Episode #10: BONUS EPISODE: Lee Stuart's Journey from Not Knowing How to Pull a Squeegee to Having a Press Named After Him
Date: August 7, 2023
Duration: 28:13
Lee Stuart of Rogue Lab in Winnipeg, Canada, has a screen press named after him. But the journey to such a prestigious honor is paved with crazy experiences, finding himself on the brink of bankruptcy, growing a YouTube presence, and more.
In this bonus episode of the Apparelist podcast, join Lee as he recounts his wild ride into the world of apparel decoration. From his initial entry into the industry after retiring from extreme sports to building his YouTube presence, Lee has gone through one mile-marker to the next with bold intentions and a drive for perfection.
Key takeaways from the episode:
- How to determine when your business is ready to grow
- How to take a business through extreme growth
- Advice for other printers on why hiring and training employees is crucial to your business’s success
- Outsourcing vs. in-house applications
- His go-to education resources
Do you have an interesting story to tell? Advice to share with the industry? Contact Cassie Green, content director, to possibly be featured in an upcoming episode: cgreen@napco.com.
More Episodes
Episode #86: Branding Together: Opportunities (and Limitations) of AI in Print and Promo
If you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of platforms and options, this episode is your shortcut to clarity when it comes to AI in print and promo.
Listen
Episode #85: Understanding How On-Demand Decoration is Redefining the Industry
What if on-demand decoration isn’t just a new method — it’s a game-changing opportunity to redefine your business in 2026? Jayson Tompkins, chief digital officer of STAHLS' Fulfill Engine, reveals how the industry’s move toward scalable, sustainable on-demand decoration can unlock explosive growth.
Listen
Episode #84: Branding Together: How Creative Merch and Sales Strategies Shape the Future of Print and Promo
Join Branding Together co-hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green as they explore the latest industry updates, innovative approaches to merchandising, and the importance of strategic storytelling in branding.
Listen
Episode #83: Talking Sales Strategies with Kevin Baumgart
Kevin Baumgart of Sales Ink shares expert insights on how apparel decorators can transform their sales strategies. Decorators can discover practical tactics for proactive outreach, effective use of data, and more.
Listen
Episode #82: How 500 Level Uses Art and Micro-Moments to Dominate Sports Apparel
Joe Catlow, CEO of 500 Level, shares insights into building a unique sports apparel brand through innovative design and POD technology.
Listen
Episode #81: Threads of Change: How Small Businesses Can Thrive by Engaging with Local Government
Carolyn Cagle, owner of Strikke Knits in Stacy, Minnesota, explains why even simply paying attention to local government affairs positively impacts your business.
Listen
Episode #80: Branding Together: How Small Sustainability Changes Can Have a Big Impact
The April 2026 episode of Branding Together features insights from Julie Schneiderman of EcoSticks, who discusses industry certifications, innovative activations, and small behavioral shifts that can create big environmental impacts.
Listen
Episode #79: Resilience in Apparel: Persevering Through Natural Disaster and Finding Another Calling
Shane and Erin Lunsford, Grace Apparel Company, share the inspiring journey of building a resilient apparel business after a natural disaster.
Listen
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
YouTube Music