Team USA Coach Snoop Dogg customizing his cap with the Ink Wells team at the Team USA Welcome Experience in Milan.
Submitted photos
Ink Wells Company focuses specifically in live product design. This can range from live embroidery, laser engraving, live instacure, live digital printing, and live screen printing. Owner John Centi said whatever equipment is necessary is shipped out to the event, so that products can be continuously made on-site. Centi noted that the business frequently works with New Era Cap, the company responsible for much of the product licensing for the Olympics.
As a result, Ink Well was tasked with being at the games to create products, with Centi having been in Milan as recently as Feb. 9 to greet athletes and help make items for Olympic athletes as they got their merchandise at the Team USA Welcome Experience.
“Standing inside the Team USA Welcome Experience, and customizing caps for the athletes as they arrived in Milan — many on the verge of the greatest moment of their lives — was something we will never forget,” said Centi. “There was a deep sense of pride knowing we were representing not just our country, but Western New York and the community that helped build us.”
This is far from the only significant event that the company has done product design for though, as Super Bowl weekend alone saw the group booked for eight events. Centi said that included four events coordinated by New Era, one of which included making custom hats for those that purchased newer ones at the Super Bowl. Two projects were for Bud Light, with Centi noting that products were created for various company executives.
Team USA Coach Snoop Dogg selecting his custom patch to add to his cap.
Despite such large projects the company is still largely based right in the area. Centi stated that design and planning still largely takes place at the local location on Blackstone Avenue. Centi noted the incredible growth that has gotten the business to such a point of success. Upon first beginning, Centi stated that he had one press and a small location in Greenhurst. Eventually, Centi would upgrade to a location next door to the Labyrinth Coffee Shop, before eventually needing to expand even further.
Centi noted the love of traveling, and as a result began traveling out to small sports leagues to do custom designs and prints. Over the years, this technique has only expanded the company’s opportunities to create at larger and larger events, now culminating with massive company contracts. With events for the MLB, NBA, and various other big name leagues, Ink Well has really shown that big dreams can come from a small area.
“If there’s one thing we want kids in Jamestown to understand, it’s that you are not limited by where you come from. Dream bigger than feels comfortable. With enough persistence, a kid from a small town can end up contributing to something extraordinary,” said Centi. “Our goal has never been just to grow a company — it’s been to build something that makes our community proud while showing what’s possible when creativity and hard work meet opportunity.”
Snowboarder Sean Fitsimmons with his custom cap.
Gold Metal Figure Skater Ellie Kam with her custom cap.
New Era Olympic beanie, offered by the Ink Wells team.
Custom patches offered by the group, with different symbols for various sports.