Introduction

It’s not widely advertised, but through our Training x Support program, MADE Laboratory offers more than just hands-on training; we provide full-scale business consulting and mentoring built on years of experience, trial, and, most importantly, mistakes. We are not your typical “professional” consultants and don’t claim to be. But as a team that has navigated the ups and downs of starting and running businesses, we’ve learned a thing or two about what works, what doesn’t, and how to move forward in an ever-changing industry.

James Margonie founded 730 Printing  just a few years ago. His photography background and music industry work naturally led him to branded apparel. What started as a way to support artist and business partner Austin Babbit’s growing merch line soon became a thriving business serving musicians, influencers, and brands seeking a partner with the capability to execute their bold designs.

Core to 730 Printing’s ethos is a relentless investment in technology and education. James and his team have sought out the best equipment from ROQ, SAATI, and others while regularly attending MADE Laboratory’s workshops and training programs. Their commitment to betterment made them a natural fit for our Training x Support program, which led to a successful outcome. In 2025, they took the next step—engaging MADE Laboratory in a consulting project to strengthen their foundation and expand their capabilities.

The Beginning: A Visit to Chattanooga

In late February, I traveled to Chattanooga to kick off our work with 730 Printing. The bitter cold greeted me upon arrival, but so did a glorious snowfall. Inside the shop, the energy was warm and vibrant—the walls pulsed with the color and chaos of Austin Babbit’s artwork, which has become integral to 730 Printing’s identity. It was inspiring. It was energizing. I was ready to work.

We started with an Organizational Review, meeting each team member and understanding their roles, challenges, and how they worked together. From there, we moved into a Facility Review, analyzing workflows and technology implementation. Then, we took a deep dive into the core of the business—how things function day-to-day and where we could make meaningful improvements.

The Deep Dive: Finding Opportunities

As we dissected the business, we found countless opportunities to enhance efficiency, quality, and scalability across departments. Some key areas of focus included:

Facility & Workflow Optimization

• Assessing floor plans, electrical, plumbing, and equipment layout to improve efficiency.
• Identifying opportunities to refine workspaces and streamline movement.

Technology & Software Integration

• Evaluating CRM, sales, production, and communication tools for better integration.
• Exploring new software solutions to improve customer experience and order management.

Sales & Pricing Strategy

• Refining pricing models and implementing better tools for quoting and estimates.
• Establishing clear customer documentation and terms to streamline orders.

Art & Pre-Press Enhancements

• Implementing Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop automation.
• Standardizing Pantone color swatch libraries and optimizing print placement guides.
• Improving screen separation and RIP processes to enhance print accuracy.

Screen & Ink Departments

• Refining screen coating and reclaiming procedures.
• Upgrading ink mixing processes and color matching accuracy.

Finishing, Packaging & Fulfillment

• Strengthening finishing services and exploring new equipment investments.
• Optimizing packaging and fulfillment workflows to improve efficiency.

Immediate Wins & Looking Ahead

One of the biggest breakthroughs came from our coordination of a coinciding on-site visit with SAATI’s Dave Makin and Steve Brown, who helped fine-tune the LTS RIP system. By linearizing the RIP based on 730’s specific print settings, we saw an immediate enhancement in halftone printing quality, improving consistency and detail.

As we move forward, 730 Printing and MADE Laboratory will be working through an Improvement & Implementation Plan that includes:

• Documenting new workflows and best practices for long-term use.
• Executing key operational upgrades to streamline production.
• Ongoing mentorship and support to ensure continuous growth.

The Path to Betterment

730 Printing is more than a print shop—it’s a growing force in branded apparel and merchandise. Their dedication to learning, refining, and improving sets them apart in an industry where many simply go through the motions. Betterment isn’t a destination; it’s a process, and James and his team have fully embraced that mindset.

At MADE Laboratory, we’re honored to be part of the 730 Printing journey, guiding them through strategic enhancements and ensuring their foundation is strong for the future. The work continues, and we’re excited to share the next steps as 730 Printing levels up in efficiency, creativity, and innovation.

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come.

Checkout this story on the 730 Printing Tour, a collaboration with ROQ and MADE Laboratory

More images from 730 Printing facility in Chattanooga, TN: