In Episode 280 of Shirt Show, Dylan talks with Chris Pelkey, founder of Tonal Range Ink in Florida. Chris caught the print bug at 14 and never looked back, learning the trade in school, surviving production, and ultimately building a shop of his own. His story captures what it really means to grow up in the screen printing industry: start small, learn everything, and figure it out one job at a time.
From Cleaning Screens to Owning the Shop
Chris started out as a teenager cleaning screens in a car wash bay, a messy introduction to a craft that would define his life. After years working production and managing teams, he took the leap and opened Tonal Range Ink. The early years were tough, but each challenge built a foundation for what’s now a respected shop known for quality prints and solid relationships.
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Real Talk: Ownership, Burnout, and Balance
This episode goes deep on what it takes to run your own business and the emotional weight that comes with it. Dylan and Chris talk about the highs and lows of being an owner, learning when to push, when to pause, and how therapy and self-awareness can keep you grounded when things get chaotic.
- The transition from employee to owner: Why it’s both freeing and terrifying.
- Therapy and leadership: How working on yourself can make you a better boss.
- Knowing your numbers: The hard truth about cash flow, pricing, and survival.
- Community over competition: Why staying connected keeps the industry strong.
Perspective, Pain, and the Print Life
Chris’s story is familiar to anyone who’s ever tried to build something real in this business. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about better gear or faster output — it’s about resilience, curiosity, and the willingness to evolve through the hard stuff. Whether you’re in production or running the whole shop, this episode will hit home.
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Why Printers Should Listen
If you’ve ever felt the weight of running a shop or wondered what it really takes to turn passion into a sustainable business, this one’s for you. It’s honest, relatable, and full of lessons from the press floor to the owner’s desk.