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Obscure Adventures Magazine
Do you have a bowfishing related shirt? There's a good chance Jeff had something to do with it. ShirtGuys.com has the slogan “Loving the outdoors – One shirt at a time!” I personally have ordered a number of unique shirts from shirtguys.com and their weekly specials are fantastic!
I interviewed Jeff Nieball recently to gain some insight into his present business, as well as his future plans:
Justin - Describe your business and what services you are currently offering?
Jeff - “Our main business is screen printing, embroidery, digital media, wraps and sublimation. We help clients with branding and marketing of their products. We produce for all markets, all sizes, and all environments. From small, short run jobs of 24 pieces, to long runs up to 25,000 pieces per shift. We also do custom finishing work, including: private labeling, embroidery, folding, bagging, storage, and fulfillment. 90% of our business is shipped out of Tennessee to other states.”
Justin - How did your business become so aligned with bowfishing?
Jeff - “I was with some friends down in Louisiana shooting alligator gar one night and started to think about how expensive this hobby can get. I had to come up with a way to pay for our gas,
food, lodging and tournaments. I decided to come up with our first design which was the "I Like Big Buffs and I Cannot Lie" design and pre-sold them for $10 a shirt. We wanted to sell a t-shirt that anyone could afford. It was a hit! The profits not only support my bowfishing adventures, but it allows us to give back to events, as well as to people that have needed help.”
Justin - What percentage of your business is dedicated to outfitting bowfishermen?
Jeff - “It's a very small percentage currently, but it’s increasing every quarter. It’s personally my favorite part of our business, especially meeting these customers. The great thing about this sport is it allows me to really enjoy myself and still market our business.”
Justin - Are there plans to expand the business in any way?
Jeff - “We are currently looking to build another location in Texas and a new facility down the road from our current Tennessee location to handle our future growth.”
Justin - What are you most proud of as your business has grown?
Jeff - “Besides providing jobs to our 33 employees, it’s great to be able to give back to our community as well.”
Justin - Do you have any advice for someone trying to grow their own business?
Jeff - “Always remember, sweat equity is the most valuable equity there is. Always love what you do, or don't do it. Be passionate with your decisions even when others disagree with your vision and never quit dreaming.”
The "Big Buffs" shirt was one of the first designs ShirtGuys.com put out dedicated to bowfishing. It was an instant hit.
A birds-eye view into the screen printing area at NDesigns.
On top of everything else, Jeff created and maintains Bowfishingzone.com