Our mission is to create a history of campus events and folklore through the distribution of memorable t-shirts
The Relationship Forms · October 4, 2008
Brian asks Tory to be his girlfriend.
Tory says yes.
Woo hoo!
The Idea is Born · October 20, 2008
While sitting on the quad one "warm and sunny" day, Brian and his friends notice a trend common among the female population at Syracuse University.
1. Big sunglasses
2. Large designer purse
3. Ugg boots
4. Tight spandex
Brian rushes back to Tory with an idea to create a t-shirt called "The Syracuse Camel." The camel would be wearing all the necessary accessories he observed that day on the quad. Tory, being of the entrepreneurial mind, declared, “That's so funny! Let's make an entire t-shirt line of Camels. We can depict the Camels doing different things on campus.”
First Business Investment · January 3, 2009
Knowing absolutely nothing about t-shirt design and printing, Tory and Brian perform copious amounts of research [read: googling at 2 am] to find out "Heat Pressing shirts is simple and effective!" Brian and Tory hunt down a used heat press for $300 on Craigslist.
Concept Evolution #1 · February 5, 2009
Brian and Tory realize selling shirts to the same population that they are mocking probably isn't the best idea. They expand the product line, but keep with the same concept: funny Syracuse shirts.
At this point, six designs were created and sold on the website.
The designs spoofed common Syracuse sayings and folklore.
We Get Orders! Now, How Do We Make A T-shirt? · February 20, 2009
Orders start rolling in and the business bank account starts looking pretty. Brian and Tory quickly realize that they actually have to make the shirts they just sold. Time to find out what this heat press thing does...
Um.. Trademark Infringement · March 15, 2009
Syracuse lays down the law. Orange, Otto, Syracuse, SU - all violations! Our designs infringe on pretty much every single trademark Syracuse owns; time to completely rethink our business concept.
Attempt To Sell On Mayfest · April 1, 2009
We attempt to produce shirts for Mayfest, but just could not pull it together. How can you think about business on one of the greatest days of the year?
The Break Up · December 1, 2009
Tragically Tory and Brian’s relationship comes to an end. But, their business relationship grows fonder!
Screen-printing 101 · January 10, 2010
Unsatisfied with the quality of the heat press, Brian and Tory decide to enter screenprinting. This marks the start of countless hours spent making their own equipment, watching google video tutorials, talking to professionals, and messing up
alot.
Must Get Creative! · February 17, 2010
The website gets refined and Squeeze My Tees is forced to become more creative with their designs. The key: creating designs students can relate to without infringing on Syracuse trademarks.
American Apparel Threatens Legal Action · March 3, 2010
To raise capital, Brian and Tory decide to sell blank American Apparel t-shirts. However, American Apparel apparently scours the internet for this type of stuff, and sends Squeeze My Tees a cease-and-decist letter.
Lessons learned:
1. Don't sell blank American Apparel t-shirts.
2. Don't steal pictures of their models and use them on your own site!
Big Money! · April 25, 2010
Tory and Brian are accepted into the Engagement Fellows Program. Later, they win Orange Tree Funding for their business concept.
Oh, Summer Is Here Already? · June 1, 2010
Tory heads to South Africa on an entrepreneurship program while Brian holds down the fort at the Technology Garden. Squeeze My Tees makes a large investment in new equipment for screen-printing.
Relaunch · September 2, 2010
The website is re-launched with fresh content and a new look.
Vegas Baby! · October 25, 2010
Tory and Brian attend a screen-printing expo in Vegas. No details here…what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Tory Finishes Squeeze My Tees History · January 24, 2011
But really, it is 8:34 pm and Tory is finishing the story in order to put it on the website.
Brian Performs His Magic · January 24, 2011
Brian, being the snarky "grammar police" revises the history, adds multimedia, and inserts links. About us page looks pretty sweet!
Getting Some Press! · February 12, 2011
Brian and Tory are featured in the
Syracuse Post Standard for the creation of the
Boeheim Screamer T-shirt.Excitedly, the garner a great deal of support from the community, and sell the shirts like hot cakes! (We love you CNY!)
845.475.8691
Squeeze My Tees backs up Chris Pesto by producing t-shirts supporting his courageous protest. The event helps Brian and Tory define their business as one that can respond instantaneously to action on campus.