IEP 94: From Tanks to Tees: How Brandon Built a 7-Figure Brand from a Pandemic Purchase

Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast

Hey, entrepreneurs! Welcome back to the Innovative Entrepreneurs Podcast, where we bring you the brightest minds in business, design, and strategy. I’m Erica Bailey, and today’s guest is Brandon Mills—a veteran, tech geek, and powerhouse CEO who turned an outdated embroidery shop into a 7-figure branding company with national and international reach.
Brandon’s story is a wild mix of grit, growth, and get-it-done energy. From fixing computers in high school, to launching a speedboat charter business in Asia, serving in the military, and ultimately buying a failing print shop two months before COVID hit—his journey is proof that success favors the bold.
If you’ve ever doubted your timing, feared failure, or wondered how to scale without losing your soul, this episode is for you.
We’ll dive into:
✅ The mindset that turns obstacles into opportunity
✅ How Brandon used DTF print tech and AI to scale a legacy shop
✅ His strategy for turning competitors into clients
✅ Why freedom—not money—should be your end game
Episode Breakdown & Timestamps:
[00:03:00] The Unexpected Entrepreneur
How Brandon’s early nerd energy led to his first business at 16
From backpacking Asia to launching a speedboat business—and how it all led to entrepreneurship
[00:08:10] From Oil Fields to Ownership
Joining the military, then trading his CDL for a shot at business ownership
The risk of buying a legacy shop—and what happened when the world shut down 2.5 months later
[00:14:15] Survival Through Strategy
How Brandon wrote “essential” memos to keep his shop open during lockdown
Why networking (and off-roading in the desert) became his lead gen strategy
[00:20:05] Scaling with DTF Printing & Tech
What direct-to-film printing is—and why it’s a game-changer
How he ditched screen printing and turned competitors into wholesale clients
[00:26:40] Brand Isn’t Just a Logo
Strategic branding advice from someone who lives and breathes physical marketing
[00:33:15] Company Culture & 31x ROI
How Brandon created a workplace team members won’t leave, even for higher pay
The keys to loyalty, integrity, and leadership in a fast-growing shop
[00:39:40] Lessons in Leadership & Life
His 2022 run for state senate—and why policy matters to entrepreneurs
Brandon’s advice on freedom, family, and the myth of “perfect timing”
Let’s Stay Connected!
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🔗 Follow Me Online:
LinkedIn: @ericalbailey
Instagram: @businessbybailey
Facebook: @businessbybailey
We Are IconiQ (former CWG Digital) Website: https://weareiconiq.com/
Podcast Facebook: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
Podcast Instagram: @innovativeentrepreneurspodcast
BRANDON MILLS' SOCIALS:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/totalpromotionco/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/totalpromotionco
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/totalpromotionco/
Website: https://www.totalpromotioncompany.com/
Emails: [email protected] / [email protected]
Final Thoughts
Brandon Mills is proof that entrepreneurship isn’t about waiting for the perfect time—it’s about creating momentum through resilience, grit, and bold experimentation. Whether it’s navigating global supply chain issues or mastering new tech, Brandon’s story is a masterclass in adapting fast, building culture, and leading with integrity. So—what’s the risk you’ve been waiting to take? What would happen if you stopped chasing money and started building freedom?