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Traxler Custom Printing and DFC Screen printer joining forces

It took until Dec. 31, but Traxler Custom Printing passed $1 million in revenue for 2014.

"We cut it pretty close," owner Zachary Traxler told me.

He doesn't expect that to be an issue in 2015, especially with a pending acquisition of Delaware-based DFC Screen printer, which could double the business in the next two years.

Traxler said the deal won't just boost his business' sales, but also its profile – potentially to a national scale.

"The website is the biggest part of the acquisition," he said. "It's only a year old but its capabilities are robust."

Traxler said he thinks it will help his business compete with the likes of Fairfax, Virginia-based Customink LLC, which is a more than $200 million company.

DFC brings in annual sales of $500,000, a figure Traxler projects to double in year two.

There is no money up front in the deal. DFC founder Jason Case will make a commission for an agreed upon period. The deal also includes one employee, DFC's client list and equipment, including a Pad printer and the ability to do custom vinyl, stickers, car decals and other flat media. Those pieces of equipment were part of Traxler's shopping list when I talked to him last fall.

"That just sweetened the deal," he said. "We're more of a one-stop shop now."

DFC will keep its name and pick up retail clients from Traxler – individual orders and non-business customer deals for small numbers of products.

Traxler Custom Printing will focus on contract orders, like the work it does for RangerUp.com and other business accounts, including fellow apparel companies. Traxler was doing contact jobs for DFC, as one example.

Traxler said they also want to grow their online store work for business customers. Traxler runs the websites, does the Pad printer and fulfillment for several brands and businesses including Barbasol shaving cream and now Jackie O's Brewery in Athens, Ohio.