If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s really worth it to attend that next industry event, meet-up, or conference—let this story be your reminder that you never know where one connection might take you.
Ryan Burkhart and Bruce Braden, co-founders of Kong Screen Printing in Austin, Texas, have quietly built one of the most customer-focused print shops in the country. But beyond their work behind the press, these two have made an intentional investment in something just as important: community and connection.
Over the years, they’ve consistently shown up at industry events like Print Hustlers and ThreadX, where none other than Guy Raz, host of NPR’s How I Built This, delivered a keynote address back in 2024.
Bruce Braden, Print Hustlers 2025 and ThreadX 2025
What happened next?
Ryan didn’t wait around to be “discovered.” He wrote into the How I Built This: Advice Line, shared his journey, and was invited onto the show almost immediately. The producers loved his story, loved screen printing, and saw a problem worth unpacking.
That one email led to a national spotlight—and new doors opening for the Kong team.
“I just submitted like the show recommended, and I got a call back. They actually love the screen printing story!” – Ryan Burkhart
The Power of Showing Up
Ryan and Bruce understand that success in this industry is about more than just screen printing—it’s about being part of the branded apparel movement as a whole. They didn’t wait for opportunities to come to them; they consistently showed up, invested in learning, built real relationships, and contributed to the community. That commitment has paid off. As regular attendees of events like Print Hustlers and ThreadX, they’ve tapped into spaces that serve as true catalysts for growth, connection, and reinvention.
And in a full-circle moment, at ThreadX 2024, none other than Guy Raz—the renowned podcaster, author, and host of How I Built This, who would later interview Ryan—took the stage as keynote speaker.
Guy Raz, ThreadX 2024
How I Built This Advice Line – A National Moment for a Local Business
On How I Built This: Advice Line (Listen here) Ryan got to speak directly with Guy Raz and Tariq Farid, founder of Edible Arrangements. His challenge? How to grow Kong from $3M to $5M in revenue without losing its soul.
Their conversation touched on:
- Staying true to your brand as you scale
- How outbound efforts and rebranding can coexist with high-touch service
- Why reinvesting in existing clients may be the secret to sustainable growth
There are some powerful takeaways in this episode for any business owner in the branded apparel world—and we’ll be unpacking those insights in a follow-up piece soon.
Listen to the Episode
How I Built This – Advice Line with Tariq Farid of Edible Arrangements
Aired: November 6, 2025
Don’t Wait to Be Discovered
Ryan didn’t sit back and hope someone would notice what Kong was doing. He wrote in. He showed up. And by consistently investing in learning, networking, and building real relationships, he and Bruce unlocked a national platform that most small businesses only dream of.
So what’s your version of sending that email? Attending that event? Asking that question?
Because that next opportunity might only be one brave move away.
Ryan and Bruce, Print Hustlers 2025
THREADX 2026 is Coming — Will You Be There?
If you missed this year’s event, don’t make the same mistake twice.
ThreadX 2026 will take place March 4–6 in Sundance, Utah, and promises another round of powerful keynotes, real-talk panels, and the kind of networking that doesn’t just fill your LinkedIn—it moves your business forward.
Whether you’re a shop owner, brand builder, or creative problem solver, this is your chance to get in the room with the people shaping what’s next.
