Building Something Beautiful:
How a $5 Garage Sale Find Became a Thriving Business
That garage sale screen printing kit is still in my shop today. I’m not sure it works anymore—frankly, I’m not sure it ever worked properly—but it sits in my utility room as a reminder that every big dream starts with a small step.
From Humble Beginnings to Omaha’s Custom Tee HQ
Fast forward from those first messy prints in St. Louis, through the big move to Omaha, to today: RM Custom Screen Printing is more than just a business—it’s a community. I’ve gone from “the guy with the ink stains” to someone trusted by schools, businesses, and families all over Omaha (and way beyond, thanks to the internet and a few very loyal St. Louis fans).
Killeen’s joined me as my right hand—inspecting, folding, and occasionally talking me down when I try to take on too many projects at once. Together, we’ve grown from late-night printing sessions to a full-blown operation with real equipment, a production calendar, and customers who sometimes feel more like friends.
Technology, Teamwork, and a Whole Lot of Heart
We’ve upgraded from that original kit to professional presses, embroidery machines, and enough ink to keep Omaha looking sharp for years. But the real secret sauce? Relationships. Every shirt, hoodie, and hat has a story behind it—milestone birthdays, championship wins, grand openings, and family reunions. It’s not just about printing logos; it’s about helping people celebrate what matters most to them.
There have been hiccups, sure. Ink spills, last-minute rush jobs, order mess-ups, and a few “creative” color choices that will never see the light of day again. But every challenge has made us better, and every happy customer reminds us why we started in the first place.
Growing Forward: What’s Next for RM Custom Screen Printing
We’re not done yet. The adventure is just getting started, and our creative toolkit keeps growing. Along with custom apparel, we’re launching new products like custom doormats and candles—plus, we’re diving deeper into collaborations with talented local artists to bring even more unique designs to our community.
But that’s not all. We’ve expanded our services to cover just about anything you can dream up:
Sublimation: Mainly for personalized gifts—think skinny tumblers, mugs, and more. If you want your name (or your dog’s face) on it, we can probably make it happen.
Laser Engraving: From tumblers to cutting boards, we add that personal touch that turns any gift or promo item into a keepsake.
Stickers & Decals: Perfect for laptops, water bottles, business branding, or just letting your personality stick around.
Promotional Products: Need branded pens, tote bags, koozies, or just about any swag you can imagine? We’ve got you covered.
With every new product and partnership, we’re focused on making it easier for you to celebrate your people, promote your business, and create memories that last. And with plans to keep expanding our online reach, we’re ready to help customers near and far bring their ideas to life.
Our mission is still the same as it was on day one: build long-lasting relationships and create positive memories—one custom print at a time.
That $5 garage sale kit? It may have been a weird investment, but it sparked a dream that’s grown into something truly beautiful. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need a perfect start—just the guts to take that first step, the patience to keep learning, and the right people by your side.
Ready to Start Your Story?
Whether you’re a business looking to boost your brand, a school gearing up for a big event, or someone with a wild T-shirt idea, we’re here to help you bring it to life. Because around here, every order is more than just an order—it’s a chance to be part of your story.
Thanks for following along on this journey from garage sale to glory. The best part? We’re just getting started.
