What transforms a simple printed t-shirt into a powerful brand ambassador? Brad Oliver, founder of Culture Apparel in Franklin, Tennessee, knows exactly what makes the difference—and it all comes down to care.

Brad's entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly. After eight years in the music industry booking Christian artists, the pandemic forced a pivot when live events came to a standstill. Rather than merely adapting his father's side business that brokered merchandise printing, Brad made a gutsy call in 2021: bring all production in-house, master the craft of screen printing, and create something truly different in the apparel world.

"If we're going to say quality, we have to be able to ensure the quality," Brad explains, describing the moment he decided to invest in equipment and build a team focused on excellence. This wasn't just about printing logos on t-shirts—it was about creating merchandise people genuinely want to wear, turning customers into walking billboards for the brands they love.

What sets Culture Apparel apart is their three-pronged approach: quality garments, expert printing, and professional design offered at no additional cost. Their showroom allows clients to touch and feel fabrics before ordering, while their in-house designers understand both current trends and technical printing requirements. The result? Coffee shops like Hank's and Highbrow, service companies like Golden Plumbing, and churches throughout Franklin now have merchandise that tells their brand story in a way that resonates.

Brad shares candid insights about entrepreneurship, including the challenge of balancing business demands with family life. Rather than pursuing elusive perfect balance, he views life in seasons—sometimes leaning harder into work, other times prioritizing family. The key was having his wife onboard from the beginning through honest communication about what building the business would require.

Ready to experience the Culture Apparel difference? Visit their showroom to see firsthand how quality, creativity, and care come together to create merchandise that matters. Follow @cultureapparel on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of their work and the stories they're helping to tell.