Wow… As I reflect on the adventure of the past 12 months, I don’t even know where to begin. Just sitting here trying to write this has me overwhelmed with emotion. From very humble beginnings, Ironclad Outfitters and Thin Line Outfitters have grown tremendously this year thanks to the support of many of you!
We received our screen printing press in April and worked quickly to set up and familiarize ourselves with the operation. By my count, we produced somewhere north of 4,400 pieces of apparel this year between April and today. Not bad for a startup, one man shop in 9 months. Stepping out on my own and starting a new business in the middle of a pandemic may be one of the craziest, but most rewarding, things I’ve ever done, and I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I am completely blown away by the love and support you all have shown me and my family.
I want to especially thank Rebecca Brown and Preston Brown – Wheeler Exterminating, Josh Deaver – Eastern Access & Security, Walter Taylor, Jim Capps – CappsTrailers.com, JenniferBrian Wade, Brad Ward (John J Rambo), Tyler Moore, Steve Miller, Franklin Floyd, Bj Murphy – Magic Mile Media, Jessy Dawson – Middle Grounds Coffeehouse – Kinston, my brother Cameron Decker, my father Philip Decker, my mother Teresa Decker, and my wife Jessica Decker for encouraging me, believing in me, helping me set up my shop, assisting with tax and bookkeeping questions, moving heavy equipment, putting up with 1,000 questions and requests for opinions on designs, listening to my crazy ideas, spreading the word about my companies, helping me fold and organize shirts, assisting with production and deliveries, sharing conversations in the middle of the night, and more. There are many other individuals who have supported me and my family and made this venture a possibility. There’s no way to mention every one of you, but know that I dearly love and appreciate you all.
We are officially done printing for 2021! I will spend the rest of this year with my family, reflecting on the support and love you all have shown my family with a full heart. We are excited to see where this goes and continue serving our community.
Here’s a quick video highlight of just a few of the things we accomplished this year. See if you can find your apparel!
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 2022. Bring it on!
