes to every request, turning every quote around immediately, squeezing in every last-minute job and absorbing every extra cost. That's not customer-focused, that's owner-focused because you're trying to avoid difficult conversations. The best businesses I've worked with do something different. They build systems around what their ideal customers genuinely value. Most customers don't want you to be everything to everyone. They want you to be brilliant at solving their problem." Then I'd introduce a framework. The Three Filters "Whenever a new request comes in, I'd ask three questions: Does it fit our expertise? Just because you can print it doesn't mean you should. Does it make commercial sense? Revenue without profit is just expensive turnover. Does it fit the experience we want to be known for? If saying yes to this customer means letting five others down, then it's probably the wrong decision." Terry: How should business owners decide which new opportunities deserve their attention and which ones are simply distractions disguised as growth? Mission Statement - Does it link back The Three Questions "Whenever one of my coaching clients comes to me with a new idea, I ask them three questions. Does it move us closer to our long-term vision? If your goal is to become the go-to trade printer, why are you thinking about opening a retail gift shop? Will it strengthen what we're already good at? The most successful businesses I've worked with double down on their strengths. They don't constantly chase shiny new ideas. Can we execute it brilliantly without damaging what we've already built? Because an average new service that distracts your team is often worse than doing your existing services exceptionally well." Aaron: Owners are often so close to their businesses that they cannot see their own blind spots. What role can a coach, mastermind group, or trusted group of peers play in helping them make better decisions? "I think every business owner has blind spots. I certainly do. The problem is that when you're in the business every day, every decision feels urgent and every problem feels unique. When you're carrying the p

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. 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 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/evmvDl2jKn4 Dad Joke Aaron: How does NASA organize a party? They planet Planet = Plan It Sustainability Made Practical Aaron: Liz, before we dive into the details, tell us a little about your role at PPAI and how you became passionate about sustainability in the promotional products industry. Terry: "Sustainability" is one of those words that gets used a lot these days. When we talk about sustainability in the branded merchandise industry, what does it actually mean? Aaron: Why has sustainability become such an important focus for the promotional products industry, and why has PPAI made it a strategic priority? Terry: For distributors and suppliers who want to improve but don't know where to start, what sustainability resources and tools does PPAI offer to help members? Aaron: One topic you've been discussing lately is carbon intensity. Can you explain what the Carbon Intensity Study is, why it matters, and what businesses can expect to learn from it? Terry: Regulations around sustainability seem to be changing quickly. What's the biggest new regulation our audience should be paying attention to right now? When Printing In-House Starts to Make Sense Aaron: You've mentioned Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR, particularly around packaging. What is it, and why should both suppliers and distributors understand how it could affect their businesses? Terry: Looking ahead, are there any emerging regulations—such as textile EPR—that you think our industry should start preparing for now? Aaron: PPAI has the Responsibility Summit coming up in September. Who is this event designed for, and what can attendees expect to take away from it? Terry: For someone who's never attended the Responsibility Summit before, what makes it worth adding to their calendar this year? Aaron: What projects or initiatives are you personally working on right now that have you most excited about the future of sustainability in our industry? Terry: If you could leave our audience with one practical piece of advice—something distributors or suppliers could start doing this week to become more sustainable or better prepared for what's coming—what would it be? Aaron: How can our listeners reach out to you? PPAI Sustainability HubResponsibility Summit Event PageComparative Carbon Per Impressions StudyWAP Sustainability Research Articles: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 - three more coming! My LinkedIn profilePPAI’s 5 Year Strategic Plan details - with sustainability as a ‘priority lane’. 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. https://youtu.be/ikSdWrEagMQ OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% off DTFUniversity.com: The industry's DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities, MN - August 7-8, 2026 Friday, Aug 07, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - The Myth of ‘Everyone is My Customer’ Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at noon - 1:15 p.m. - Bye-Bye Burnout Saturday, Aug 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - DTF 101: From File to Finished Print (What Actually Matters). Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA - August 13-15, 2026 - CANCELLED Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH - September 10-11, 2026 - CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV - September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX - October 22-24, 2026 Purpose + Profit, St. Louis, MO - October 30-31, 2026All dates and events are subject to change

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. 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 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/RegOUvjHDkM Dad Joke Terry: I told my grandson when I was his age, I used to get 10 CDs in the mail for a penny. I don't know if he thought I was lying about what a CD was, what a penny was, or what the mail was. DTF Transfers versus Printing In-house Aaron: Excited about this discussion. I have been out at the trade show over the last year or so with SuperGamut, but spend much of my time teaching business topics. Over the last several shows, it has been great to see you back out talking to people, and we are hearing some interesting things. More decorators are being pushed toward equipment ownership before they fully understand the commitment. Some salespeople lead with low monthly payments, fast ROI claims, or simplified cost-per-print numbers. Terry can share what he is seeing now that he is back at trade shows. My belief is the real decision is not, “Can I afford the payment?” It is, “Does this equipment fit my business?” Terry:  Talk about predatory or overly aggressive sales practices without attacking the entire equipment industry. Some salespeople will discuss your needs and whether what they offer fits those needs. Others try to squeeze, push, and nudge your needs into what they sell, whether it fits or not. Explain that buying equipment is not bad (It's what I hope I can convince you of), but buying too soon or buying the wrong machine can create a major burden. The goal of the show is not to tell everyone to outsource or everyone to buy. The goal is to help decorators make an informed decision based on volume, workflow, cash flow, staffing, and goals. Why are we suited to have this discussion (with the Regulators' help) Decades of hands-on production, equipment, and shop experience. (Terry) He understands how equipment performs in the real world, not just on a sales sheet. We bring the financial, planning, pricing, and business-model perspective. (Aaron) Aaron has spent years helping shops know their numbers before making large investments. We both work closely with decorators at different stages, from startups to established production shops. Make it clear that the right answer depends on the individual business. We talk with far too many people who realize they made a purchasing mistake after the fact (72dpi customer) Start With the Heat Press Whether you outsource transfers or print them in-house, the heat press is the foundation. A poor-quality heat press can ruin a good transfer. (This is a conversation we have had before!) No repeat business? It’s not the economy. Maybe your transfer peeled off! The press needs consistent temperature, pressure, and recovery. A commercial heat press should come from a trusted manufacturer. A lifetime warranty on the heating element is a useful standard for evaluating quality. Explain why inexpensive presses often have: Uneven heat, Inconsistent pressure, Slow recovery, Poor durability Someone considering a DTF printer without owning a quality heat press should probably make the press their first investment. Use the working assumption of at least $1,500 for a dependable commercial press. The press is not the flashy purchase, but it is often the most important one. When Outsourcing DTF Transfers Makes Sense Outsourcing keeps the startup cost low. It allows a shop to test demand before committing to equipment. There is no daily printer maintenance. There is no need to manage ink, film, powder, cleaning, ventilation, or replacement parts. Outsourcing can be ideal for shops with inconsistent or unpredictable volume. It allows the decorator to focus on sales, customer service, artwork, and pressing. Transfer pricing is currently very competitive. In some cases, the outsourced transfer may cost less than what a small shop can produce internally. (Blair conversation) Outsourcing can provide access to larger production equipment and professional color management. Shipping costs and turnaround time still need to be considered. Rush orders can become more difficult. The shop depends on the supplier’s schedule, quality, and reliability. A strong supplier relationship becomes very important. When Printing In-House Starts to Make Sense The shop has steady and predictable transfer volume. Outsourcing costs are consistently high enough to support an equipment payment. The business needs faster turnaround. Customers regularly request same-day or next-day production. (And you can charge a premium for that) There is enough physical space for the printer, shaker, dryer, supplies, and ventilation. Someone is available to perform daily cleaning and maintenance. The shop has enough cash flow to cover the payment during slower months. The owner understands that the payment is only one part of ownership. In-house production can offer: Greater control, Faster testing, Easier reprints, More flexible scheduling, reduced dependency on shipping Owning equipment can create opportunities, but only when the shop has the sales and workflow to support it. Know the Real Numbers Start with average monthly outsourced DTF spending. Include transfers, shipping, rush charges, and other related fees. Estimate the average transfer size. Determine how many transfer applications are pressed each month. A front-and-back shirt counts as two transfer applications. Consider expected growth during the next 12 months. Compare current spending to the real monthly cost of ownership. For example, at SuperGamut we estimate, depending on consumables spend, equipment owned, and a few other variables, the transfer material (ink, film, and powder) average $.30 to $.60 a square foot for our partners. So for this discussion lets just use a working material-cost assumption of about $0.50 per square foot. Costs vary based on: Purchasing volume, Ink coverage, Machine efficiency, Operator habits, Waste Add approximately $0.42 per transfer application for pressing labor. This assumes approximately 20 seconds per press, including the post-press, and a combined labor and overhead rate of $75 per production hour. Actual pressing costs will vary based on employee wages, press type, workflow, shop efficiency, and the company’s true overhead rate. (Show Calculator On Screen) Include the equipment payment. Include the heat press payment if the shop does not already own a good one. Remember that rent, utilities, insurance, taxes, management time, and other overhead still matter. Monthly savings on paper do not always equal additional profit. The Hidden Costs of Printing In-House A machine that sits idle can still require maintenance and still have a monthly payment. Daily cleaning and maintenance. Operator training. Ink circulation and white-ink management. Wasted film and failed prints. Reprints caused by artwork or production errors. Replacement parts. Downtime. (Uptime Guarantee) Space, ventilation, electrical requirements, and environmental conditions. Inventory management for ink, powder, film, and cleaning supplies. Time spent troubleshooting. Time spent communicating with technical support. The owner may become the printer technician instead of the business owner. 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. https://youtu.be/hLKrSTRgLrQ OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% Off DTFUnive

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. 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 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/VdEFkePk2ts Dad Joke Aaron: What do you call a chicken staring at some lettuce? A chicken sees a salad. (Chicken Caesar Salad) Selling Printing Terry: Welcome Mark! We gave up reading carefully crafted bios a while ago and just like to learn directly from our guests about who they are. Tell us about your journey in the print industry. Aaron: Mark, you've spent more than 40 years in the print industry. What changes have surprised you the most, and what fundamentals of selling have stayed exactly the same? Terry: Many apparel decorators are excellent craftspeople but reluctant salespeople. What's the biggest mindset shift they need to make to become better at sales? Aaron: In one of your blogs, I believe it is where I read this, you said: " We should bet on ourselves." What does that actually look like for a small shop owner who's trying to grow? Terry: A lot of decorators wait for customers to tell them what they want. How can they become trusted advisors instead of order takers?  Aaron: We're seeing commercial print and apparel decoration overlap more than ever. Why do you think those industries are converging? Terry: If an apparel decorator wanted to start offering print products, where would you recommend they begin without becoming overwhelmed? Aaron: What questions should decorators ask every customer that they're probably not asking today? Terry: You've worked with countless sales professionals. What's one habit that consistently separates top performers from average salespeople? Aaron: Many decorators worry they'll come across as "pushy." How do you help people become more confident about asking for additional business? Terry: What are some opportunities decorators miss because they're focused only on the shirt instead of the customer's overall brand? Aaron: With PRINTING United Expo bringing together every segment of our industry, what should apparel decorators be looking for beyond the latest equipment? Terry: As we wrap up, if every listener could make just one change to their sales process this month, what would you tell them to do? Terry: Thanks for your time. Where can people learn more about what you do and where should they connect with you?  Our website https://saleswisdom.net/   Our YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/@WiseOwlMark  My Blog on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpomerantz/recent-activity/articles/  My LinkedIn profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpomerantz/ And be sure to find me at Printing United Expo 2026 in Las Vegas NV, Sept 23-25 so we can meet IRL! 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. https://youtu.be/ItbNPpMj1qQ OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays - Saturdays at Noon 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, March 21-22, 2026 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. DTF Transfer from TransferDepot.com: Use code AMONTGO2025 for 10% Off DTFUniversity.com: The industry's DTF education source in partnership with SuperGamut and DTF Superstore. Trade Shows ASI Show Chicago, IL - July 21-23, 2026 DAX Twin Cities, MN - August 7-8, 2026 Friday, Aug 07, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - The Myth of ‘Everyone is My Customer’ Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at noon - 1:15 p.m. - Bye-Bye Burnout Saturday, Aug 8, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - DTF 101: From File to Finished Print (What Actually Matters). Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA - August 13-15, 2026 - CANCELLED Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH - September 10-11, 2026 - CANCELLED Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV - September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX - October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change