InkPod Podcast

Episode 31 of The Ink Pod Podcast features a special conversation with Don, Canadian Sales Manager at Trotec Laser. We dive into the history of Trotec, why their machines are considered the gold standard for laser engraving and cutting, and what makes them stand out in performance, precision, and reliability. As the exclusive Canadian distributor, RB Digital is proud to bring the complete Trotec l...

Welcome to episode 30 of the Inkpod Podcast, where we explore the forefront of technological innovations in the printing industry! Join our five dynamic hosts as they dive into the latest advancements in Direct-to-Film, screen printing, and embroidery. Discover how these technologies are transforming the industry with expert insights and engaging discussions. This episode is packed with everything...

In Episode 29 of the InkPod Podcast, we welcome Dylan Gilligan, founder of Upstate Merch and host of Shirt Show. Dylan dives into the journey of building a renowned screen printing business, the decision to stay focused on the craft, and the value of slow, steady growth. Together with hosts Shawn and Zack, they explore the pros and cons of embracing new technology in screen printing, the pressure...

In Episode 28, we’re thrilled to have a double feature with Justin Armenta, owner of J.A. Digitizing Studios, and Jeff Fuller from Fuller Embroidery. As co-owners of the Embroidery Nerd, Justin and Jeff bring decades of expertise in digitizing and embroidery techniques, covering everything from start-up insights to troubleshooting tips. They dive deep into digitizing essentials, best practices, an...

In this exciting episode of the Inkpod Podcast, we dive deep into the world of Print-On-Demand (POD) with Dan Neto, CEO of Print Geek. Join us as we explore the history and rapid growth of Print Geek, how they differentiate themselves in the POD industry, and the future trends shaping the space. Dan shares insights on lean manufacturing, compliance challenges, handling peak holiday seasons, and th...

n Episode 26 of the Ink Pod Podcast, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Zach, AKA The Can of Corn, a Boston-based artist, screen printing specialist, and innovator. Zach shares his inspiring journey from graffiti art to becoming a key figure in the screen printing world. He reveals the origins of his unique nickname, his creative process, and his groundbreaking approach to print production. W...

In Episode 25 of the InkPod Podcast, we sit down with Kenny Joss, President of Steam Engine Stickers, to explore the evolution of his sticker business. Kenny shares his journey from starting in a sign shop to growing a full-scale sticker operation with automation at its core. Discover how Kenny is leveraging cutting-edge printing technologies like eco-solvent and UV printers, the benefits of autom...

In Episode 24 of the InkPod Podcast, we dive deep with Nicole Pape, CEO of Embellishr, to uncover her incredible journey in the screen printing industry. Nicole shares how she went from a visual arts student reclaiming screens to building a successful career and eventually launching her own company. We discuss her early experiences in screen printing, her challenges and triumphs as a woman in a ma...

In Episode 23 of the InkPod Podcast, we sit down with Alex from Street Warehouse to dive deep into the world of streetwear screen printing. Alex shares his journey from starting with a $50 Hobby Lobby kit to building a thriving print shop known for its unique streetwear designs. We explore how he landed major clients, the importance of delegating, growing a business with partners, and the impact o...

In Episode 22 of the InkPod Podcast, hosts Zack Neto and Shawn Sckoropad sit down with Ian West, President of Monarch Color, to discuss the evolution of screen printing and the innovative strides Monarch Color is making in the industry. From the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to the development of low cure inks and the importance of maintaining color consistency, Ian shares invaluable insight...

In Episode 21 of the InkPod Podcast, we take you behind the scenes of emulsion making with the experts from Chromaline. Join hosts Shawn Sckoropad and Zack Neto as they sit down with Marty, the North American Sales Director, and Amy, the Senior R&D Chemist at Chromaline, to uncover what goes into creating world-class emulsions. From the history of Chromaline to the latest innovations in emulsi...

In Episode 19 of the InkPod Podcast, hosts Zack Neto and Shawn Sckoropad sit down with Brian Jehnsen, Vice President of Tajima America, to explore the rich history and cutting-edge innovations of Tajima, a leader in the embroidery industry. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Tajima continues to push the boundaries of embroidery technology. Brian shares his 36-year journey with Tajima, insights into...

Welcome to Episode 20 of the InkPod Podcast! In this exciting episode, host Shawn Sckoropad and Zack Neto are joined by Ron Yardley and Darren Livingston, the creative minds behind TagBot. Discover the origins of TagBot, an innovative technology designed to streamline the screen printing process by tackling the challenges of inside neck tag printing. Ron and Darren share their journey, from the in...

In Episode 18 of the InkPod Podcast, hosts Zack Neto and Shawn Sckoropad welcome Beth Kerfes and Ray Smith from Avient, marking the first time they’ve had two guests simultaneously. Beth, the product manager for the Wilflex and ASI brands, and Ray, a seasoned field tech manager, delve into their extensive experience and roles at Avient. This episode covers Avient’s transformation from PolyOne to A...

In this episode of the InkPod Podcast, hosts Shawn Sckoropad and Zack Neto sit down with Amit Kumar, the founder of We Must, one of Canada's leading transfer companies. Amit shares his journey from the early days of discovering DTF technology to building a successful business that excels in Pantone matching, producing high-quality DTF transfers, and expanding into embroidery and UV DTF. Learn...

Join us for a special episode of the InkPod Podcast, where we sit down with Ricky, the CEO, and Pierre, the CFO and operations manager of Press Time. As the first shop to be interviewed on our podcast, Ricky and Pierre share their journey, from pioneering the unique Eversoft print technique to navigating the complexities of discharge printing. Discover their insights on maintaining quality, foster...

Alex shares his journey in the industry, detailing how Easiway revolutionized screen cleaning with its dip tank technology and how Blue Water Lab is redefining automated screen reclaiming. Learn about shop hacks, equipment recommendations, and best practices to streamline your screen printing processes. Whether you're a seasoned screen printer or just getting started, this episode offers inval...

Join us in Episode #14 of the Ink Pod podcast as we dive deep into the niche world of tape manufacturing with Andrew James, President of PMITAPE. Discover the journey of PMITAPE from a packaging supply company to a leader in specialty tapes for screen printing. Andrew shares fascinating insights into the evolution of their products, the strategic decisions behind focusing solely on tapes, and how...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Jesse Martinez, the technical sales manager at Matsui International, a leading manufacturer of water-based screen printing inks. Dive deep into the evolution and benefits of water-based inks as Jesse shares his extensive experience and the technological advancements that are shaping the future of screen printing. Discover how Matsui is driving change with...

In this captivating episode of InkPod, join us as we delve into the world of Anthony Ricciardi, a renowned artist whose work transcends traditional boundaries to make a global impact. From his early days experimenting with apparel as a medium to his expansive gallery exhibits around the world, Ricciardi shares his journey of evolving as an artist and entrepreneur. Discover how he navigates creativ...

In this special episode of InkPod, recorded live at Impressions Expo in Long Beach, California, hosts Shawn and Zach sit down with Rick Vizziello from Brother. Dive deep into the world of Direct to Garment (DTG) and Direct to Film (DTF) printing technologies as Rick unveils Brother's cutting-edge advancements and solutions. From the game-changing GTX 600 Hexa to Brother's strategic approac...

In Episode #10 of the InkPod podcast, join hosts Zack Neto and Shawn Sckoropad as they delve deep into the world of screen printing with Keith Perkins, the technical sales manager for SAATI America's chem division, and a renowned expert in screen printing emulsions. Known affectionately as the "Emulsion Wizard," Keith shares his journey from the humble beginnings in the screen printi...

In this riveting episode of our podcast, we sit down with Aaron Blank from Blue Ridge Screen Products, delving deep into the evolving world of screen printing and the revolutionary impact of Direct to Film (DTF) technology. Aaron, a seasoned expert with over 30 years in the ink industry, shares his journey from the early days of ink development to the forefront of DTF innovation. We explore the ch...

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, we sit down with Marshall Atkinson, a seasoned consultant and a pioneer in integrating AI with creative design processes. With his extensive background in consulting and his ventures into educational realms through Shirtlab, Marshall shares invaluable insights into the transformative power of AI tools like MidJourney in the design industry. This episode...

In this captivating episode of the Ink Pod, hosts Zack Neto and Shawn Sckoropad sit down with the legendary Richard Tilley, better known as King Tilley, to unravel his extraordinary journey through the world of screen printing. From his early days of designing T-shirts on Microsoft Paint to overcoming personal challenges and revolutionizing screen printing techniques, King Tilley shares insights a...