MILLEDGEVILLE — Hattaway Screen Printing left its Milledgeville mark for decades. Recently, Robbie Hattaway decided to explore other ventures, so he sold the brand to Varsity Ink.
Patrick Kelley, 28-year-old Varsity Ink co-owner, said the merger has been smooth.
“We had been in contact with Robbie for the last few years. He called and said he wanted to get out of the business if we were interested,” Kelley said. “We went through a buyout with him, which leads us to where we are now. He had a lot of loyal customers that have come over, and I think we are doing a pretty good job of merging the businesses.”
Kelley and partner Daniel Dabbs both graduated from Georgia College in 2007. They bought the screen printing business based in Statesboro soon after.
Dabbs went to work full-time with Kelley joining the mix a year later.
Varsity Ink handles custom printed apparel and promotional items. The list includes all shirts, cups and Frisbees to name a few.
Varsity Ink's six-person staff prides itself on quick, accurate work.
“We try to relate to the customers to give them exactly what they want in a timely manner. Whenever we are gathering information, I try to get as much as I can from the customer,” Kelley said.
The staff does nearly all of the art in house.
Currently, Varsity Ink carries a formidable imprint with local businesses and Georgia College. Kelley listed numerous customers up and down North Columbia Street. Apartments catering to students use the screen printer as well.
Kelley said the Greek groups account for a revenue chunk. Greek organizations receive a 10 percent discount.
The business is licensed to print all Greek apparel, as well as Georgia College gear.
Varsity Ink created all of the Panhellenic sorority shirts this year. Other college organizations and groups take advantage of the low prices.
The company has operated in its current building on 3050 N. Columbia St. for a year and a half.
Kelley said the current client base is stable, but he is always in the market for expanding the reach.
An additional business called Happy Times is owned and operated by Kelley. Happy Times is a family-oriented party rental business with inflatable bounce houses, slides, tables, chairs and fun food machines. Georgia Peaches and Pines, a clothing line, was also recently launched featuring historic scenes and landmarks.
Varsity Ink base prices start at $6.50 per shirt for 24 shirts. The cost varies with the design and order quantity.
Visit www.varsityinkonline.com or call (478) 452-6435 for screen printing needs. Happy Times number is (478) 457-3997.
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