Kong Screen Printing
Kong Screen Printing is an Austin-based custom apparel and promotional products company co-founded by Ryan Burkhardt and Bruce Braden in 2011. It specializes in screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-film transfers, and promotional products for brands of all sizes.
The Story
Kong Screen Printing was founded in 2011 by Ryan Burkhardt and Bruce Braden as a one-color screen printing press operating out of Austin, Texas. Over more than a decade, the studio evolved into a full-service creative production house serving everyone from first-time small-business owners to national consumer brands.
The company is known for an unusually hands-on process. Rather than simply executing artwork, the Kong team walks clients through layout, color separation, garment selection, and finishing options before a single print hits the press. That consultative model has produced long-running relationships with accounts in food and beverage, retail, hospitality, and technology.
Today Kong Screen Printing operates out of its Austin facility with a dedicated prepress, screen-making, and fulfillment team. The studio handles custom t-shirts, polos, hoodies, hats, and a wide range of promotional merchandise, while maintaining the same emphasis on responsive communication and on-time delivery that defined its earliest years.
Key Facts & Metrics
Products & Services
Kong Screen Printing Platform
Kong Screen Printing is an Austin-based creative studio specializing in custom screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-film transfers, and promotional products. Since 2011, the company has served brands of all sizes with a concierge-level experience and hands-on guidance from initial design through final delivery.
Company Timeline
2011 — Kong Screen Printing founded
Ryan Burkhardt and Bruce Braden co-founded Kong Screen Printing in Austin, Texas, starting as a one-color screen printing operation.
2016 — Expanded services
Added embroidery, direct-to-film transfers, and promotional product capabilities to serve a broader client base.
2022 — Seven-figure studio
Reached $3 million annual revenue serving national consumer brands alongside hundreds of regional Texas businesses.
2024 — Marketing expansion
Started working with Blackhawk Media to scale marketing and grow from $3M to $5M annual revenue.
