Where Apparel Decoration is Headed Next

This week on the 2 Regular Guys Podcast, we’re joined by decorated apparel legend Johnny Shell, Principal Analyst for Textile & Apparel Printing Services at Keypoint Intelligence. With nearly 40 years in the industry, Johnny brings unmatched insight into the current state of apparel decoration. We’ll explore where the market is shifting, which technologies are truly moving the needle (and which are just hype), and how small to mid-sized decorators can keep up with rising demand for customization, speed, and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to adapt, invest, or gain a competitive edge, this conversation will give you the clarity and strategic takeaways you need to thrive in today’s evolving print landscape. 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/-mgcsYoFImU Dad Joke Terry: My 4 year old granddaughter made me realize I might have a road rage issue. She was riding in my shopping cart at the grocery store and yelled at the shopper in front of us, “Pick a lane, jerk!” Where Apparel Decoration is Headed Next Aaron: I’m sure all of our listeners know you, Johnny, but tell us a little about Keypoint Intelligence. Terry: You’ve been in the decorated apparel space for nearly four decades. How have you seen the industry evolve, and what would you say are the most pivotal shifts happening right now? Aaron: With your finger on the pulse of this industry, where do you see technology making the biggest impact today, and which innovations are being overhyped? Terry: How are decorators, especially small and mid-sized shops, adapting to the demands of customization, speed, and sustainability? Aaron: You’ve often spoken about market signals. Can you share where you see demand trending, both in product types and in printing methods? Terry: If a listener walks away from today’s episode with one strategic insight, what do you hope it is? Aaron: 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/XcWWy0EGj2U 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