34. From Basement Startup to National Brand: Tom Rauen’s 1-800-Tshirts Journey

In this episode of The Entrepreneur’s Blueprint, I sit down with Tom Rauen, founder and CEO of 1-800-Tshirts, to talk about his journey from printing shirts in his parents’ basement to leading a 40-person company that’s been growing steadily for 20 years.Tom shares:How a college side hustle turned into a thriving business.The pivotal moment when he acquired the 1-800-Tshirts brand during the middle of COVID-19.Why hiring the right people at the right time is one of the biggest challenges in business growth.The impact branded apparel can have on people and communities.What he wishes he knew earlier about being a visionary leader.Tom’s story is a reminder that small, consistent decisions build long-term success. Whether you’re just starting your entrepreneurial journey or scaling your business, this conversation is packed with insights about growth, leadership, and legacy.Episode Links:1-800-Tshirts Website: https://www.1800tshirts.com/Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrauen/Monarch COO: www.monarchcoo.comJoin me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monarch_coo/