232. Tanner Thompson — From Richfield Roots to Apparel Powerhouse

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Tanner Thompson, CEO and owner of The Shirt Stop.

Thompson discusses how he stumbled into entrepreneurship by purchasing an existing screen printing business in his hometown of Richfield, Utah. He explains that this decision was key to his success because the business already had an established team of seven employees. This strategic focus and its commitment to building long-term customer relationships have been instrumental in the company's growth. Since then, The Shirt Shop has expanded from seven to nearly 80 employees and from a small 1,500-square-foot shop to 45,000 square feet between two locations in Richfield and Lehi, Utah.

Thompson highlights the significance of being based in rural Richfield, noting that it fosters a strong sense of community and integrity with customers. This long-game approach ensures that the company produces quality products and has a good reputation. The Shirt Shop has adapted to industry changes, shifting from a primarily word-of-mouth model to one that leverages social media and influencer marketing, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift allowed the company to expand its services beyond corporate swag to include branded apparel for social media influencers. Thompson plans to continue growing the company by taking on more textile manufacturing services and expanding into international markets.