Our Story – The Journey of Buckets of Ink
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 of the industry, 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.
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.
Overcoming Setbacks
A serious accident sidelined me and nearly brought everything to a halt. For a while, I couldn’t do much at all. 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.
Taking the Store to the Customer
We invested in a fully equipped delivery van—shelving, refrigeration, full graphic wrap, Wi-Fi, printer, and more. The concept was simple: “Let’s Bring the Store to Your Door.” Customers loved the free local delivery, and the convenience 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.
Expanding Our Footprint
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 space allowed us to offer a full product showroom, a demo room for live equipment demonstrations, a large warehouse, and dedicated offices for our expanding team.
Where We Are Today
Today, Buckets of Ink operates four delivery vans and employs six dedicated team members. One of our longest-standing team leaders, Brad Carter, now heads up our equipment sales division. In a short time, Brad has made a significant impact by refining our inventory management, optimizing van stock levels, and streamlining our order fulfillment process for greater speed and accuracy. We’ve also brought on a new driver and a shop assistant who works behind the scenes to ensure orders for delivery and online sales are processed smoothly and efficiently.
Looking Ahead
Looking forward, we have big plans for Buckets of Ink. Our focus remains on growth, innovation, and—most importantly—building lasting relationships with both new and existing customers. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, we’re here to support your journey and help your business thrive.
