132 - Full Press Apparel CEO Tracey Shrine on Scaling, Licensing, Pandemic Pivots & the JMI Mindset

Host of the InNOLEvation® Mindset, Mark McNees, welcomes Tracey Shrine, CEO of Full Press Apparel, founded in 1997 near FSU and specializing in custom printing, licensed FSU and FAMU product, Greek life apparel, and promotional items shipped nationwide. Tracey shares her path from studying criminology and psychology at FSU (graduating in 2001) and working at Bill’s Bookstore and the American Cancer Society to joining the business in 2006 with founder Danny Shrine. They discuss her involvement with the Jim Moran Institute, including SBEP about six to seven years ago, and the peer-to-peer network, emphasizing learning, networking, and evolving program requirements. Tracey reflects on pandemic pivots, becoming an essential employer, leveraging strong banking/accounting/legal relationships, and ongoing challenges with employees. She outlines key innovations like web stores (now about 70% of business), in-house embroidery expansion, and adding direct-to-film printing in 2024, plus her routines for mindset and health, and advice to stay open to changing career paths. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:38 Full Press Origin Story 02:32 FSU Years and Career Path 03:35 Joining the JMI Community 05:38 Peer Group Rules and Fit 08:30 SBEP Takeaways and Networking 12:39 Pandemic Pivot and Resilience 17:06 People Problems and Leadership 18:44 Entrepreneur Myths and Reality 22:10 Beyond Tallahassee and Licensing 26:41 FSU Licensing Realities 28:16 Greek Life Trademark Crackdown 30:20 From Tees to Custom Work 32:38 Tech Upgrades Direct to Film 34:57 Webstores and Promo Expansion 35:26 Embroidery Goes In House 39:39 Modern Embroidery Techniques 40:58 Fast Fashion and Ethics 44:40 AI Data Centers and Policy 48:06 Mindset Habits for Leaders 50:48 Advice and Closing Thanks