Expert T’s sees growth in ideas and sales

  • By Jackie Buckwalter of the Wooster Weekly News
  • October 18, 2009
  • 777
                        
While many employees are watching their 401K nervously and hoping they’re not the next one to get a pink slip in the mail, Joe Kennedy, owner of Expert T’s, has some good economic news for the area. His business grew 30 percent in the past two years and he just hired three new employees. What’s his secret? He claims, “It’s excellent customer service,” which small businesses can do so well. In fact, he thinks small business is the future for America. “I think the future of America is in small business,” said Kennedy, who has plans to franchise his store. “You have businessmen who lost their jobs. They might have a 401K but they have no paycheck now. You can open a business for not a lot of money and work for yourselves. You might not get rich but you can pay the bills and be in control of your future.” Kennedy opened a concept store in Orrville this year, on North Main Street, to test the franchise waters. “It’s gone well so far,” he said. “Sales are getting better every month.” The benefit of a franchise store is that “you get training manuals, contact lists and help with setting up equipment. You get oversight as well,” he said. Kennedy’s Wooster store, at 108 S. Market St., is a bright and colorful place. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and hats in all shades and hues line the walls. Funky socks, one of their more popular items, hang above the cash register. There are mugs, totes, pens, basketball “net” hats and a whole array of ideas on display. It’s clear that Kennedy is no stranger to the business. In fact, he spent 15 years in the garment industry before purchasing Expert T’s two years ago. The bulk of his business is still in embroidery, but is expanding to other areas. He’s excited about the new embroidery machine they recently acquired and the new direct to garment printing machine. “This machine will allow us to use full color with small minimums and no set up charges,” he said. “We do a lot of promotional items,” he said, “and are doing a lot more school and athletic items,” as well as their corporate standbys. With the new “direct to garment printing machine, we can do more custom stuff while you wait,” Kennedy said. “Customers can bring in an idea and we’ll help them design it and print it right then and there.” Kennedy is gearing up for their busy season. “We’re sometimes three weeks out at Christmas,” he said. “If you want something for the holidays, bring it in early.” One of a kind gifts are very popular during the holidays, he said. “We might do a memory quilt with a photo transfer or customize dog or doll clothing.” Always looking for new ideas, Kennedy is toying with offering birthday parties at his shop as well. “Kids could come in and design and decorate their own T-shirts,” he said. While the hours are long, “sometimes 10 hours a day,” Kennedy said he loves what he does. “We go above and beyond to make sure our customers leave happy,” he said. “We also have competitive prices and haven’t raised them in three years. We offer something for everybody.”


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