Kyle Robinson, Founder and CEO of Print My Threads, was the featured speaker for SOAR Innovation’s Inspirational Speaker Series at Ashland Community and Technical College. His entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of perseverance, adaptability, and finding purpose in the work you do, inspiring those in the room to pursue their own passions and make an impact in Eastern Kentucky.
The Inspirational Speaker Series is provided through SOAR Innovation and funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER initiative. This funding supports programming and services for aspiring entrepreneurs across educational institutions in the region. SOAR’s program serves:
- Morehead State University
- Ashland Community and Technical College
- Hazard Community and Technical College
- Union Commonwealth University
- University of Pikeville
- Paintsville Independent Schools
Kyle’s Journey
Kyle shared his journey of founding Print My Threads, a screen-printing company that has grown from a one-and-a-half-car garage to a state-of-the-art facility in Flatwoods, Kentucky. Like many entrepreneurs, Kyle faced significant challenges early on, from limited resources to the demands of scaling a business in a region with unique economic hurdles. However, these challenges became opportunities for Kyle to innovate and problem-solve, leading to the development of successful logistics systems and eco-friendly solutions within his business.
A key part of Kyle’s message was the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning “reason for being.” He explained how aligning passion, skills, and societal needs with what you can be paid for is essential to finding fulfillment. He also emphasized the importance of investing in his team, from offering living wages to sharing company profits.
Key Takeaways
Kyle’s ability to see opportunities where others saw obstacles resonated with the audience. His candid reflections on building a business, fostering a strong company culture, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship served as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and students in attendance.
Kyle’s message was clear: finding your purpose and embracing challenges can lead to meaningful success.
What is my battle today and how can I win it?
-Kyle Robinson, Founder and CEO of Print My Threads
Watch Kyle’s entire presentation HERE.
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SOAR Innovation is funded through support from KY Innovation.