Industry Threadworks

About Industry Threadworks

Everything you ever wanted to know about starting & scaling apparel brands by people who have actually done it.

Publisher

Ryan Williams

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 May 2026

Latest episode

8 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Inside A Real Merch Strategy Session - How to Launch Merch for Your Business (The Right Way) with Nik & Lee Hawks of Paleo Treats

   Thinking about starting an apparel brand or adding merchandise to your existing business? In this episode, Ryan Williams from Industry Threadworks sits down with Nik and Lee Hawks - entrepreneurs with 17+ years of brick-and-mortar experience and a background in apparel that includes getting their line into Nordstrom and Fred Segal - to talk about what actually works when launching apparel. Whether you're a coffee shop, restaurant, gym, or lifestyle brand looking to add merch, or you're building an apparel brand from scratch, this conversation is packed with real-world advice. In this episode we cover: How to test apparel designs with minimum risk (start at 50 units or similar MOQ). Print-on-demand vs. screen printing - what new brands actually need to know. Using DTF heat transfers to test hoodies and specialty items without holding inventory. How to track sales data and size ratios to make smarter reorders (the $10 Shopify app that does it). Why storytelling impacts purchasing decisions more than quality or price. How to build a local brand community that spreads organically. The best blank T-shirt and tank top vendors for new apparel brands (S&S Activewear, Alternative Apparel, Allmade, Next Level, Comfort Colors). Garment dye, dolman cuts, and blank selection for lifestyle and wellness brands. How timing and market saturation affect your brand's chances of breaking through. Adding an immersive in-store merch experience to drive sales and brand loyalty. Mentioned in this episode: Stories That Stick by Kindra Hall DeepMine app for Shopify S&S Activewear for blanks Allmade organic blanks Alternative Apparel Next Level 6210, 3600, 3633, 1533 tank tops This is a must-watch for apparel entrepreneurs, small business owners, coffee shop owners, gym owners, and anyone looking to launch a merchandise line or add some lifestyle merch to their existing brand without overcomplicating it. If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apparel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat! Screen Printing & Embroidery Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com 3PL Fulfillment Services Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com Nik & Lee's Connections Nik's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nikhawks Paleo Treats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paleotreats

2. 

   26 May 2026

   How To Set Up Your Apparel Business From Scratch.

   In this episode, Ryan from Industry Threadworks breaks down the essentials of business formation and banking for new apparel brand owners. Cutting through the noise and keeping it practical, Ryan shares what he's learned from building multiple companies of his own and talkingn with hundreds of other business owners over the years - including what to avoid and where to save your money. Topics covered: 0:00 — Introduction & why LLC is the right choice for most apparel brands 1:07 — Don't overthink your entity type (Affliction was an LLC at $100M+) 1:28 — Why you shouldn't start your company in another state for tax reasons 2:09 — How to register your LLC (LegalZoom vs. a lawyer — and a funny lawyer story) 3:10 — Business license: what it is and how to get one 3:43 — Reseller's permit: why it's non-negotiable for apparel brands 5:20 — Sole proprietorship as a starting option (DBA/fictitious business name) 6:08 — California LLC tip: start in January to avoid paying double the $800 annual fee 6:31 — Getting your EIN and opening a business bank account 6:48 — Why Ryan uses Chase for business (and keeps it completely separate from personal banking) 8:01 — Join the Industry Threadworks Facebook group for free resources and community Whether you're just starting out or finally getting your paperwork in order, this episode gives you a clear, no-BS roadmap to get your apparel business set up the right way. If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apaprel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee or construction business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat! Screen Printing & Embroidery Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com 3PL Fulfillment Services Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com

3. 

   26 May 2026

   Blanks 101: Choosing the Right T-Shirt Blank for Your Apparel Brand

   Choosing the right blank is one of the most important decisions every apparel brand owner can make for their line - here Ryan from Industry Threadworks breaks down the top 5 most popular blanks over the last decade and everything else you need to know to get started. With 19 years in the apparel industry and millions of shirts produced for hundreds of different brands, Ryan cuts through the noise and gives you the top blank recommendations based on fit, feel, real-world performance, and customer satisfaction. Topics Covered: 0:00 — What are blanks & why they're one of the most important choices for your brand - Custom cut & sew vs. blanks explained 1:12 — Top 5 blanks overview: how to evaluate what works 1:34 — No. 1: Next Level 6210 — the best-selling blank on the market; 60/40 blend, economical, great cut, and always in stock 3:39 —  No. 2: Next Level 3600 — same cut as 6210 but 100% cotton; best for print-on-demand and those who prefer pure cotton 5:02 — No. 3: AS Colour 5001 — heavier weight, slightly oversized cut; great for urban/streetwear brands 6:09 — No. 4: Comfort Colors 1717 — garment-dyed, vintage faded look; be aware of relabeling considerations and cost 8:12 — No. 5: Tri-blends (Bella Canvas 3413 & Next Level 6010) — pros, cons, sizing quirks, and torquing issues 10:27 — Don't let your personal taste drive blank selection — know your market 13:04 — You can always change your blank; keep it simple and iterate 13:25 — Industry Threadworks Facebook group for apparel brand owners Whether you're launching your first brand or reconsidering your current blank, this episode gives you a clear, no-BS framework to make the right call. If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apparel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee or construction business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat! Screen Printing & Embroidery Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com 3PL Fulfillment Services Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com

4. 

   26 May 2026

   From Zero to $10M: Building Savage Tacticians with Kevin Ullman

   Ryan from Industry Threadworks sits down with Kevin Ullman, founder of Savage Tacticians - an apparel brand he built from a random idea while doing security in Afghanistan in 2014 to a $10M business. A former Marine Corps veteran and private security contractor, Kevin rarely does interviews, making this a unique and tactical behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to build a 8 figure brand from nothing. In this episode, Kevin and Ryan break down the real, unglamorous side of entrepreneurship - from the late nights to the self-doubt - and give you a practical, no-BS roadmap for starting and scaling an apparel brand. Topics Covered: 1:44 — Kevin's background: Navy brat, early work ethic, hustling from a young age 3:54 — Eight years in the Marine Corps and the pivot to entrepreneurship 5:22 — The origin of Savage Tacticians: born in Afghanistan in 2014 6:51 — Why changing your brand name is normal (and not something to fear) 9:19 — Should you start an apparel brand? The honest truth 11:53 — What separates brands that stay small from brands that scale 13:23 — The role of capital and slow, self-funded growth 14:08 — Why growing businesses never feel like they have money (inventory reality check) 15:17 — Social media strategy: funny, educational, motivational 16:39 — The importance of authenticity and staying true to your brand 18:03 — When and what to outsource as you scale 20:59 — Hiring your first employee: Kevin's story 22:22 — Step-by-step: how to start an apparel brand (name, LLC, Shopify, trademarks) 24:57 — Trademark resources: USPTO vs. Trademarkia, and state tax/Nexus explained 27:40 — Choosing your blank: don't skip this step 29:44 — Blanks vs. custom cut & sew: which is better, and at what stage 30:53 — How many designs and colors to launch with - the template 33:18 — Ads & marketing: budget expectations, timelines, and getting traction If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apaprel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat! Screen Printing & Embroidery Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com 3PL Fulfillment Services Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com Kevin's Connections Kevin's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savtac.actual Sav Tac Website - https://sav-tac.com Sav Tac Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/savage.tacticians Bulkhead Energy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bulkheadenergy

5. 

   26 May 2026

   Merch Without the Mess - Adding Apparel to Your Business the Right Way

   Adding apaprel to an existing business is TOTALLY different than starting & scaling an apaprel line. It's actually way simpler than most people think it can be. In this episode, Ryan Williams from Industry Threadworks sits down with Tim Speer, CEO of Veteran Inc. - a non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides free tattoos to veterans as a form of therapy and community. Tim and Ryan go through the process step by step of how to add apparel to an existing business profitably, without it becoming a distraction, and the systems that make it all run smoothly. Topics Covered: 0:00 — Intro: What is Veteran Inc. and why add apparel? 1:02 — Apparel as a value-add vs. running an apparel brand 3:41 — Common mistake: launching too many designs too fast 4:58 — Recommended starting point: one design, two colors, 100 units 5:54 — Choosing the right colors and sizing ratios (the bell curve) 9:22 — How sizing ratios work and why they matter 11:45 — Vector files vs. raster files: what print shops actually need 14:09 — Adobe Illustrator: why every brand owner should learn it 17:37 — Private labeling, neck labels, and FTC compliance requirements 20:20 — "Made in the USA" labeling rules and the garment industry loophole 22:54 — Pricing breakdown: what 100 units actually costs all-in 23:36 — The production process from file submission to pickup 24:55 — Tips on running apparel at events: packing, booth setup, and POS systems 27:53 — Setting up a Shopify store and POS for in-person sales 30:28 — Using AI (ChatGPT) to create product mock-ups and lifestyle photos 34:03 — Print-on-demand vs. screen printing: DTF transfers explained 36:10 — Fulfillment: how to self-fulfill orders efficiently (thermal printers, poly mailers, ShipStation) 39:02 — When to outsource to a 3PL (and what that threshold looks like) 40:00 — Wrap-up and mention of the Liberty Risk podcast If you got something out of this episode check out our FREE Facebook group where we talk about all the details of the apaprel world, from starting and scaling a full fledged apparel brand to just getting some T shirts for your coffee business without getting ripped off. https://www.facebook.com/groups/industrythreadworks If you'd like to have us produce your apparel and/or fulfill your products, hit us up at the links below & let's chat! Screen Printing & Embroidery Industry Threadworks Website - https://www.industrythreadworks.com Industry Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/industry_threadworks Industry Threadworks Email - Info@IndustryThreadworks.com 3PL Fulfillment Services Archive 3PL Website - https://archive3pl.com Archive 3PL Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/archive3pl Archive 3PL Email - Info@Archive3PL.com

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