Bill Glendening really needed a hair cut. Since his dad was a barber, the recent high school graduate popped in for a trim and advice on a career. His dad was happy to oblige: A local t-shirt printing shop was looking for an apprentice. “I just wanted a job,” says Bill. “I never thought screen printing would become my career, but I loved it from the first day!”
Bill apprenticed with several other print shops, learning something new at each one. But eventually, he’d learned enough to know that he could do a much better job. “Here I was, not even 22 years old, and I knew more than the owner!” he explained. “Too often, the managers would stay in their air conditioned offices while the printers did all the work out in the hot shop area. There’s nothing like having the owner supervising every aspect of each job, and I knew that would result in better quality and better prices.”
A new business, a great future.
Bill’s dream was fulfilled when he was able to purchase the right equipment. He launched Modern Graphics in 1994, and has enjoyed steady growth and recognition every year since.
Bill attributes his consistent success to his ability to help each client get the finest quality and stay within their budget.
Perfection drives everything.
“Everything we do has to be just right,” he explains. “For example, many people don’t realize the importance of the mesh used to print designs on t-shirts, hoodies and other apparel. If it’s too large the design will be blurry. Too small and the ink won’t penetrate properly.” Selecting the right mesh takes skill, but Bill believes the extra effort is worth it. “I want my clients’ designs to be crisp, bright and bold – after all, they’re promoting their brand, their team, their charity. We have to make them look as good as possible.”
Even the inks used by Modern Graphics are chosen for their performance on a variety of fabrics. “A lot of printers use the same ink, whether the fabric is cotton, polyester or a 50-50 blend. I prefer to use the ink that will work best on the fabric our clients have chosen – coverage is much better and the end result is superior.”
Even the designers are perfectionists.
Bill has a designer’s eye, but relies on a network of professionals whose specialty is design on fabric. “Any good designer can create something that looks right. But fabric printing has its own challenges,” says Bill. “What looks good on a monitor or on paper may not work on a thick hoodie. My design team knows exactly how to adapt a client’s design or create a new one cost-effectively.” Bill himself double-checks everything to ensure that it will meet each client’s specifications.
Bill and his team often work late into the night to make sure deadlines are met and clients are satisfied. “I’m out printing every day myself because I never want to lose my touch,” he says. “I want every Modern Graphics client to be happy with their order so they’ll not only return themselves, but tell others that we’re the best custom t-shirt printer in South Jersey.”
His dad would agree.
