In Episode 287 of Shirt Show, Dylan sits down with Nick Roccanti of Threadbird for a candid, long-awaited conversation between two printers whose careers evolved in parallel. From old message boards to modern industry challenges, this episode offers a reflective look at growth, burnout, and learning how to lead a creative business without losing yourself in the process.
Back in the Day: Music, Merch, and Message Boards
Nick got his start managing bands and running merch in the underground music scene before he even knew screen printing would become his career. Like many others, he found himself frustrated with the inconsistency of third-party printers—and decided to do it better. Dylan and Nick reflect on their shared origins on forums like MTS, their early band clients, and what it meant to build relationships in that pre-social era.
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Building Threadbird: Tech, Partners, and the Pivot
The road to Threadbird wasn’t linear. Nick helped build e-commerce platform Store Envy before parting ways with his co-founder and launching the print side of the business. From brokering to eventually owning presses, he walked through everything from VC rejection to R&D investments—and found his stride by prioritizing quality, transparency, and staying independent.
Clothing Brands, Burnout, and What Comes Next
Threadbird is deeply rooted in the clothing brand space, and Nick shares his love for that client base. But in today's economy, he's also realistic about the struggle: apparel brands are hurting, margins are tight, and many printers are pivoting. Nick opens up about market shifts, getting burnt out, and how launching his own brand (Palmer) reignited his passion.
- It’s okay to evolve your focus over time
- Chasing passion doesn’t mean ignoring profit
- Education and mentorship can spark new growth
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Leadership, Scorecards, and Scaling the Right Way
As Threadbird grew, Nick learned the hard way that scaling too fast can lead to major issues. He talks through their use of departmental scorecards, accountability systems, and how difficult decisions can help you stay healthy. For shops navigating growth, this section is packed with leadership insights from someone who’s been through it all.
Key Takeaways
- Nick’s path shows how side hustles evolve into real businesses
- Quality, control, and community are at Threadbird’s core
- The right team structure can prevent burnout
- Sometimes, reigniting passion means starting something new