Episode #64: Leaning in and Leveling up with Dylan Gilligan
Date: November 3, 2025
Duration: 36:56
Sit down with Dylan Gilligan, Upstate Merch and Shirt Show, to explore the evolving landscape of the decorated apparel industry, specifically dissecting how to level up in today’s economy.
Dylan joins the Apparelist podcast while onsite at PRINTING United Expo 2025. The episode highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by apparel decorators today. The conversation delves into the importance of innovation, customer connection, and adapting to new technologies to stay competitive.
Dylan and host Cassie Green, content director of Apparelist, lean into the data from the most recent State of the Decorated Apparel (SODA) industry survey.
Episode Notes and Key Time Stamps
- 00:31 – Introduction and Expo Overview
- 02:07 – Exploring New Technologies in Apparel Decorating
- 07:03 – State of the Industry: Challenges and Realities
- 12:37 – Riding the Waves of Change
- 21:06 – Finding Opportunities Amidst the Challenges
- 25:18 – Leveling Up for the Future
Listen to Past Episodes
- October 2025: Why Live Events Pay Off for Apparel Decorators
- September 2025: Lessons in Leadership Learned Through a Journey from Startup Hustle to Premium Blanks
- August 2025: Unpacking Global Trends in the Apparel Decoration Space
- July 2025: Print, Pivot, Platform: Innovating Apparel Decoration Technology
- June 2025: Discounts: Are They Good or Bad for Your Apparel Decorating Business?
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