2 Regular Guys Talking Decoration and Personalization

How to Create Consistent Marketing Without Hiring a Team

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 info@2regularguys.com. 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

Why Process Always Pays Off: Real-World Lessons

Process is one of those things everyone knows they should work on, yet very few truly invest the time to get it right. In this episode of 2 Regular Guys, we welcome Dean Biscan, a 14-year industry veteran who has seen process from every angle. From owning his own apparel shop to working with powerhouse manufacturers, stepping into custom signage, and now operating within a national franchise model, Dean brings hard-earned perspective and plenty of war stories. We dig into why process is so much more than just production flow. Dean shares how refining processes across every part of the business can lead to faster turnaround times, improved efficiency, real cost savings, and long-term growth. You’ll hear practical examples, mindset shifts, and simple tweaks that consistently move the needle. Expect honest insights, a few laughs, and ideas you can apply whether you decorate apparel, sell promotional products, or manufacture custom gifts. 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 info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/OFPosQic7VM Dad Joke Terry: What did the French groundhog see on February 2nd? His chateau Chateau = Shadow Why Process Always Pays Off Aaron: Dean, welcome to the show. You messaged us recently about being back in the industry. Welcome back! (It is like Hotel California) Tell us about your industry journey and where you are now. Terry: In our back-and-forth about a specific topic, “process” kept coming up. What have you learned about “process” in your industry experience? Aaron: Once you felt you found the right process in your business experience, was it perfect every time? Terry: Why is process so important to success and our bottom line? Aaron: So let’s define it a little bit. Many people, when they hear the term “process,” they think of “production.” How can we get from point A to point B to point C and then out the door? Should we just focus on production processes? Terry: As you know, here on 2RGs, we like to get into the nuts and bolts of real-world examples. Can you share an example where a small process change made a big impact? Aaron: Was there ever a process you thought was “dialed in,” only to later realize it needed to change again? What triggered that realization? Terry: Many people believe a better process requires major equipment purchases. From your experience, when does process improvement require investment, and when does it just require better thinking? Aaron: If someone listening feels overwhelmed and says, “My whole business is a mess,” where should they start when it comes to improving the process? Terry: 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/XV_O6OpTT5o 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

Simple Creative Plays to Reach More Buyers

Terry and Aaron are back in host mode, breaking down practical, creative ways the Regulators can reach customers and potential customers without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. From quick wins you can try this week to longer-term visibility plays that compound over time, you will walk away with ideas you can put into action, whether you sell B2B, B2C, or both. Expect real examples, simple frameworks, and a few “why didn’t I think of that?” tactics that help you stay top-of-mind, start better conversations, and create more opportunities for quotes and repeat business. 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 info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/0JVAI1gJKqM Dad Joke Aaron: What do you call a nun who sleepwalks?  A Roaming “Roman” Catholic How to Reach More Customers Aaron: On the heels of last week’s Long Beach Impressions Expo show, we were talking about how decorators can reach any new potential buyers and the ones we are already working with. We both have some ideas we would love to share, and we also want to hear from those of you listening in live. We hope to share and uncover creative ways to reach out without feeling salesy or getting lost in the noise. We have plenty of ideas here, so we will see how many we get through and will save the rest for a future show. Terry, are you ready to dive in with your first idea? Terry:  My philosophy with running a production floor and running a business is, keep it simple.  This is a simple technique that has served me well for a long time.  Here’s a way for me to “touch” my current customers without sounding salesy On all my forms and paperwork, I say, “We hold your screens for 90 days.”  Whether I do or not is beside the point. At about 80 days, rather than calling and saying, “Hey, do you want to buy some more shirts?” I say, “I just wanted to give you a heads-up, we hold your screens for 90 days and that date is coming up.”  I’m not selling anything. I’m being a friend with a reminder. I’m helping you.   And surprising how many people would say, “We’ve been talking about getting more of those shirts.”  They might never have called. Most of our customers are not professional buyers. They’re business owners just like us who get caught up in the day to day.  So to start us off, I say, Keep it Simple, but Keep in Touch with the customers you have.  It’s far easier to keep the customers we have than to bring new ones on board.  A lot of us forget that and take those customers for granted. While we’re working to gain customers on this side, some of the ones we have are sliding ot the other Aaron: Micro-content from real jobs – I get to work with a group of Handmade Sellers who focus on Etsy, and one of the common statements is “everything is content.” Most of us don’t share enough on social media because we don’t know what to share or feel like it is a big production. But that is not true. One finished order could create 5 pieces of content: a quick photo of the finished product you are proud of creating, a short story about the customer, a 1-sentence lesson learned, a process clip or reel going from blank to decorated, and a “support our customer” post tagging them so they can share you too. Terry: I want to piggyback on this and share a simple Instagram story that any of us can accomplish. Mel Lay’s garage screen printer experience. Aaron: Can I piggyback again? Not sure how that works but… Customer spotlight pipeline: Feature one customer per week. They get visibility, you get shareable content, and prospects see proof you are active and trusted. Aaron: 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 On Tuesday, 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 Printed Threads in Ft Worth Aaron: 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. Aaron: 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/tW2hpN2k4N0 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

From Purpose to Profit: How to Build a Profitable Business on Purpose

What if profit came from clarity, not hustle? This week, we are joined by Becky Kotzer of BK Custom T’s to talk about what it really looks like to build a profitable business on purpose. Becky shares her garment decorating journey and how getting clear on her purpose changed the way she thinks about pricing, profit, and the role money plays in her business. In this conversation, we get practical. We talk about profit first thinking, a simple “need to earn” approach, and the unique budgeting system Becky uses to manage cash flow, expenses, and future goals. If you’re tired of guessing where the money goes and want systems that support better decisions and peace of mind, this episode will give you a clear picture of what’s possible. 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 info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/e93xGRw3R7Y Dad Joke Aaron: My doctor told me I’m suffering from paranoia. Well, she didn’t actually say that, but I could tell that’s what she was thinking. Purpose to Profit 1. Starting the Journey – Let’s start at the beginning. Can you share a little about your garment decorating journey and what business looked like for you before money and profit really became a focus? 2. Relationship With Money – Before you started working through this, how would you describe your relationship with money in your business? What felt frustrating or unclear? 3. Why “Purpose” Came First – When did you realize that purpose had to come before profit for you? What wasn’t working when profit was the only focus? 4. Masters of Success Influence – How did your experience inside Masters of Success shape the way you started thinking about numbers, decisions, and intentionality in your business? 5. The Budget Word Problem – You’ve said the word “budget” never really worked for you. What was it about traditional budgeting that always felt off or restrictive? 6. The Shift From Tracking to Directing – What changed when you moved from just tracking what happened with money to intentionally directing where money should go? 7. Profit First as a Concept – When you first heard about profit first ideas, what resonated with you and what didn’t quite fit your real world business? 8. Making Decisions With Clarity – How has having clearer numbers changed the way you make decisions month to month, even when things don’t go exactly as planned? 9. Managing the Emotional Side – What surprised you most about the emotional side of managing money once you started doing this differently? 10. What Might Be Coming – Without locking anything in, what possibilities do you see for how this could evolve or help other business owners in the future? 11. Advice for Where People Are Now – For someone listening who feels overwhelmed by their numbers and stuck between purpose and profit, what’s one mindset shift you’d encourage them to consider first? 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/BpY2_ljd-Zk 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 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 22-24, 2026 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 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

Trade Show Strategy That Works: Before, During, and After the Show

Trade shows can be one of the most powerful growth tools in your business or an exhausting expense with little return. The difference is having a clear plan before, during, and after the show. This week on 2 Regular Guys, we welcome back Angie Meese, sales consultant for UxPrint and the creative force behind That Shirt Shack. Angie shares practical strategies for preparing before the doors open, staying intentional on a busy show floor, and following up in ways that turn conversations into real, long-term relationships. 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 info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://youtu.be/p8IzatRF02I Dad Joke Terry: Did you know I had a job interview at UPS? I apologized for being late because I went to the wrong address, and they made me a regional manager. Trade Show Strategy That Works Terry: Welcome back. Before we dive into trade show strategies, remind our listeners about you and your story in the industry. Aaron: When you are evaluating a trade show, what are the key signs that tell you this one is worth your time and investment? Terry: What does strong pre-show preparation actually look like, and what are most people skipping that hurts them before the show even starts? Aaron: You have worked shows from multiple sides of the industry. How does your approach change when you are selling versus when you are building long-term relationships? Terry: What are the must-have tools, materials, or systems you bring with you to every show that make your life easier afterward? Aaron: How do you use social media before and after a trade show to extend the life of the event beyond the show floor? Terry: Looking back, what is one lesson from an early trade show experience that still shapes how you approach events today? Aaron: What does effective post-show follow-up look like after an event? Terry: Anything we missed today that could help people at an upcoming show? 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/3XHYyd5TjBY 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 Impressions Long Beach, CA – January 22-24, 2026 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 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