An Inspired Chat with Mike Galati of Chicago

We recently had the chance to connect with Mike Galati and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think a lot people measure success as a small business in growth and in money.

When, to me i focus on community involvement, participation, support & making a difference.

I’ve always made a living, sometimes i do better than others financially. But my focus has never been solely money. It’s always been my community, my people and supporting them.

I’ve been approached many times and compared to larger shops. Or compared to why “I’m not larger”. And that just isn’t for me. I love being a small, hands on, owner operated business. I love what i do and i love supporting my community. When you grow too large, that gets lost.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Mike, i own and operate a small screen print shop here in Chicago. I’ve been in business for just over 13 years.

Everything i do here is hand screen printed, and i enjoy that part of it a lot. So many print shops are focused on volume and numbers and a lot of hand printing is lost to automation and machines.

I live and breath the communities I’ve part of. It’s why i exist as a business and i love to work alongside my peers. From music, to skateboarding, to small businesses, artists & so on. I absolutely love working with my friends and the people i co-exist alongside.

I’ve always had a primary focus on local music. Playing in bands is why this shop exists. And i will always give back. I’d say 95% of my clients are bands and musicians. And i wouldn’t have it any other way.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment i truly fell in love with skateboarding is something i hold very dear. When i finally “got it”. When i got the itch, when i was all in, when i couldn’t let go.

I know it sounds cliche. But this wooden children’s toy with wheels has shaped me into the man i am today and has offered me a perspective i wouldn’t have ever had otherwise.

It’s tough me everything i am, and so much of skateboarding also translates to the way i view everyday life. From trial and error, to discipline, to consistency, and dedication.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
It’s a wild thing to think about.

There’s been so many times where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. Where letting all this go and working for someone else would be the easy way out.

But my work ethic and dedication just won’t let it.

About 4 years back, i got hit by a car. I was broken and battered. And my shoulder still, to this day isn’t the same. That was a setback, but I’m still here, printing away.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Community.

My closest friends are part of the things that make me, well me. Typically music & skateboard communities first and foremost.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I think i often do.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a lot of people in my corner that support me
Very hard. Have my back, and give me credit where it’s due.

But i often go above and beyond for those that wouldn’t do the same for me. And i never hear as much as a thank you. And That’s alright, cause it’s just who i am.

And if i didn’t give it my best, i wouldn’t be true to myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Modestmerch.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/modestmerch
• Twitter: @modestmerch
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/modestmerch

Image Credits
Tom Birch – all my homies shoot film.