Interested in starting a decorating business and growing fast? If so, this post is for you. Today, we’re diving into the journey of Vlad Kalman from Printing on Main Street, who shares his experiences navigating the fast-paced world of screen printing and the challenges that come with rapid growth.

Starting Out: From Zero to One Million

Vlad began his entrepreneurial journey in August 2019, although he didn’t get his equipment until October. By February of the following year, he found himself in the midst of the pandemic, which posed unique challenges but also unexpected opportunities. Initially, Vlad had invested heavily in his business, and as he put it, “if it burns now, it burns now; it is what it is.”

Surprisingly, as the world shut down, the phone began to ring. Requests for lawn signs and birthday T-shirts flooded in, leading to a staggering jump in sales from $3,500 in 2019 to around $320,000 in 2020. “I think being new helped me pivot easily,” Vlad explained, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in business.

Business Mindset vs. Craftsmanship

Rick highlighted a crucial insight: having a business-oriented mindset often trumps being a master craftsman in the printing world. People with a business mind do better than those who are just decorators trying to figure out business. Vlad’s background in the events industry provided him with the skills to identify and seize opportunities, allowing him to thrive even amidst uncertainty.

Networking and Cold Calling

Networking has been vital to Vlad’s success. After getting his shop up and running, he made it a point to visit 10-20 local businesses daily. “I would walk into a pizzeria and ask, ‘Who makes your T-shirts?’” This proactive approach not only brought in new orders but also established lasting relationships with clients. This attitude  has

Learning Through Challenges

Vlad’s journey was not without its hurdles. Early on, he made significant mistakes, such as purchasing $5,000 worth of blank T-shirts without understanding his market. He didn’t know about distributors at the time. His learning curve included extensive research, often referred to as “YouTube University,” where he absorbed knowledge about printing techniques and the decoration industry in particular .

Facing the Ugly: Financial Realities

Despite impressive sales figures, Vlad faced the harsh reality of financial management. “I was in debt despite the sales,” he admitted. Rapid growth can often lead to cash flow issues, and Vlad learned the hard way about the importance of understanding profit margins and operational costs. He broke down expenses by department, realizing that some areas, like DTG, were losing money.

“You can’t sell just on price,” he stated, emphasizing the need for value and relationship-building in business. He learned to differentiate his offerings and focus on quality rather than competing solely on cost.

Hiring and Building a Team

As demand increased, Vlad faced challenges in hiring. “Finding good help today is really not easy,” he noted. However, he successfully built a competent team, with many employees staying with him long-term. Like many other business owners, he quickly learned that hiring women with school age kids was a smart move. Moms know how to get things done efficiently in a limited amount of time and are adept at juggling multiple responsibilities. This stability in staff has been crucial in maintaining productivity and quality as the business continues to grow.

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Vlad’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a solid business mindset. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to learn as much as they can about their industry, be prepared for unexpected challenges, and nurture relationships with clients and employees alike.

“If you have that drive to keep going until something changes, you’ll make it,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of perseverance that is essential for success in any business.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Vlad’s journey from starting a screen printing business during a pandemic to nearly hitting a million dollars in sales is both inspiring and instructive. It serves as a reminder that growth brings challenges, but with the right mindset and approach, those challenges can be overcome.

For more insights and resources on the printing industry, check out The Ink Kitchen YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram.