Today we’d like to introduce you to Brett Bowden.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We started in my garage in 2010. I borrowed a small amount of money from the bank and purchased equipment to print shirts. Having been a musician, I had some good friends that were and are still in that industry. It came very natural for me to be able to sell merch to rock bands, as well as, bars in the area. Soon enough we started to grow and started working with music festivals in town, that led to working with beer festivals. Beer festivals led to working with breweries and restaurants, and on and on. Not to mention there are a lot of great churches right here in the bible belt that needed shirts made. In 2015, Inc. magazine recognized us as one of the fastest growing companies in America at #826 out 5000 companies they listed. Today we are in a 15,000 square foot facility with 23 employees and a revenue of $3 million dollars.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. Growing a business is really hard. Being an entrepreneur can provide you with some of life’s greatest opportunities, but not without going through some of life’s biggest challenges. Money is hard. If you are going to grow fast, you have to have lots of money. If you don’t have lots of money, you have to find it. People are hard. No one is as passionate about your business as you are. You have to learn how to connect your employees to your vision, and prove to them why they want to follow the path you’ve laid out. Sometimes people disagree with you and want to fight you, or worse, sue you. No school can prepare you for actually running a business. You are going to screw up a million times, but persistence is what makes a great entrepreneur.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Printed Threads – what should we know?
Printed Threads is a merchandising company. We screen print, embroider and digital print out of our Keller, Tx facility and offer lots of promotional items. Most of us grew up in music, so we have a passion for that world, but we also provide a creative look at other market segments as well. Over the past several years we have branched out to provide creative services to clothing lines, restaurants and even sports franchises. I think our culture provides a fun atmosphere that allows our clients to fit in and understand our personalities well. There is no point in running your own company if you can’t have fun. We have the great opportunity to have fun with our clients.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I certainly did not do everything on my own. My dad helped me out with a lot of business principles and helped me get a loan when we were getting started. After being in business for a couple of years, I enlisted the help of a business coach named Ross Paterson motivated me to get a lot of my ducks in a row. I also have been able to work around some amazing people including close friends that I have played music with for years. My best friend is also a professional photographer who was also made us look good since the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Address: 12069 Katy Rd Suite 501
Keller, Tx 76244 - Website: www.printedthreads.com
- Phone: 817-601-7116
- Email: info@printedthreads.com
- Instagram: @printedthreads
- Facebook: @printedthreads
- Twitter: @printedthreads
Image Credit:
Ben Garrett – @bengarrett
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