In this episode of Shirt Show, Dylan Gilligan connects with Zach Achorn, known in the industry as the Can of Corn. Zach shares his transition from running a storefront in Boston to becoming a traveling print specialist, ROQ tech, and industry consultant. His journey highlights the value of being a sponge for information and making connections across the screen printing community.
The discussion moves from the logistics of suitcase living to the broader impact an owner has on their business. Zach provides insight into how shop processes affect everything from daily production to the long term compatibility of a dream shop and a dream lifestyle.
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Understanding Your Personal Impact on the Business
Zach reflects on the realization that many shop owners unknowingly become the business themselves. While traveling, he observed that his storefront in Boston experienced a drop in walk-in traffic because his personal presence was the primary draw. This shift taught him that a business must be built to operate without the owner being the central figure in every transaction.
To scale effectively, Zach emphasizes moving from working for the business to working on the business. This requires building a brand and a workflow that can stand the test of time and function independently of the owner’s daily manual labor.
Standardizing Success with SOPs
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the necessity of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Zach notes that while success can feel boring because it is built on repetition, those processes are what allow a shop to grow. He advocates for using modern tools like QR codes and private video links to document every step of production.
These processes are vital for a healthy hiring and firing cycle. When a shop has clearly documented videos and manuals, it removes personal bias from performance reviews. If the process is dialed in and results are still lacking, the shop owner can clearly identify whether the issue is the system or the individual.
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Dream Shop and Lifestyle Compatibility
Zach challenges listeners to define both their dream shop and their dream lifestyle to see if they actually align. He notes that many printers chase the idea of massive shops with multiple automatic presses without realizing the time commitment required. Often, the lifestyle an owner actually wants can be achieved with a smaller, more efficient setup.
By answering these questions early, shop owners can build a foundation that supports their life goals. This involves being honest about how much time is spent behind a press versus building the systems needed for true freedom.
New Tools for Shop Growth: Print Plugz and Outlets
Zach introduces Print Plugz, a directory service designed to connect shops with skilled contract printers. This platform addresses the common struggle of finding reliable labor during seasonal peaks or when team members are absent. It allows shops to maintain production speed without the long term overhead of a full time hire.
Additionally, the Outlets concept provides community access to automatic equipment. These spaces are intended to help manual printers bridge the gap to automation by providing a low pressure environment to learn and grow their numbers before making a major equipment investment.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Build systems to remove yourself. Ensure the business can operate and attract customers even when the owner is absent.
- Document through video. Use simple cell phone videos and QR codes to make training repeatable and consistent.
- Track your time. Use a stopwatch to understand the real labor costs of every process from coating to setup.
- Align growth with lifestyle. Be honest about whether your production goals support or hinder your personal time.
- Don't fear failure. View every setback as a chance to learn and move the needle forward.