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Michael Horn: Building a T-Shirt Legacy at Swift Creek Trading Co.

Michael Horn, owner of Swift Creek Trading Co. and Swift- Wear, is in his workspace. SVI PHOTOS BY AUBREY HALE

 

• SwiftWear at Swift Creek Trading Co. is continuing to grow

Located right near the Elk Horn Arch in Afton, a remarkable transformation is taking place at Swift Creek Trading Co. Michael Horn, the owner and sole workman behind the operation, has spent the last nine months diving headfirst into the world of t-shirt printing. “I had zero knowledge of any of it,” he admits, reflecting on the journey that began with a simple vision he had while attending a show two years ago.

Horn’s venture into the t-shirt business has been anything but ordinary. With only four specialized machines of their kind in the world, Horn invested in one of these rare printing machines, determined to make his mark. “I’m purchasing another one that was built a few months before mine, down in Orlando. It should be here in May or June,” he shares, his excitement palpable.

Despite the challenges, Horn has quickly established himself within the industry, signing contracts with over 40 businesses from Afton to Jackson, and even collaborating with four Nashville recording artists. His reach extends internationally, having recently sent 200 shirts to the Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., along with additional orders to Argentina and Costa Rica. “Generating money from outside the community, and eventually giving back to the community, is our goal,” Horn explains, highlighting his commitment to local impact.

His dedication to building a lasting business is evident. “I want to build this business and company up to something that will last another 10-15 years,” he asserts. Horn has fostered strong relationships with his customers, referring to them as family. “I’ve grown to love all these people,” he reflects, emphasizing the bonds he’s formed within the community.

At Swift Creek Trading Co., the experience of ordering custom apparel is uniquely personal. “If you need a shirt, hat, onesie—whatever you need—you can walk up and print on demand in 10 minutes,” Horn describes. Customers have the option to discuss designs in person or send their ideas digitally for on-demand printing. This hands-on approach sets Swift Creek apart from larger retail chains, where impersonal transactions are the norm.

Horn’s commitment to quality service is echoed in his recent collaboration with Simplot, which ordered a substantial amount of hoodies. “I don’t sell T-shirts. I sell the American frontier service,” he states, showcasing his belief in authentic, dedicated customer service.

The challenges of running a small business are not lost on Horn. He lives with rheumatoid arthritis, which he has battled for over a decade. Yet, this has not hindered his work ethic; he often finds himself working from 2:30 AM to 6:00 PM to meet the demands of his growing clientele. “People understand that I believe in what I am doing. You best believe I will deliver,” he asserts confidently.

A recent highlight for Horn was his quick turnaround for the Inaugural Ball shirts, which required 175 shirts to be printed in a tight timeframe. Mark McKay, a singer and friend, reached out to Horn when he learned that shirts were needed for Oregon’s 6th Congressional District. “When Mark heard shirts were needed, he contacted me,” Horn recalls. Though the request changed just last Monday, Horn worked tirelessly for 26 straight hours and had the shirts ready by Wednesday, just in time for their arrival on Friday for the event in D.C.

These shirts, pre-designed and printed on vinyl before being transferred to fabric, will be distributed to delegates and attendees at the event, with hopes of seeing many proudly wearing them. “It’s a great feeling to contribute to something larger than myself,” Horn shares.

Beyond the fabric and ink, Horn’s mission is clear: “At SwiftWear, our mission is simple yet profound: to merge state-of-the-art printing technology with genuine, small-town customer service.” He believes in real conversations and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring that every individual leaves with exactly what they envisioned.

As he reflects on the journey thus far, Horn expresses his deep gratitude for the community. “I just want to express my gratitude for all the community’s support,” he emphasizes, recognizing that his success is deeply intertwined with the people around him.

For those interested in customized apparel, Swift Creek Trading Co. is a one-stop shop where Michael will help bring your ideas to life. To learn more, visit Swift Creek Trading Co. in person or check out their website at Swiftwear.shop/about.

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