Guest Author: Jesse Poteet STARTUP Screen Printing
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years of running a print shop and coaching entrepreneurs, it’s this:
You’re not supposed to do this alone.
Running a business—especially a creative one like screen printing—can feel isolating. When you’re wearing all the hats, figuring things out as you go, and dealing with challenges nobody in your immediate circle quite understands, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one facing those hurdles.
But here’s the truth: You’re not the only one. That's why we created The Screen Print Collective
The Power of Community in Business
People like Alex Hormozi often talk about how proximity is power—if you want to grow faster, surround yourself with people who are headed where you want to go (or better yet, already there). Hormozi says, “You’ll grow into the conversations you have most often.”
In other words, who you’re around shapes who you become.
Donald Miller, another voice I respect deeply, emphasizes that people want to be part of a bigger story. Not just buying products, but joining a journey where they feel seen, heard, and supported.
That’s what the Screen Print Collective is—a place where screen printers come together to share ideas, ask questions, and grow. Not just in technique, but in confidence, business, and connection.
Because when you realize you’re not alone, everything changes.
You get faster answers, better ideas, and most importantly, you build belief—in yourself and in what’s possible for your business.
Why Jennifer Sanderson and I Teamed Up
I knew I couldn’t build this community alone. I needed a partner who shared my passion for teaching and supporting new printers.
That’s where Jennifer Sanderson of Pigskins & Pigtails comes in.
We connected a while back when I interviewed her on my Startup Screen Printing Podcast, and later reconnected when she reached out for my insights on curing water based ink with Warp Drive. During that conversation, I realized we both had the same heart for this industry—and I pitched her on joining forces to build the Collective.
It just made sense.
- Jennifer specializes in vinyl screen printing, making it approachable for beginners.
- I focus on traditional screen printing with emulsion and water based inks.
Together, we cover everything a new or growing print shop needs—from DIY setups to more advanced production.
Our styles complement each other, and our goal is the same: help printers get a solid start, grow their skills, and build businesses they’re proud of.
What You Get Inside the Collective
- Monthly live training sessions with Jennifer and me, where we cover a relevant topic then open the floor to live Q&A.
- An ad-free video library of past training sessions so you never miss out on the value if you couldn’t join live.
- A private community forum where you can connect, share, and learn from other printers on the same path.
But more than that—you get a place where you belong.
If this feels like what you’ve been missing, I have good news.
Registration is open from April 30th through May 3rd (midnight MT).
After that, the doors close, and we focus on serving our members. (But don’t worry, you can always join the waitlist to be notified first the next time we reopen.)
Join the Screen Print Collective and surround yourself with the right people. It could be the best investment you make in your business this year.