This week on Shirt Show, Dylan sits down with Dave Eggers from Multicraft in Chicago. Dave is a fixture at industry events and runs the popular Instagram channel Multicraft Daddy, where he blends dad jokes with deep dives into the history of screen printing. His path to the print world is among the most unique in the industry, following a background in the military and law enforcement.
The conversation explores Dave’s transition from a high-stakes career in the Chicago Police Department to taking over a distributorship to help his best friend’s family. Dave shares how his experiences in undercover task forces and the Marine Corps shaped his approach to business, community, and the importance of professional integrity in the screen printing trade.
From pre-press optimization to the hidden value of neglected shop tools, Dave provides a masterclass on shop efficiency. This episode offers a look at how a distributor views the health of the industry and what shop owners can do to stay profitable and focused on long-term growth.
FROM UNDERCOVER TO THE PRESSROOM
Dave’s journey began with service in the Marine Corps followed by over two decades in the Chicago Police Department. He recounts his time spent on narcotics task forces and undercover operations, explaining how the discipline and focus required for that work translated into his life as an entrepreneur. The shift into screen printing was driven by loyalty, after a call from his best friend led him to step in and lead the family business during a crisis.
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DRIVING EFFICIENCY THROUGH PRE-PRESS
A major theme of Dave’s consulting approach is the vital importance of the darkroom. He argues that many shops focus on adding more automatic presses while neglecting the bottlenecks in their screen preparation. By investing in tools like auto-coaters and Computer-to-Screen (CTS) or Laser-to-Screen (LTS) systems, shops can achieve consistent quality and significantly faster setup times on press.
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THE DISTRIBUTOR AS A RESOURCE
Dave views his role not as a salesman, but as a community resource. Multicraft maintains a functioning print shop where local printers can test equipment, print jobs during emergencies, or learn new techniques. He emphasizes the value of vetting manufacturers personally and testing products to ensure they solve real-world problems. Dave also discusses forgotten industry hacks, such as using quick-cool systems to manage heat after a flash without sacrificing a print head.
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KNOWING THE TRUE COST OF PRINTING
One of the biggest hurdles for growing shops is a lack of financial clarity. Dave notes that many shop owners do not know their cost per print or their true overhead. He advises shops to focus on their numbers before jumping into major equipment investments. Understanding these metrics allows a business to charge appropriately and scale into automation with a solid foundation of existing business rather than a hope for future work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Pre-press is the engine of speed. Investing in consistent screen coding and imaging saves more time on press than almost any other upgrade.
- Education over sales. A good distributor acts as a consultant who helps a shop grow by providing suggestions that fit their specific niche and needs.
- Don't skip the basics. Simple changes, like moving away from aerosol adhesives and screen openers, can save thousands of dollars and improve employee health.
- Networking is business growth. Getting out of the shop to attend shows and meet peers is essential for staying innovative and avoiding the "bubble" of local competition.
- Understand your data. Knowing your daily shop cost and production metrics is the only way to ensure long-term profitability.