Heat press technology is transforming the apparel decoration industry, and STAHLS’ Heat Press Transformation series showcases the innovation and growth it brings to businesses. In the latest episode, Jesse and Rebecca Freeby of Corvallis Custom share how they’ve evolved their company from a college project into a leading apparel provider. This video is a must-watch for apparel decorators and heat printers looking for inspiration and actionable insights to scale their own businesses.
Spotlighting Corvallis Custom
Located in Oregon, Corvallis Custom is a great example of innovation and determination. They are the exclusive apparel provider for Oregon State University and one of the first businesses to partner with collegiate athletes to help them make money through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. By sharing profits and building strong relationships with athletes, they’ve created a business model that focuses on both the community and the future.
Heat Printing Fuels Print On Demand
Heat printing has been a big part of their success, helping them adapt to the growing demand for custom and small-batch orders. Their print-on-demand model allows them to create high-quality products quickly and efficiently, without the need for traditional screen printing setups.
As co-owner Jesse explained:
Before switching to this on-demand model, we used to burn screens in our shop and keep them taped all the time. If someone ordered online, we’d align the screen and print maybe two shirts, which made a $20 shirt cost us $15 just to set up. Now, with on-demand, we can order transfers, have them ready to go, and assemble them as needed. It’s a much better system that fits the Amazon next-day delivery model, giving us high-quality products without the high setup costs.
Jesse Freeby, Co-Owner of Corvalis Custom
Printing DTF Transfers In-House
When Corvallis Custom transitioned to printing their own DTF transfers, they discovered some challenges they hadn’t anticipated. One key lesson was the need for a temperature-controlled room. They learned this just weeks before their printer arrived, which saved them from a potential disaster. As Rebecca explained, “You need an environmentally controlled room for your DTF printer. We didn’t know that until we found out at a conference just before the printer arrived.”
Another challenge was understanding how to properly service the machine. Jesse shared that entering this new technology without adequate training or technical knowledge was a steep learning curve. He noted, “With some of the more mature technologies, there’s a support system with technicians and product chains. But with DTF, it’s still a new industry, so you either need to be very technical or work with a company that can provide strong support.”
These insights highlight the importance of preparation and education when investing in new equipment, especially for small businesses navigating evolving technology. For Corvallis Custom, partnering with STAHLS’ during their early days of DTF transfers was crucial in helping them manage these challenges while still delivering for their customers.
Key Takeaways for Your Business
- Leverage NIL Opportunities: The Supreme Court ruling on NIL rights has created a unique market for collegiate athletes. Corvallis Custom capitalizes on this by helping athletes create and sell branded merchandise, offering a valuable blueprint for other decorators.
- Build Strong Partnerships: Corvallis Custom’s approach to partnerships with athletes provides a strong foundation for success.
- Focus on Scalability: Expert advice from industry experts like Marshall Atkinson and Dave Conner helped Corvallis Custom identify opportunities for operational efficiency and long-term growth planning.
- Upgrade Your Technology: Recent investments in advanced heat press equipment have significantly boosted productivity and quality at Corvallis Custom. These tools streamline operations, reduce errors, and make scaling more achievable.
Some of the older heat presses, like the ones you get from China, don’t provide consistent pressure or temperature. This new press streamlines everything—pre-pressing, staging, and moving to the next print. It has significantly cut down production time and improved the quality of our products.
Jesse Freeby, Co-Owner of Corvalis Custom
Watch The Episode
Whether you’re new to heat printing or a seasoned decorator, this episode is packed with actionable insights. From strategies to scale your operations to innovative uses of heat press technology, Jesse and Rebecca’s journey is inspiring. Plus, you’ll see how the right tools and mindset can set your business up for long-term success.
Ready to learn how to transform your business with heat press technology? Watch the full episode and discover the future of apparel decoration!
About the Heat Press Transformation Series
This series dives into the real-world challenges and triumphs of businesses leveraging heat press technology. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at how entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, adopt new equipment, and grow their brands. Check out our other episodes and learn how top players in the industry are growing their business!