Running a screen print shop isn’t just about ink and shirts. It’s about vision, partnership, community, and grit. In this week’s Shirt Show, Dylan catches up with Dom and Ryan from Superior Ink. Two familiar faces who have never shared the mic together until now. The result? A raw, real, and deeply inspiring conversation about leadership, failure, reinvention, and the emotional weight of growing a business the right way.
Whether you're just starting out or years deep into your print journey, this episode has something for you.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Dom and Ryan talk candidly about the game-changing decision to team up. Dom is the visionary. Ryan is the integrator. It’s a dynamic that fuels real progress. Ryan’s systems-focused approach brought stability to Dom’s big-picture drive, allowing Superior Ink to scale, retool, and find its footing again after years of grinding.
RELATED: Rebrand, Riptide, and Real Talk: Drue Nickerson on Shirt Show
MOVING A SHOP, REBUILDING A CULTURE
After years in Denver, rising costs and labor challenges pushed Superior to make a bold move. The crew relocated to Fountain, Colorado, trading urban chaos for small-town sustainability. Dom shares the emotional weight of losing staff, rebuilding team culture, and taking care of people first.
And yes, there are greenhouses in the shop. That’s not a metaphor.
RELATED: Balancing Growth and Sanity in Screen Printing with Chris Fahrbach | Shirt Show
SYSTEMS, TECH & THE FUTURE
Ryan breaks down how Superior is using tech to its advantage, from internal GPT tools to greenhouse-based darkrooms. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about efficiency, reducing burnout, and empowering every team member to problem solve, learn, and grow.
It’s shop automation without losing the soul.
MENTAL HEALTH, IMPOSTER SYNDROME & FINDING BALANCE
The most powerful part of the episode? The vulnerability. Dom opens up about burnout, identity, and finding value in time, not just money. He reflects on purpose, fatherhood, and why business success means nothing if your soul is wrecked.
Dylan adds his own struggles and realizations, making this episode feel like a true community conversation. Not just another podcast.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Visionary + Integrator = Success: Know your strengths and bring in people who balance you.
- Your shop reflects your personality: If you’re chaotic, your shop will be too.
- Culture is everything: You can rebuild it, but it takes time and intention.
- Time is your most valuable asset: Spend it wisely.
- Transparency builds trust: Don’t wait until the last minute to tell your team hard news.
- The small town move paid off: Loyal staff, better quality of life, and a tighter community.