Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Cairns.
Hi Dave, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I got started in the custom apparel industry almost by accident—but like most things that stick, it was a mix of passion, necessity, and a belief that I could make something better. I’ve always been drawn to sports, creativity, and business, and the apparel space happened to sit right at the intersection of those things.
It started small—helping out a local team that needed jerseys on a tight timeline. I figured out how to make it happen, and word spread. From there, it turned into late nights learning production, navigating factories, building relationships, and understanding what customers really wanted: something high-quality, customized, and fast.
What drove me early on—and still does—is solving problems others shy away from. Whether it was turnaround times, design limitations, or lack of service, I saw gaps and filled them. Over time, I built out the infrastructure: manufacturing, fulfillment, design, sales, and a great team that shares the same values.
Today, I run multiple apparel companies that specialize in custom teamwear, quick-turn sublimation, and personalized gear made in the U.S.A. But I still operate with that same mindset I had when I started: do good work, solve problems, and always take care of the customer
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. The apparel industry is fast-paced, competitive, and constantly changing.
Early on, I dealt with everything from missed deadlines and quality issues to learning how to manage production and navigate cash flow challenges. There were moments I questioned whether I was in over my head.
One of the biggest struggles was building trust with customers while still figuring things out behind the scenes. I had to learn quickly, adapt constantly, and take a lot of risks—some that paid off, and some that didn’t. But every challenge taught me something that helped me level up.
I’ve also learned that the right people matter more than anything. There were times I tried to do it all myself, and that only led to burnout. Once I started building a team that shared the vision and values, everything started to click.
It’s been far from easy—but every bump in the road pushed me to grow, and honestly, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in custom teamwear—primarily sublimated jerseys for sports teams, with a strong focus on hockey. What we do really well is combine speed, customization, and quality. We manufacture our gear in the U.S., which allows us to deliver fully customized team jerseys in as little as five business days—something that’s almost unheard of in this industry.
Over the years, I’ve built out several apparel brands, including one dedicated to quick-turn team jerseys, another focused on e-commerce team stores, and one built entirely around giving back through sport. What ties them all together is the ability to offer something personal and meaningful—not just a product, but a story, a brand, and a purpose.
What I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built. Coaches, teams, and organizations know they can count on us. We don’t miss deadlines. We don’t make excuses. We take ownership of every order, and we care about getting it right. That reliability is everything to me.
What sets us apart is our agility and the fact that we control the process from end to end—design, production, fulfillment. That allows us to be faster, more flexible, and more personal than bigger players. We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re trying to be the best at what we do.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big believer in personal growth, so I’m always looking for tools that help me think more clearly, lead better, and stay grounded.
A few resources have really stuck with me over the years. The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber completely changed the way I looked at building a business. It helped me shift from working in the business to working on the business. That mindset has been huge in helping me scale and create systems that don’t rely solely on me.
Atomic Habits by James Clear is another one that’s had a major impact—not just professionally but personally. It reinforced the idea that small, consistent actions lead to big results. I apply that to everything from leadership to how I approach my day.
As far as podcasts go, I like The Ed Mylett Show and How I Built This. Both are full of real stories from people who’ve built something from nothing, which keeps me inspired and reminds me that everyone starts somewhere.
I also use tools like Trello and Notion to stay organized, and Slack for team communication. But honestly, nothing beats a notebook and a good cup of coffee for planning the day.
At the end of the day, the most important resource is time—and I try to use mine intentionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Grasshoppergamewear.com
