Looking for some inspiration from industry experts? You're in the right place. In the very first episode of Let's Talk Shop, Ryan Moor chats with Chad Kirkenbush from PrintGRIP. Chad's story is fascinating, and you don't want to miss it.
VIDEO
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FROM BANK TELLER TO SCREEN PRINTING INNOVATOR
Chad has been screen printing for over 20 years, starting with a simple press and a dream to create a clothing brand. Like many others, he began by printing T-shirts for friends' softball teams. This small start eventually led to co-owning a shop and creating an innovative product that’s changing the screen printing industry.
Chad’s story shows how passion and hard work can turn a side job into a full-time career. He started screen printing to make cool clothes with a buddy, printing their first design—a simple black ink on a red shirt for their softball team named Ballerific. This early experience got him hooked, leading him to balance a banking job and screen printing before making it his full-time job.
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THE BIRTH OF PRINTGRIP
After years of screen printing, Chad noticed a common problem: replacing pallet tape and using adhesive sprays was slow and tedious. This led to the creation of PrintGRIP, a game-changing product designed to make printing faster and reduce waste.
PrintGRIP is a 1 mm polymer gel pad that replaces traditional adhesives. Unlike methods that need constant reapplication, PrintGRIP provides a durable, chemical-resistant, and long-lasting solution that saves time and money.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
Chad faced many challenges. He met skepticism from people who were hesitant to try something new. However, he kept going, driven by the positive feedback from those who tried PrintGRIP and loved it. Hearing how his product made screen printing cleaner, faster, and more enjoyable kept him motivated.
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TODAY AND TOMORROW
Today, PrintGRIP is praised for its sustainability and efficiency. It removes the need for chemical sprays and frequent replacements, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Chad hopes that PrintGRIP will become the industry standard, replacing traditional adhesives completely.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Chad's journey is full of insights and inspiration for anyone in the screen printing business. Whether you’re a small shop owner or part of a large printing company, his story highlights the importance of innovation and persistence.
