The Hybrid Era: Evolving for a More Versatile Future

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re diving into the evolution of sublimation with industry educator and Sawgrass Brand Ambassador Laurie Donovan. The rise of hybrid decoration, combining traditional sublimation with new materials and techniques, is opening the door to products and partnerships that were previously off-limits. Whether you’re a veteran decorator or just exploring your options, this episode will break down how hybrid sublimation works, where it fits into a broader production strategy, and how decorators can leverage it. From cotton to wood to uncoated ceramics, we’ll explore what’s possible and what’s practical as sublimation technology enters a new era. Tired of bouncing between SanMar, S&S, and alphabroder just to compare prices? PromoHunt’s free browser extension does the work for you—automatically showing you price and inventory comparisons across your favorite suppliers while you shop. Join 7,000+ decorators already using PromoHunt daily.PromoHunt.com 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/V21GSyC-cHU Dad Joke Terry: 4th of July joke from Kim Johnson What do you call a duck that bursts into flames? FIRE QUACKER!! Hybrid Solutions Terry: Hi Laurie. Share with our listeners a little bit about your journey in this industry. Terry: Let’s define “hybrid decoration.” What exactly are we talking about? Aaron: Why is now the moment for hybrid to become part of the mainstream conversation? Terry: What substrates are we talking about here? Aaron: This option is more expensive than other Sawgrass systems. What is the justification for the higher price? care.sawgrassink.com Terry: Give us an example of how you’ve used this system for an actual customer. How did you solve a problem for them? Aaron: How do you think this changes the conversation around “sublimation is dead”? Terry: If you already have a Sawgrass printer, can you convert it to Versiflex inks? Aaron: How can our listeners find out more? www.sawgrassink.com https://www.facebook.com/LearningSublimationwithLaurie https://go.oncehub.com/lauriedonovanworkshop 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/DhKt_yMrnKU OTHER EVENTS Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time. Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time. Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-weekly Mastermind Groups with accountability, support, and a built-in support group. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago June 7-8. Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, TBD The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell Understanding Emblems  Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches. Trade Shows DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025 Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – Friday, Aug 01, 2025 at 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – Saturday, Aug 02, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025 Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025 Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025 Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025 Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025All dates and events are subject to change