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The rivalry is BACK.

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal welcome back David and Blake for David vs. Blake: Round 2.

What started as a friendly feud in the Michigan maker community has turned into one of the funniest ongoing rivalries in the laser world. This year, the battle is headed back to Next Level, where votes, bragging rights, giveaways, and embarrassing ads are all on the line.

We talk about:

• The return of David vs. Blake
• How the rivalry started in the Michigan laser community
• Why the loser has to star in an ad for the winner
• Great Lakes Laser Supply updates
• UV printing hat clips, canvas prints, magnets, and golf products
• Refine Color UV printer talk
• Creative Cut Supplies updates
• Custom magnets, ornaments, displays, and product packaging
• CO2 Galvo lasers and why they are insanely fast
• Scaling production without losing your mind
• Why product displays and merchandising matter
• Shopify struggles, squirrel brain, and business focus
• The reality of having too many good ideas as a maker

If you’re a laser owner, UV printer, maker, small business owner, or someone who enjoys a good friendly feud, this episode is packed with laughs, strategy, and practical business talk.

Support the show

If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject

Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

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What do epoxy cups, DTF transfers, UV DTF, lasers, entrepreneurship, and pet monkeys all have in common?

Apparently… 143 MTD. 😂

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down with Ashley and Bethany from 143 MTD for one of the most unexpected and entertaining conversations we’ve had yet.

Ashley shares how her business started as a side gig making epoxy cups, evolved into vinyl, sublimation, DTF transfers, UV DTF, laser engraving, embroidery, slick crewnecks, and eventually grew into a full creative business. We also talk about leaving traditional work, building a business around family, and what it’s like raising kids and grandkids around entrepreneurship.

And then… the monkeys show up.

Yes. Actual monkeys.

We talk about:

• How 143 MTD got its name
• Going from epoxy cups to sublimation, DTF, UV DTF, and lasers
• Growing from a backyard setup into a full creative business
• Leaving law enforcement and call center work behind
• Building a business that supports family and flexibility
• Working with your daughter in the business
• Why DTF and UV DTF are such powerful tools for makers
• How UV DTF can help laser owners offer full-color products without buying a UV printer
• The reality of owning monkeys

If you’re a maker, laser owner, crafter, DTF seller, small business owner, or just someone who enjoys wildly unpredictable conversations, this episode is for you.

🎙️ The Riley Black Project
Lasers, life, business, content creation, and all the ish in between.

Support the show

If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject

Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack

Send us Fan Mail

Sometimes business growth looks less like a huge breakthrough…

…and more like admitting, “I don’t want to keep doing it this way.”

In this episode of The Riley Black Project, John and Crystal sit down for a no-guest, real-life update episode about pivoting, product ideas, custom order stress, laser business decisions, and figuring out what actually feels sustainable.

Crystal talks through her possible shift into custom laser engraved jewelry using Monarch Pine jewelry blanks, why she’s considering moving away from certain custom products, and how small personalized items may be a better fit for her creativity, workflow, and local market.

We dive into:

• Why custom orders can be more stressful than they look
• The hidden time behind “simple” personalized products
• Pivoting from random custom work to a more focused product line
• Laser engraved jewelry and small gift ideas
• Monarch Pine blanks, findings, and jewelry possibilities
• Considering the xTool F2 for live engraving and small batch production
• Why ease of use matters when choosing your laser tools
• The difference between hobby gear, production tools, and what actually fits your business
• Pricing custom work, design fees, rush fees, and customer communication
• ADHD, creative burnout, and overthinking product ideas
• UV printing struggles, acrylic blocks, photo gifts, and precision problems
• Why sometimes the best business move is simplifying

If you’re a maker, laser owner, crafter, small business owner, or creative entrepreneur trying to figure out your next product line, this episode will feel painfully familiar.

This is the messy middle of business.

And honestly? That’s where the good stuff usually starts.

Support the show

If you enjoy our content, consider supporting us on Patreon!! You can check out the tier options and perks here: https://www.patreon.com/TheRileyBlackProject

Check out my Linktree for my social media links & all the different things I have to offer! https://linktr.ee/RileyBlack