Adding apaprel to an existing business is TOTALLY different than starting & scaling an apaprel line. It's actually way simpler than most people think it can be.

In this episode, Ryan Williams from Industry Threadworks sits down with Tim Speer, CEO of Veteran Inc. - a non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides free tattoos to veterans as a form of therapy and community. Tim and Ryan go through the process step by step of how to add apparel to an existing business profitably, without it becoming a distraction, and the systems that make it all run smoothly.

Topics Covered:

• 0:00 — Intro: What is Veteran Inc. and why add apparel?
• 1:02 — Apparel as a value-add vs. running an apparel brand
• 3:41 — Common mistake: launching too many designs too fast
• 4:58 — Recommended starting point: one design, two colors, 100 units
• 5:54 — Choosing the right colors and sizing ratios (the bell curve)
• 9:22 — How sizing ratios work and why they matter
• 11:45 — Vector files vs. raster files: what print shops actually need
• 14:09 — Adobe Illustrator: why every brand owner should learn it
• 17:37 — Private labeling, neck labels, and FTC compliance requirements
• 20:20 — "Made in the USA" labeling rules and the garment industry loophole
• 22:54 — Pricing breakdown: what 100 units actually costs all-in
• 23:36 — The production process from file submission to pickup
• 24:55 — Tips on running apparel at events: packing, booth setup, and POS systems
• 27:53 — Setting up a Shopify store and POS for in-person sales
• 30:28 — Using AI (ChatGPT) to create product mock-ups and lifestyle photos
• 34:03 — Print-on-demand vs. screen printing: DTF transfers explained
• 36:10 — Fulfillment: how to self-fulfill orders efficiently (thermal printers, poly mailers, ShipStation)
• 39:02 — When to outsource to a 3PL (and what that threshold looks like)
• 40:00 — Wrap-up and mention of the Liberty Risk podcast

If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apaprel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks

If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat!

Screen Printing & Embroidery
Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com
Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks
Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com

3PL Fulfillment Services
Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com
Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl
Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com