The Unconventional Success: 5 Reasons Why E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing Is Kansas City's Most Impactful Union Shop

As of December 2025, the world of custom apparel decoration is highly competitive, but few companies possess a story as compelling or a community impact as profound as E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing. This Kansas City-based operation, co-founded by firefighter Joe Eddings, has grown from a humble basement startup to a massive, high-volume union contract shop, processing over 10 million printing impressions since its inception. Their unique blend of ethical labor practices and deep civic commitment sets them apart, making them a powerhouse not just in screen printing and embroidery, but in local philanthropy. The company’s reputation extends far beyond standard print quality; it is built on a foundation of responsible labor, community support, and an unwavering commitment to the values of its firefighter-owned heritage. Their recent, massive fundraising effort for a fallen Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) hero solidified their status as a business with a true mission. Understanding the E2 model means looking beyond the ink and thread to the principles that drive Joe and Dawn Eddings’ enterprise.

The Founders: Joe & Dawn Eddings Biography & Business Profile

E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing is the brainchild of husband-and-wife team, Joe and Dawn Eddings. Their journey is a remarkable case study in entrepreneurial spirit combined with a strong sense of civic duty.

• Names: Joe Eddings and Dawn Eddings.
• Founding Year: 2011.
• Origin Story: The business began in the basement of their Kansas City home, a common starting point for many small businesses, but one that quickly scaled.
• Joe Eddings' Primary Role: Kansas City Firefighter (KCFD). This background is central to the company's identity, driving its commitment to service and community.
• Business Location: Kansas City, Missouri (a key regional entity). The shop is a fixture in the local business community, currently located at 8129 N Oak Trfy.
• Union Affiliation: Union Contract Shop, proudly affiliated with CWA Local 6360 and holding the Print Allied Label #11.
• Scale of Operations: Within a little over a decade, E2 grew from a small startup to a high-volume print shop, celebrating over 10 million printing impressions.
• Core Identity: Firefighter Owned and Operated.

Their dual role—Joe as a firefighter and both as business owners—provides a unique perspective on running a company, prioritizing reliability, teamwork, and ethical conduct, which are all hallmarks of a successful union shop.

5 Reasons Why E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing Is More Than Just a Print Shop

E2’s success is not just about the quality of their screen printing or the precision of their embroidery; it is fundamentally about their business model and values. These five key factors illustrate why they have become a prominent name in the custom apparel industry, especially for organizations seeking ethical and reliable contract decorating services.

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1. The Power of a Union Contract Shop: CWA 6360 & Allied Print Label #11

Choosing a union screen printing shop like E2 is a statement of support for fair labor practices and high-quality standards. E2 is a proud member of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6360 and carries the Print Allied Label #11, also known as the Union Bug. This affiliation is a major selling point for political campaigns, educational institutions, government agencies, and other union organizations.

The benefits of utilizing a union shop include:

• Guaranteed Fair Wages and Benefits: The union label ensures that the men and women producing the apparel receive decent wages, health benefits, and retirement plans, promoting responsible labor practices.
• Superior Craftsmanship: Union members are often highly skilled and experienced professionals, leading to consistent, high-quality output in both apparel decoration and finishing.
• Ethical Sourcing Assurance: Partnering with a union shop often aligns with a commitment to ethical sourcing and corporate responsibility.
• Worker Protections: The union provides a voice for employees, fostering an open environment of communication without fear of reprisal, a key element of a stable and skilled workforce.

2. Firefighter-Owned and Community-Driven: The KCFD Connection

The "Firefighter Owned and Operated" status is more than a tagline; it is a core part of their mission. This ethos was dramatically demonstrated in 2025 when E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing spearheaded a massive fundraising effort for the family of a fallen KCFD firefighter, Graham Hoffman.

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In a remarkable display of civic responsibility, Joe and Dawn Eddings organized a T-shirt fundraiser, selling over 36,000 T-shirts in a short period. This campaign successfully raised over $380,000 for the firefighter's family. This event showcased the company's ability to mobilize a massive production effort for a charitable cause, highlighting their dedication to the Kansas City community and its first responders.

3. From Basement Startup to 10 Million Impressions: A Decade of Growth

The company’s growth trajectory is a testament to the Eddings' business acumen and dedication to their craft. Starting in their home basement in 2011, they quickly outgrew the space. Their current operation is a high-volume print shop, having surpassed 10 million printing impressions. This level of scale demonstrates their capability to handle large-scale orders, from local businesses needing corporate branding solutions to major organizations requiring thousands of units of promotional products.

Their ability to manage such high volume while maintaining the quality expected of a union shop is a major competitive advantage in the custom apparel industry.

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4. Comprehensive Decoration Services: Embroidery, Screen Printing, and Contract Decorating

E2 operates as a full-service contract decorator, offering a wide array of services that cater to diverse client needs. Their expertise covers the two primary methods of garment decoration, ensuring clients have the perfect solution for their logo and design.

• High-Volume Screen Printing: Ideal for large runs of custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel where vibrant colors and durability are key.
• Precision Embroidery: Perfect for creating a professional, tactile look on custom polos, jackets, hats, and business wear. This service is often requested for high-end uniforms and corporate gear.
• Product Range: They offer decoration on a variety of garment types, including USA-made polos, jackets, fleece products, and headwear.

5. Commitment to Quality and Customer Service

While their union and firefighter status provide a strong ethical foundation, their long-term success hinges on customer satisfaction. Reviews often highlight their willingness to accommodate custom requests and expedite orders when clients are on a tight deadline. This flexibility, combined with their commitment to quality control—a necessity in a high-volume environment—ensures that every finished product meets the client's specifications, whether it's a small order of embroidered hats or a massive run of team apparel.

Services Offered by E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing

E2 Embroidery & Screen Printing provides a robust suite of services designed to meet the needs of any organization, from small local teams to national corporations. Their focus as a contract print shop means they specialize in executing large-volume orders for distributors and promotional companies, but they also serve local clients directly.

Apparel Decoration Techniques

• Screen Printing: The workhorse of the print shop, used for durable, cost-effective decoration on cotton and polyester blends.
• Embroidery: Utilizing multi-head embroidery machines for precise, detailed stitching on heavier fabrics and structured items.
• Contract Decorating: Providing decoration services for clients who supply their own garments, ensuring a streamlined production process for promotional products distributors.

Key Product Categories

The range of customizable products is extensive, covering virtually every type of wearable promotional or uniform item:

• T-Shirts & Sweatshirts: The most popular items for events, teams, and promotional giveaways.
• Hats & Headwear: Including baseball caps, beanies, and visors, primarily decorated with embroidery.
• Corporate & Business Wear: Including high-quality polos, button-down shirts, and blazers for a professional appearance.
• Outerwear: Jackets, vests, and fleece products, often utilizing both screen printing and embroidery depending on the material.
• Team & Athletic Apparel: Customization for sports teams, including jerseys, warm-ups, and fan gear.

E2’s dedication to being a Union Print Shop, coupled with the unique firefighter-owned narrative and demonstrable community impact, makes them a compelling choice for any organization looking for a partner that delivers on both quality and ethics. Their story is a powerful example of how a business can achieve massive commercial success while remaining deeply rooted in its community values and a commitment to its workforce.