2024 Women In Screen Printing Awards: Kristina Gibbons

KRISSY TRULY EXCELS as a female leader in the screen-printing industry, purchasing Varsity Sport Shop (now named Varsity) in 2013. Her adeptness at managing both the strategic and operational aspects of her business is impressive. From fine-tuning financials to overseeing daily operations, her ability to single-handedly steer her business is remarkable.

She constantly is enhancing her knowledge and stays ahead of industry trends by regularly updating her systems, software, and equipment. This commitment not only strengthens her business’s infrastructure but also boosts its profitability.

Her natural flair for management extends to her team as well. Krissy excels in creating a harmonious workplace and specifically values hiring women and mothers, recognizing their meticulous attention to detail and multitasking prowess. What distinguishes Krissy is her relentless determination and outstanding problem-solving skills. Her sharp wit and drive permeate every facet of her business, turning her shop into both a community fixture and a benchmark for the industry.

She has made some major changes to the business since she purchased it, which is why it is now called Varsity. She has pivoted the company to have a stronger, more efficient business model by focusing on bigger jobs and less small, individualization type of orders. She has moved to automatic screen printing, sold off the laser engraving/awards part of the business, and made major upgrades in the shop’s procedures, pricing, and shop management software. This includes recently adding a CTS machine to her equipment arsenal.

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Q: Here are some examples of her community involvement:

Beyond her roles as a wife, mother, and owner of Varsity, Krissy contributes significantly to her community as key member of the Municipal Utilities Board for the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. Her volunteer work is a testament to her dedication to the welfare and prosperity of her locality.

Krissy also is an original member of the Print Girl Mafia. She is a wealth of information and offers problem-solving ideas for many women and men in the industry. Her compassion for people and understanding of business make her very valuable as an industry leader.

Q: How does her work push the industry forward?

She shares her knowledge and skills with other print shop owners and employees, easing the learning curve so difficult in a shop’s own region with competitors unwilling to share ideas. Her nominator says she has helped her personally process issues within her own screen-printing shop.

Multiple times per year you will find Krissy attending various events in the industry from Impressions Shows, Printing United Expos, Print Hustlers conferences, the Apparelist Summit, and more. Krissy also participated in a Women in Print Alliance breakout session panel at the last Printing United Expo in Atlanta.

“Have you met Krissy?” her nominator asks. “She’s truly remarkable — a genuine powerhouse and an inspiration to us all!” Managing everything on her own, Krissy embodies the spirit of what it means to be a superwoman in today’s demanding world. Despite her packed schedule, she manages to leave a significant mark on those around her.

The impact she makes through her daily actions speaks volumes. According to her peers, Krissy is a trailblazer and inspirational leader in the screen-printing industry.

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