Shop Talk Speakers
Nathan Anderson, FM Expressions
VP of Strategic Marketing at FM Expressions developing web-to-print, low minimum order quantity, fast-turn heat transfer service. Second-generation, 17-year apparel decoration industry veteran.
Ryan Barger, M&R Companies
Began my screen-printing career in October of 1988 with a entry level position and worked my way up to managing three different Garment decorating shops in the Mid-west before moving to TX., in addition to, two Graphic and industrial labeling businesses.
In 1999 began my employment with M&R as a Service Technician and in 2010 left to pursue a business opportunity, then returned to M&R Technical services in 2012 as a Senior Service Technician.
In 2015 I accepted the opportunity as Regional Sales Manager for M&R covering TX, AR, OK, LA & KS. Currently I am still working to Service, grow & assist the industry in its industrial equipment purchases.
Seth Brewton
With 13 years of experience in the apparel decoration industry, Seth Brewton combines expertise in production, screen print education, and marketing to capture compelling stories within the apparel space. His passion for story telling brings depth and creativity to every project, highlighting the artistry and innovation in apparel decoration.
James Brigham, Next Level Apparel
James Brigham has been a prominent leader in the apparel industry for over a decade, with roles at notable brands such as Gildan and Bella+Canvas / Alo Yoga.
He currently serves as Vice President of Sales (Retail/Brand) at Next Level Apparel.
James is passionate about growing teams in both retail and wholesale sectors, discovering emerging trends, forging key partnerships, and spearheading strategic initiatives.
His extensive industry expertise offers a unique perspective that elevates organizations and teams to new heights.
Josh Ellsworth, STAHLS’
As Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for GroupeSTAHL North America, Josh is responsible for leading and supporting a nationwide team of experienced team members with a focus on growing the company’s enterprise and dealer sales and marketing efforts. His in-depth understanding of the technical side of garment decorating, combined with a sincere interest in seeing businesses succeed, make him a sought-after and trusted resource for information industry-wide. A well-recognized and respected expert in the field of heat printing, Josh is known for his work as an educator around the world. Josh has created, written and/or been featured in over 1000 educational videos, with millions of views worldwide. The majority of his work can be viewed on the Stahls’ TV YouTube Channel.
Milissa Gibson, Lane Seven Apparel
Milissa Gibson is the sales director for Lane Seven Apparel and President of High Voltage Studios. She has over 15 years of industry experience in apparel sales and manufacturing.
Tim Gibson, US Standard Apparel
Tim Gibson president of sales US Standard Apparel. Tim has held various executive positions in the apparel manufacturing industry, including director of field sales at Hanes/Champion, national sales manager at BELLA+CANVAS, and western regional sales manager at Next Level Apparel.
His passion for the imprinted apparel industry is unrivaled.
Rich Jacobs, SanMar
Rich has been involved in the promotional products industry since 1994. He joined SanMar in 2008 as a territory manager and now enjoys working with decorators to find solutions for their business and decorating needs.
Brian Lessard, MADE Lab
Brian’s started in apparel decoration started with art school, then printing including numerous Golden Imager awards at Mirror Image and then to Rutland as a tech rep. He now heads up MADE Laboratory’s testing program.
Andy MacDougall
Andy MacDougall helped establish Wachiay Studio on Vancouver Island in 2015. He retired from day to day duties in 2021 but continues to work on special projects & educational initiatives, including screentheworld.org. In 2007 he was inducted to the Academy of Screenprinting Technology for ongoing contributions to the industry including producing the books ‘Screenprinting Today – the Basics’, and a ‘History of Screen Printing’, numerous magazine articles & live screenprinting demonstrations from Montreal to Milwaukee to Long Beach. He currently hosts the podcast & column ‘Art, Ad, or Alchemy’ for Screenprinting Magazine in the USA.
Tonie Mignogna, 613 Originals
Tonie is the VP of Technical Sales at 613 Originals, a leading source for custom heat applied graphics. For over 20 years, Tonie has helped and mentored countless customers, businesses, and colleagues in the heat transfer industry. She has worked within nearly every department, from reception and customer service to production planning and R&D to sales and beyond. Never one to sit idle when there’s something to be learned or improved, Tonie found her true passion at the intersection of solving unique decoration challenges for her customers and the technical aspects of print production. Tonie leads a team of highly trained and customer-focused staff that provide the incredible customer service 613 is known for. Her ultimate mission is to keep raising the bar on what’s possible in the apparel decoration industry.
Oliver Neff, SPSI
Oliver is a field tech for SPSI installing and repairing MHM presses and Tesoma and Cavazutti Dryers, a position he has held for three years. He cut his teeth fixing tractors, working for Bay End Farm before that for seven years.
Sergio Ramirez, Supacolor
Sergio Ramirez is a creative strategist and senior marketer at Supacolor. With several years of experience in the decorated apparel industry and marketing world, Sergio specializes in disruptive digital content for both DTC and B2B. Under his helm, he helped grow Supacolor’s user base internationally and social media equity.
In addition to his professional experience, Sergio is also a streetwear designer and artist in his free time to keep his creative eye refreshed. He is widely recognized as an industry expert on taking your social media and marketing to the next level. He studied with The Art Institute, Universita Bocconi, London Business School, UC Irvine, and UC Davis to cultivate a knowledge base for growing brands in the decorated apparel industry.
LaTonna Roberson, Lady Print Boss Consulting
Lady Print Boss, also known as LaTonna Roberson, is a powerhouse in the decorated apparel industry with over 24 years of hands-on experience. As a master screen printer, consultant, and speaker, she has made it her mission to help startups and growing businesses master the critical elements of printing, sales, marketing, and customer acquisition. Known for her straight-talking, no-nonsense style, LaTonna empowers entrepreneurs—especially women and those starting from scratch—to achieve success in the highly competitive apparel industry.
Born and raised in the urban streets of Dallas, Texas, Lady Print Boss blends her street smarts with business expertise, offering practical solutions in a down-to-earth, relatable way. She’s not just focused on growing her own business to financial freedom—she’s committed to guiding others along the same path. A champion for women and underserved communities, LaTonna brings her real-life experience and wisdom to every project, mentorship, and speaking engagement. With a strong passion for family, entrepreneurship, and empowering others, Lady Print Boss is living proof that you can hustle hard, keep it real, and still achieve your dreams.
Jenna Sackett, STAHLS’
Jenna Sackett is an Educator and Content Creator for Stahls’. Whether you are crafting from home, or running a brick and mortar business, she knows the tips and tricks that make an apparel decorator successful in this ever-growing marketplace.
Sean Sassounian, US Standard Apparel
Growing up in Southern California, there was always a large textile and manufacturing industry in Los Angeles. While studying Business and finance at USC, my passion for the apparel industry led me to start SAS Textiles in the early 90’s. For the past 30 years SAS Textiles has been the premier novelty knitter and converter on the west coast. We have worked tirelessly to stay in business while over 90% of the industry has left the country. My deep reverence for American manufacturing led me to start US Standard Apparel in 2018. I am trying to keep domestic textile and apparel manufacturing alive here in America and am fortunate to have a loyal team that’s been with me since the beginning, we’re just getting started!
Alyx Spurrier, Spurrier Design
Alyx Spurrier is a graphic artist specializing in illustration for apparel and the creative force behind Spurrier Design. With over a decade of experience, Alyx turns ideas into bold, eye-catching designs that pack a punch.
Rick Strassner, AS colour
I am a 35+ year veteran in the Apparel & Footwear industry. I am originally from MD & was a Sales Representative for several well known Action Sports brands in the MidAtlantic region before moving to CA nearly 30 years ago to help build brands & companies that had global distribution & market share. I was the first employee at AS Colour here in the US, helping to launch the brand in 2016 & where we have now grown to over 80 employees between our two distribution centers in Carson, CA & Charlotte, NC. I am driven by an endless passion for excellent customer experience, highly efficient operations, a love of people and relationship building & an endless quest to learn, discover & experience.
Latonia Sumuel, The Tee Academy
Meet Latonia Sumuel, also known as Coach Tee, a leader in T-shirt branding and digital marketing. She helps aspiring and established entrepreneurs launch and grow successful apparel brands through social media. Since 2019, Latonia has built a multi 6-figure apparel business and founded The Tee Academy, empowering others to excel in the industry.
With a background in education and a focus on community building, she’s passionate about teaching others to master the digital space and boost sales. Latonia’s speaking engagements motivate entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into thriving businesses.
Ken White, Cotton Heritage
Ken White has been with Cotton Heritage for the past 10 years. He has been in the apparel industry for over 30 years, primarily working in the wholesale channel. Ken has an extensive background in sales management including new business development, solutions selling, relationship management, and customer retention, as well as a diverse product and merchandising background. His background has helped Cotton Heritage grow to become a premium blank in the imprintables market.