The Thread That Holds Us Together

August 22, 2025

Lessons Learned of Excellence Since 1992

Thirty-three years ago, we fired up our first press with little more than a vision, a whole lot of grit, and the kind of stubborn belief that family businesses are made of. We started in our garage, believe it or not! Since 1992, Bullseye Activewear and Promotions has walked alongside thousands of companies. We’ve provided printing, stitching, and branded gear through booms, busts, recessions, reinventions, and everything in between.

What’s carried us through? Well, for us, it was something that came naturally, even though it was hard work. A relentless commitment to quality, to our customers, and to doing things the right way, every time.

That matters today in business, every bit as much as it did in 1992. We thought you might like a glimpse into what our growth looked like over the past 30+ years. Perhaps it will help you to grow in your business, too.

From the Dot-Com Boom to the Social Media Age

As the internet exploded in the late ’90s and early 2000s, the pressure to go big and go online was everywhere. We saw the trend and the opportunity. But we chose a different path, on purpose. Boy, are we glad that we did.

While others shifted toward anonymous e-commerce, we doubled down on serving our local and regional clients with personal, face-to-face service. We didn’t want to be a faceless online store; we wanted to build real relationships. That decision to stay local, stay personal, and stay present has proven to be one of our best.

Holding the Line Through the 2008 Recession

When the 2008 financial crisis hit, most businesses didn’t know what hit them. Worse, we didn’t know what to do next. For some, the answer was to slash prices and cut corners. They did what they felt they had to do. But for us, it was a moment to stand firm on what we believe in.

We chose not to race to the bottom. Instead, we focused on what we could control: delivering premium quality, providing excellent customer care, and keeping our word. That choice helped us weather the storm with our values intact and our relationships stronger than ever.

Investing for the Future Without Forgetting Our Roots

As our reputation grew, so did the caliber of customers we served. We began working with larger regional and national brands. These bigger businesses came with big expectations and tight turnarounds. We took that seriously. We invested in better equipment, refined our production processes, and held ourselves to an even higher standard of service. But while we scaled up, we never lost sight of the local small businesses, schools, and organizations that helped us grow from the beginning. We found ways to serve both. We still do.

In Every Crisis, Community Matters Most

Whether it was during the COVID-19 pandemic or any number of other times when our community has faced hardship, we’ve always responded the same way: we show up. We support local business and individual causes in the good times, and we lean in even harder during the tough ones. When there’s a need, we do more than just print shirts. We get involved.

We’re not saying this to toot our own horns. We just really believe in the idea of businesses giving back whenever and wherever they can. We can make a difference, and we know it. It’s just a part of who we are, and there’s no hiding that. Because for us, this has never been just about the products. It’s about people. It’s about being part of a community that takes care of each other.

Still Here. Still Bullseye. Still Committed.

Today, we’re still family-owned, still right here when you call, and still committed to every stitch, every screen, every piece of gear that carries your name. Our success hasn’t come from flashy trends or empty promises—it’s come from showing up, doing the work with excellence, and treating customers like family. That’s not going to change.

We hope this article helps you to make good decisions for your future success. Every business is different, for sure. But we think you can’t go wrong when you work with these principles in place.

And, if you're a business owner who values quality, ethics, and genuine partnership—let’s talk. If you can’t tell by what you just read, we still believe in doing business the right way. We believe in picking up the phone, delivering on our promises, and standing behind every piece of gear that carries your name.

Whether you’re a startup or a household brand, we’re here to help you look your best, with integrity, precision, and the kind of service that only comes from a business that’s built to last.

Thank you for being there with us! Here’s to the next 33 years!