Good Times Manufacturing

Photo: Art Sidner

Mankato: Good Times Manufacturing

Though technically beginning in 2004, this business didn’t move out of Angela and Terry Beenken’s home to a facility at 1420 North Riverfront until about a year ago. “We had to move the business (out) because it had consumed every room of our home,” said 34-year-old Angela in a telephone interview. “Every single room was converted to business use. Then while looking for a building, we learned we were pregnant with our first child and really needed the space.”

The business kind of lucked into its current specialty of screen printing. Terry started his work career while attending MSU in 1995. His mother was Filipino and had learned sewing in a Filipino factory. Terry learned sewing too, and with college buddies started a business manufacturing clothing accessories for major brands, such as DKY and BMX, before dissolving in 1998 due to growth and financial strain.

Terry and Angela met in 2003, and in 2004 Terry went looking for sewing equipment in Iowa with the itch for starting another business. While there, he saw a screen printing press and purchased it for $200. The couple started Good Times Manufacturing in their home, with the two working as teachers and screen printing at night. In 2009, they couldn’t keep up with demand and quit their day jobs. It was then they purchased an automatic press allowing them to produce more at a quicker pace and higher quality.

Today, the company has ten employees (including a full-time artist) and screen prints for clients nationwide. Ninety percent of revenue comes from screen printing, which includes a growing line, GT Resort Wear. Remaining revenue comes from embroidery services and printing promotional products with business logos.

Angela emphasized quality, saying, “Nothing leaves this shop without our stamp of approval.” The business receives goal and financial planning assistance from MSU Small Business Development Center.

Good Times Manufacturing
Location: 1420 North Riverfront
Telephone: 507-388-2522
Web: goodtimesmfg.com