2 Regular Guys Podcast

Previously, we talked about what “value” really means in your business. This week, we answer the question everyone is really asking. How do you actually turn that value into pricing that works? If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to charge, worried about raising your prices, or found yourself looking at competitors for answers, you’re […]

Sustainability is everywhere right now, but for most apparel decorators and promo professionals, the big question is simple: what actually matters, and how do you turn it into something that grows your business? This week, we’re joined by Jay Busselle and the media partners behind the 2026 Sustainable Merch Summit to break it all down. […]

This week, it’s just the guys and producer Erich Campbell tackling a problem we’re seeing way too often. Shop owners investing lots of money into equipment and then asking the most important question after the fact… what should I charge? If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, felt unsure about your numbers, or found yourself looking […]

This week, we welcome back Dean Biscan to talk about a powerful opportunity many apparel decorators and promo shops are overlooking: employee appreciation and retention programs. While your customers are struggling to retain good people, there’s a real opportunity for you to step in as a strategic partner rather than just another vendor. Dean shares […]

This week on 2 Regular Guys, we’re joined by Stephanie Young of Sostephaniesays to talk about one of the biggest opportunities in apparel decoration right now, adding mixed media to your lineup. From embroidery to vinyl to sublimation and beyond, Stephanie shares how combining techniques can elevate your products, increase perceived value, and open the […]

AI is everywhere right now, but most small business owners are still asking the same question: how do I actually use it in my day-to-day work? In this episode of 2 Regular Guys, Aaron and Terry talk about practical, real-world ways AI can help apparel decorators and product professionals save time without replacing the craftsmanship […]

Most people assume digital advertising is the more sustainable marketing choice. But a new industry study suggests the story might be more complicated. This week on 2 Regular Guys, we welcome Theresa Hegel, Executive Editor for Special Projects and Sustainability at ASI, to discuss the findings from a major CO₂ impact study commissioned by ASI […]

Automation and AI are no longer futuristic concepts reserved for big companies with developers on staff. In this episode of 2 Regular Guys, we sit down with Eric Granata, MAS of PromoPilot.io to explore how distributors can use automation and AI orchestration to save time, eliminate repetitive tasks, and build smarter, more scalable operations. With […]

Aaron is off teaching at DAX this week, so Terry and Erich are stepping in to continue the conversation on how decorators can reach more buyers without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. They will share practical, relationship-driven ideas that actually work, including the 3 Minute Touch follow up system, live decorating events that create real-time excitement, borrowing audiences through simple local collaborations, reactivating the “almost” list of past quotes, and using quote magnets to spark easy buying decisions. Expect real-world examples, honest insights, and actionable plays you can put to work in your shop right away to turn more conversations into consistent sales. 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/_ca1IshASXc Dad Joke Terry: My credit card was declined at the sweater store They asked for my cardigan Cardigan = Card Again Reach More Buyers Terry: Simple Creative Plays to Reach More Buyers.  We had plenty of ideas left over here after the January 30th show. And Regulators, start posting your ideas in the comments with your own ideas we can share.  Erich, you’ve agreed to take over Aaron’s list and add your own flavor. Ready to dive in? Erich: The “3-Minute Touch” list. Many times, we don’t follow up because out of sight, out of mind. But your past customers are a goldmine of potential future orders IF you build a relationship. So make a process, set an appointment on your calendar, and pick 10 past customers each week. Send a short check-in, a helpful link, or a quick compliment about their business. No pitch, just build a relationship. Instead of “just checking in,” lead with a real reason: seasonal timing, a new staff hire, upcoming events, a trend you are seeing, or a mistake you can help them avoid. Ask for replies, and ask questions about them and their business. You will see the patterns show up in building that relationship when the time is right to offer your services. Terry: Live decorating events, if you’re built for that Printed Threads in Ft Worth Earlier this year, I was talking to a decorator in Pittsburgh about live printing. He’s going back for year two of a cheerleading competition. He’s a DTF decorator who is pre-making transfers and sets up with heat presses at the ready. He sent me a video last year of his live printing at an outdoor ice hockey tournament! Festivals, live bands, community gatherings, high school football games Erich: Borrowed audiences with tiny collaborations – Pair up with complementary local businesses (photographers, gyms, breweries, schools, nonprofits) for a simple giveaway, bundle, or spotlight swap. Terry: Reactivation campaigns for the “almost” list  Prospects who asked for a quote but never bought. Do a quarterly “still need this?”  Reach-out with a new angle: updated pricing tiers, a new product option, or a deadline-driven event calendar. I always watch for changes in pricing, availability, new information as a reason to touch base again with those “almost” customers. Sometimes it’s just a new video of the product in action, or especially a happy customer generated video. Erich: The “quote magnet” offer Create a low-lift hook that triggers quote requests: “Send your logo, we’ll mock up 2 options by tomorrow” or “We’ll build your spirit-wear starter pack in 15 minutes.” 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/5d6jmArTaXs 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 APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows DAX Kansas City, MO – February 20-21, 2026 ASI Show Forth Worth, TX – March 9-11, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, TX – March 12-14, 2026 CANCELLED Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026 DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026 DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026 DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026 DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026 ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026 DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change

In this episode of The 2 Regular Guys, we welcome Jason Nokes of PromoPulse to talk about automated marketing and why consistency is the real secret to growth in the promotional products and decorated apparel space. With more than 30 years in promo tech and six years focused specifically on automation tools for distributors, Jason shares what marketing really means for small shops, why having a plan matters even if you just want to maintain momentum, and simple ways you can start automating your outreach today to stay top of mind without adding more to your plate. 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/HTS6zdDBFPc Dad Joke Terry: This morning, Siri said, “Don’t call me Shirley.”  Last night I accidentally left my phone on Airplane mode. Consistent Marketing Aaron: Jason, we met during the Branded Merch Network’s Automate & Elevate event that was hosted here on the 2 Regular Guys platform. Tell us a little about your background and your journey in the industry. Terry: Marketing can mean a lot of things to a small business. What’s your definition as it applies to garment and product decorators? Aaron: Talk to us about the importance of a good marketing plan when it comes to growing your business, and even in maintaining the status quo. Terry: Most shop owners are busy producing. Why does marketing tend to be the first thing that gets dropped, and what does that cost them long term? Aaron: When you say automated marketing, what does that look like in plain English? What’s happening behind the scenes? Terry: Some shop owners worry automation feels impersonal. How do you keep it authentic? Aaron: Here on 2RG, we like to share real-world examples. What are some ideas our listeners can use right now to automate their marketing? Terry: (If extra Q is needed – If our listeners changed just one marketing habit starting tomorrow, what would you recommend?) Jason, how can our listeners reach out to 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/zg26LgfmYM8 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 APAS and DTF Superstore Trade Shows DAX Kansas City, MO – February 20-21, 2026 ASI Show Forth Worth, TX – March 9-11, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Irving, TX – March 12-14, 2026 CANCELLED Impressions Atlantic City, NJ – March 26-28, 2026 DAX Dayton, OH – April 24-25, 2026 DAX Chicago, IL – May 15-16, 2026 DAX Tampa, FL – May 29-30, 2026 DAX Nashville, TN – June 19-20, 2026 ASI Show Chicago, IL – July 21-23, 2026 DAX Twin Cities, MN – August 7-8, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Long Beach, CA – August 13-15, 2026 Graphics Pro Expo, Cleveland, OH – September 10-11, 2026 Printing United Expo, Las Vegas, NV – September 23-25, 2026 Impressions Dallas, TX – October 22-24, 2026All dates and events are subject to change