In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, we sit down with Kevin Kauth from Chromaline, known in the industry as the Emulsion Guru. With over 16 years of experience helping shops solve screen room challenges, Kevin shares insights on:

• Why consistency is the #1 key to success in the darkroom
• Common mistakes printers make with exposure and emulsion
• How his “Emulsion Guru” persona began as a joke and grew into a community resource
• The evolution of screen imaging technology (CTS and LTS)
• Industry trends like DTF, DTG, and where screen printing is headed
• Must-have tools and setups for building a reliable screen room

Kevin’s journey blends technical expertise with a passion for helping printers grow. Whether you’re running a manual press in your garage or managing multiple autos in a large shop, this conversation has tips you can apply today.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Shop, we sit down with the screen printing legend himself: Riley Hopkins. From building his first press in a San Francisco warehouse to losing millions and bouncing back, Riley shares a brutally honest, no-fluff story of innovation, risk, and perseverance.

With nearly 50 years in the screen printing industry, Riley helped shape what it looks like today—from launching rotary manual presses to teaming up with Ryonet. He opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, including the moment he lost $4.5M in 15 minutes and what it took to come out stronger.
If you’re a maker, entrepreneur, or someone with a bar-napkin idea, this is a must-listen.

In this episode of Let's Talk Shop, we sit down with Jay, owner of Threaded Ink, to explore how he transitioned from a 21-year career in local government to running a thriving screen printing and heat transfer production business. Jay shares his journey of navigating the learning curve of DTF (Direct to Film) printing, overcoming challenges with equipment, and building a community-focused brand that delivers high-quality apparel. Whether you're a seasoned print shop owner or considering adding DTF production to your services, this conversation is packed with insights on scaling your business, maintaining quality, and fostering a positive company culture.