When life throws unexpected challenges your way, sometimes it opens the door to opportunities you never imagined. This was exactly the case for Jay from Threaded Ink, who transitioned from a 21-year career in local government to becoming the proud owner of a thriving print shop. Through resilience, continuous learning, and a passion for the craft, Jay embraced the world of screen printing, embroidery, and most recently, DTF (Direct to Film) technology. His journey not only highlights the importance of adaptability but also serves as a powerful testimonial to the impact that the right equipment—like the Omni DTF 14.5 Printer—can have on a growing business.
The Beginning: A Leap into the Unknown
Jay’s career began in public service, where he spent over two decades managing operations for a local government in Arlington, Washington. His work included overseeing parks, streets, and even a small general aviation airport. But despite his commitment to his role and the community, an unexpected turn of events in 2024 led to his departure.
“At that time, Threaded Ink was just a side business,” Jay recalls. “My wife Megan and I had been running it for about eight months, printing on weekends and in the evenings to bring in a little extra income. We never imagined it would become our full-time livelihood so soon.”
But when circumstances shifted, Jay didn’t hesitate to dive headfirst into building Threaded Ink as a full-time venture. “We wanted to grow fast, learn everything we could, and provide high-quality, custom apparel to our clients. It was a steep learning curve, but we were all in.”
Why DTF? The Turning Point for Threaded Ink
As the business grew, Jay and Megan recognized the growing demand for high-color, low-quantity orders—something that traditional screen printing couldn’t handle efficiently. They began outsourcing DTF transfers but quickly encountered challenges with quality, color matching, and tight deadlines.
“We were ordering a ton of transfers from different suppliers,” Jay explains. “The problem was that not all suppliers delivered consistent quality, and sometimes the colors didn’t match our clients’ expectations. Plus, when you’re on a tight deadline and something goes wrong, you’re at the mercy of your supplier. We needed more control.”
This realization led Jay to explore investing in an in-house DTF printer, and after extensive research, he chose the Omni DTF 14.5 Printer—a decision that would change the trajectory of Threaded Ink.
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Omniprint: A Game-Changer for Production and Quality
Jay’s choice of the Omni DTF 14.5 wasn’t just a leap of faith—it was a calculated decision backed by research, ROI calculations, and multiple conversations with Ryonet and Omni Print leadership.
“Omniprint made everything easier,” Jay says. “The footprint was small enough to fit comfortably in our shop, and the 110V electrical requirements made setup simple. Plus, it was user-friendly enough for a small team like ours to operate efficiently. We didn’t need a massive production setup to meet our clients’ needs.”
The addition of the Omni DTF 14.5 Printer gave Threaded Ink the flexibility to print on demand, match colors precisely, and deliver faster turnaround times without relying on external suppliers.
“Having the ability to print one or two transfers in-house to test color and quality before running a full batch has been a game-changer. It takes minutes instead of waiting days for reorders.”
Jay also emphasized how critical this control became for their growing business. “When you’re dealing with tight deadlines or custom orders, being able to produce exactly what you need, when you need it, is invaluable.”
Learning Curve and Challenges: Real Talk from Jay
Of course, no transition to new technology is without its hurdles. Jay admits that the initial setup and calibration came with a few frustrations.
“We faced some early challenges with alignment, color profiles, and learning the intricacies of the RIP software,” he recalls. “But the support from Ryonet and Omniprint was incredible. I was able to escalate issues to senior techs like Robb and Antoine, who patiently walked me through solutions and helped me fine-tune the machine.”
Jay’s persistence paid off, and after a few weeks of trial and error, the Omni DTF 14.5 was running smoothly. “Now that we’re dialed in, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he says with confidence. “It’s reliable, easy to maintain, and has given us the ability to offer a wider range of services to our customers.”
Advice for New Print Shop Owners: What Jay Wishes He Knew
When asked what advice he’d give to other print shop owners considering DTF technology, Jay was quick to emphasize the importance of patience and setting realistic expectations.
“Understand that there’s a learning curve,” he advises. “DTF printing isn’t just plug-and-play. It takes time to dial in your machine, learn the software, and get comfortable with the maintenance routines. But once you get it right, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.”
He also highlights the importance of networking and building relationships within the screen printing community. “I learned so much from attending Ryonet’s Screen Print Experience classes and connecting with other printers who had been in my shoes. That community support was invaluable.”
RELATED: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OMNIDTF PRINTING
Looking Ahead: Big Goals for Threaded Ink
With a solid foundation and the right tools in place, Jay is excited about the future of Threaded Ink. His five-year goal? To grow the business to a point where investing in an automatic press becomes a necessity.
“We want to build a team and create a positive, creative environment where people love coming to work,” he says. “Our focus has always been on providing excellent service and high-quality products. If we stay true to that, I know we’ll get there.”
Why Omniprint and Ryonet Are a Perfect Pair for Growth
Jay’s journey with Threaded Ink is a testament to the power of the right equipment, the right partnerships, and the right mindset. By investing in the Omni DTF 14.5 Printer, Jay gained not only a powerful production tool but also a support system committed to his success.
“Omniprint and Ryonet didn’t just sell us a machine,” Jay concludes. “They became partners in our journey, and that’s what sets them apart. I’d recommend the Omni DTF 14.5 to anyone serious about growing their print business.”
🎯 Ready to Explore DTF for Your Shop?
If you’re considering adding DTF printing to your production workflow, check out the Omni DTF 14.5 Printer and explore the possibilities it can bring to your business. Need guidance or have questions? Reach out to the experts at Ryonet—we’re here to help you grow!
👉 Learn more about DTF equipment: OmniDTF Printers