About us
The Ann Arbor T-shirt Company is a garment printing and embroidery shop operating in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Our aim is to provide all of the benefits of a world-class company (low prices, dependable service, strict deadlines) while maintaining a true, local vision.
This means that while we invest heavily in order management technology, top equipment, and training, we also legitimately enjoy getting to know our clients as people and neighbors. We value our clients as potential friends that we might bump into later at the Sparrow seafood counter or pull up a chair next to at Ashley’s – not just someone we need to keep happy to pay the bills (though that’s great, too!) We’ve been fortunate to meet many amazing people from the greater Ann Arbor community over the years doing this, and look forward to growing with the city in the years to come. It is our hope that you’ll walk away from your t-shirt (hoody/tote/etc.) ordering experience thinking "if only my wedding planner had been so accommodating."
We promise to continue to do our best to build a responsible, interconnected company that adds true value to the community and captures the Ann Arbor experience. We truly believe in karma when it comes to business, and never miss a chance to promote one of our clients when the opportunity arises.
Feedback of any kind is entirely welcome, and encourage you to email any/all ideas for improvement to support@annarbortees.com. Many thanks to those who have taken us up on this request over the years – it really helps!
Jerry and Ricky, Owners
A brief company history
July 2004
High school senior Jerry Kozak's car is broken into in St. Clair Shores, MI. The Thief is caught. Jerry foolishly spends his entire settlement on a hobby-grade t-shirt press.
2004/2005
Jerry heads to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he and friend Ricky Winowiecki begin printing & selling t-shirts out of their dorm, Mary Markley.
July 2008
Upon graduation, the pair decide to re-launch their company with the help of $16,000 lent to them by family, friends, and former employers.
September 2008
First commercial t-shirt printer arrives & is installed under questionable zoning law compliance in north Ann Arbor apartment.
Spring 2009
Ann Arbor Tees goes legitimate, leasing a 900 sqft warehouse on S. Industrial in Ann Arbor. Jerry & Ricky sleep in warehouse next to equipment for a couple years. It is not particularly pleasant.
Winter 2009
The first slow season hits. The Joys of selling blood plasma to meet equipment lease payments is discovered; guitars are pawned.
2010
Business grows, and employees are hired. Jerry & Ricky move out of the warehouse and into a real apartment. Their mothers and girlfriends rejoice.
2012, 2013
High profile entertainers, the military, local universities, and Amazon.com are added as clients. High speed printing and embroidery is added, and the company moves to a 12,000 sqft warehouse across the street.
Today
With 50+ employees & two dogs, the Ann Arbor T-shirt Company prints & embroiders 500,000 shirts per year for clients all over the world!