Since 1981
Our
Story
From screen printing lunch bags as a kid to running four delivery vans and serving print shops nationwide — this is how Buckets of Ink came to be.
The beginning
Where It All Began
It all started back in 1981 when I first stepped into the screen-printing world as a young boy, test-printing on paper lunch bags with my name and a soccer ball — an idea introduced by my dad. From that moment on, I was hooked.
Over the years, I had the opportunity to work on large-scale events like the Super Bowl, the World Series, and concerts for major rock bands. Each experience added to my knowledge — from new printing techniques to the latest innovations in screen printing supplies.
As the industry evolved, so did I — transitioning into embroidery and digital printing as market demand shifted toward new methods of apparel decoration.
Going independent
Becoming Independent
About ten years ago, I decided to branch out on my own. I reached out to manufacturers I had built long-standing relationships with and began selling their products independently. Entrepreneurship had always been in my blood — not just to work for myself, but to share what I'd learned with others in the printing world.
Business started to gain traction quickly. Then, everything changed.
A serious accident sidelined me and nearly brought everything to a halt. Fortunately, I had loyal people around me who kept the wheels turning and continued to serve our customers. After five years of recovery, I realized it was time to take the business in the direction I had always envisioned.
The big idea
Let's Bring the Store
to Your Door
We invested in a fully equipped delivery van — shelving, refrigeration, full graphic wrap, Wi-Fi, printer, and more. The concept was simple and customers loved it. Free local delivery quickly made us a favorite supplier in the region.
Soon after, we added a second van, hired a new driver, and doubled down on our commitment to fast, dependable service. Today we operate four delivery vans — with the same commitment to getting you what you need, when you need it.
Our journey
The Road Here
Screen printing a paper lunch bag with a name and a soccer ball — a young kid, a dad with an idea, and an industry that would define a career.
Large-scale event printing built deep technical knowledge and long-term relationships with the manufacturers that now form the backbone of our inventory.
Launched independently using longtime manufacturer relationships — driven by a desire to give back to the printing community and share decades of hard-earned knowledge.
A serious accident forced a five-year recovery. Loyal team members kept the business alive. Coming out the other side made the vision clearer than ever.
Fully equipped van launched the "Store to Your Door" concept. The response was immediate — a second van and driver followed shortly after.
Moved to a larger facility with a full product showroom, demo room, warehouse, and dedicated offices to support a growing team and expanding online sales.
Brad Carter leads equipment sales. Our full team processes online and delivery orders daily. The mission: build lasting relationships and help every customer's business thrive.
Expanding our footprint
A Bigger Space,
A Better Experience
As Buckets of Ink was growing, so was the need for more space. In late 2021, we moved to a larger and better location. This new facility gave us room to build out everything we'd always envisioned.
A full product showroom lets customers see and feel what they're buying. A dedicated demo room allows us to run live equipment demonstrations for presses, exposure units, and DTF systems. The expanded warehouse means deeper inventory and faster fulfillment.
Today, Buckets of Ink operates four delivery vans and employs six dedicated team members — and we're still growing.
Meet the team
The People Behind
the Operation
One of our longest-standing team leaders, Brad now heads up our equipment sales division. In a short time, Brad has made a significant impact — refining inventory management, optimizing van stock levels, and streamlining order fulfillment for greater speed and accuracy.
Whether you're investing in your first automatic press, upgrading your DTF setup, or building out a full shop, Brad is your go-to resource for equipment guidance and honest recommendations.
Inside our warehouse
Stocked Deep,
Ready to Ship
Inks, emulsions, chemicals, embroidery threads, tapes, adhesives, and DTF supplies — all in stock and ready to go.
What drives us
Our Values
Built over four decades in the industry, these principles guide every order, every delivery, and every conversation.
Over 40 years in screen printing, embroidery, and DTF. We've worked Super Bowls, World Series events, and major tours. That experience informs every recommendation we make.
Four vans, a stocked warehouse, and a team dedicated to getting your order right and on time — every time. Your production schedule doesn't wait, and neither do we.
We're not a big-box distributor. We know our customers by name, understand their setups, and build partnerships that last years — not just one transaction at a time.
We're always expanding — new products, new equipment lines, better logistics. If you're growing your shop, we're committed to growing right alongside you.
Shop our full catalog or reach out to our team directly — we're here to help.
