Today we’d like to introduce you to Karl Tipre.
Karl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2007 I was hired by AnaJet, Inc in Costa Mesa. AnaJet was a small industrial printer manufacturer start up. AnaJet was one of the first companies in the US to create apparel printers used to print graphics on garments using white ink. Over the course of the next 4 years I led the sales and marketing teams to become the best selling DTG (Direct to garment) printer supplier in the US. We helped thousands of people start their own garment decoration business and create financial freedom. By 2011 we improved the design and capabilities of the printing technology and sold AnaJet to a private equity firm. In 2015 I became CEO of AnaJet and sold the company to Ricoh, a large Japanese technology company. I stayed with Ricoh DTG for 5 more years as the CEO growing our DTG printer market. In 2020, I left Ricoh DTG/AnaJet and started DTG Connection with my brother Adam, who was the VP of sales at Ricoh and Paul Croker who was the VP of marketing. Sort of a Jerry McGuire moment…. Initially we were a dealer of Ricoh printers, but soon decided to become a dealer of all brands and technologies. (I can list them if you like, Epson, Uninet, Sawgrass, many others) Now, after 5 years, we have more than 30 printer options, and are a one stop shop for companies that want to either expand a start a business. This year we launched a new fully automated DTF printer with curing and cutting technology, a first in the industry. We are rebranding the company to PrinterBiz and expect significant growth
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many challenges over the years. The print technology we sell is very cutting edge. Improvements and charges are made all the time, and it is a moving target to make sure staff is up to date on the differences between different types of equipment. In addition, there is more competition than ever before. Over the last 2-3 years, financing for customers has been more difficult since the rates have increased. We have had to spend more time making banking relationships in order to provide access to affordable financing for our customers. Most recently, the increase in tariffs have been a large hurdle, as equipment has become more expensive. To combat this issue, we source products outside of China and share our margin with customers so we don’t have to raise prices.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about DTG Connection and PrinterBiz?
We are an industrial printer dealer. We provide equipment and training for people that want to start an at-home business or expand an existing business. The equipment we sell can be used for many things….to decorate apparel, think printing logos, graphics, photos on clothing…. to print 3D stickers, signs, banners, cards…… or even laser engrave items for promotional products. We provide all ancillary equipment, blanks to print on and software to manage workflow. Basically we sell a business in a box. We sell most brands and models and always provide free lifetime training and support to our customers. Our focus is to help people expand or start a business, and create a source of income to get them closer to their financial goals. Each of our customers get’s personal guidance for choosing the right equipment, and once they have the equipment, we focus on helping them create sellable product. Our focus and dedication to our customers helps them grow tremendously, and is a win/win since they tend to need more supplies and consumables when we help them succeed.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To focus on the customer needs and “get on the front line” to hear the customer voice. It is very important to survey customers and understand their struggles so we can create solutions based on market DEMAND, not just push services we think people want. If we listen to customers, we can creation solutions that are more practical and better received.
Pricing:
- We have equipment ranging from 900-30k, something for every budget
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.printerbiz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtgconnection/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DTGConnection/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dtgconnection
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dtg-connection-fountain-valley
