Stephen Faudemer, the owner of We Print T-shirts, took the reins of this Georgina-based printing business from friends and neighbours back in 2019. What began as a modest home-based venture has since blossomed into a thriving medium-sized operation, boasting an expanded product line, commercial space and increased revenue.
The resilience of the business shone through during the pandemic. It adapted swiftly, manufacturing face shields and fulfilling orders for branded face masks and apparel. Post-pandemic, with an influx of businesses venturing into T-shirt sales, it diversified its offerings to stay ahead of the curve.
What's been pivotal to its success? Learning from other businesses. Stephen advises small businesses to seek out successful larger enterprises for mentorship. "I did and it significantly impacted my business," he shares. "It's about sitting down and learning from their journey."
Another nugget of wisdom from Stephen is to capitalize on available grants. Recently, he secured funding through the federal Canadian Digital Adoption Program, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting new technologies to enhance competitiveness and resilience.
But Stephen doesn't plan on slowing down the business's growth and success. He's committed to propelling the business forward, investing in cutting-edge direct-to-film (DTF) technology, expanding his team, and enhancing digital presence and marketing. "The new DTF technology is a game changer," he enthuses. "It will ramp up production and reduce costs significantly."
We Print T-shirts isn't just about T-shirts. It offers a comprehensive suite of services including apparel printing, embroidery and laser engraving on various items like cutting boards, magnets, and awards. From vinyl signs to business cards, it caters to both small and large quantity orders.
Establishing a solid reputation, Stephen and his team have serviced real estate agents, municipalities, schools, and even international clients through platforms like ETSY.
With a background in international marketing, Stephen brings valuable insights to the table, offering customized service tailored to customers’ needs. His team’s dedication to fostering relationships with clients is evident, with even relocated customers continuing to order due to their stellar products and service.
When asked about choosing Georgina as the business base, Stephen emphasizes the community spirit. "Georgina fosters a strong sense of community," he explains. "New businesses and residents quickly become part of the fabric, supporting one another."
The success of We Print T-shirts is a testament to passion, knowledge and community support, showcasing the potential for growth and prosperity in Georgina.
Location: 294 The Queensway S.
Contact: 905-535-0252
Website: weprinttshirts.ca
For those interested in starting or expanding a business in Georgina, visit choosegeorgina.ca for support and resources. Stay informed about funding opportunities by subscribing to the Economic Development and Tourism eNewsletter.