1995
A Birthday and a Beginning
James helps a friend finish a screenprinting job — unknowingly planting the seed for a lifelong journey in apparel decoration.
2000
Industry Experience Grows
Joins Twin City Knitting, managing the decorated apparel division at one of the nation's largest sock manufacturer.
2004
Innovative Ink is Born
Launches Innovative Ink from a garage in Hickory, NC with a 6-color manual press and a dream.
2005
First Expansion
Outgrows the garage and moves into a remodeled gas station. Adds a 6-color automatic press.
2009
New Facility
Builds a 5,000 sqft space to support the expanding business and production demands.
2010
A Key Partnership
Hires a young man who becomes a close friend and future business partner.
2015
Scaling Up
Moves into a 15,000 sqft facility to support 3 automatic presses and a 10-person team.
2018
Embroidery Added
Expands services to include in-house embroidery capabilities.
2020
Pandemic Growth
Expands to 22,000 sqft during COVID-19. Team grows to 20+ with 6 automatic presses and added e-commerce distribution.
2022
DTF Printing Added
Launches direct-to-film garment printing for small, on-demand orders.
2023
Sales & Marketing Hub
Opens 8,000 sqft downtown space for sales and marketing operations.
2024
High-Tech Expansion
Adds Polaris digital DTG printer—one of only 40 in the U.S.—to expand high-volume, print-on-demand services.
Today
The Rebrand
Unveils a bold new brand identity for the future of Innovative Ink.

Our Team

Rethinking Apparel Management

  • James Causby

    Founder - Certified Ink Slinger

    "Leave people better than you found them."
    — ZIg Ziglar

    Years of service: 25

  • Josh Ledbetter

    CCO

    "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” - Theodore Roosevelt

    Years of service: 15

  • Robert "Woody" Horton

    VP Operations

    “To me there are three things everyone should do every day. Number one is laugh. Number two is think -- spend some time time in thought. Number three, you should have your emotions move you to tears. If you laugh, think and cry, that's a heck of a day.”

    ― Jim Valvano


    Years of service: 10

BRANDS WE SERVE

Our Solutions

Rethinking Apparel Management

  • Design

    With 40+ years of combined experience, our in-house team transforms ideas—from napkin sketches to brand concepts—into production-ready designs.

  • Decoration

    From screen printing to embroidery to hybrid digital techniques, our in-house tools make even your boldest ideas wearable realities.

  • Product & Inventory Management

    We manage your entire apparel pipeline—from sourcing blanks to storing finished goods—so your product is always ready when and where you need it.

  • Retail Finishing

    Folding, tagging, bagging, wrapping—our team handles every detail to ensure your product arrives polished and retail-ready.

  • Distribution & Fulfillment

    Whether it's D2C, Pick to Store, or Print and Hold, our fulfillment team ensures seamless delivery to your customers—wherever they are.

Your custom 
apparel solution.