Episode 275 of the Shirt Show with Dylan Gilligan features a story that perfectly captures what makes the screen printing industry so dynamic: people carving out a lane by connecting with their community. This week’s guest, Travis Calhoun of 456 Print Co., shows how niching down and knowing your audience can drive real growth.
From Stunts to Shirts
Before he was running a shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, Travis was deep in the stunt-biking world. What started as a clothing brand to serve his motorcycle community quickly evolved into something bigger. Like many printers, frustration with outsourcing led him to take production in-house. With persistence (and a lot of late nights), 456 Print Co. was born.
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Building a Business Around Community
What sets Travis apart is clarity. He knows his audience because he is his audience—young motorcycle riders who want bold, in-your-face designs. By leaning into that world, he didn’t just sell shirts, he built trust. That focus allowed him to quit his job just three weeks after opening his shop and never look back.
Lessons for Printers
- Finding your market: Success comes from serving your own community first.
- Paying dues: From long nights pulling squeegees to learning business fundamentals, every shop faces the grind.
- Building a team: Training and efficiency are ongoing challenges, but investing in people pays off.
- Marketing smart: Social media, SEO, and even Facebook Marketplace all play a role in how Travis has grown 456 Print Co.
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Branding matters: Creating something people want to represent is the foundation of lasting business.
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Why It Resonates with Screen Printers
Travis’s story mirrors the path of so many printers who started with passion and curiosity, fueled it with education, and grew into something sustainable. His approach highlights what Ryonet has always believed: when printers have the right tools, training, and mindset, they can build more than just a shop—they can build a community.
Want to hear more conversations? Watch more Shirt Show episodes.