Today we’d like to introduce you to Cohen DeYoung
Hi Cohen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into screen printing started back in 2012 when I was touring with my death metal band. Like most independent musicians, we needed merch to support our tours, but the costs were steep. I decided to take matters into my own hands and learned how to print our shirts. What started as a way to save money quickly turned into a passion. I fell in love with the process, the creativity, the craftsmanship, and the satisfaction of seeing a design come to life on a shirt.
Before long, I was printing for other bands and local businesses. By 2019, I took the leap and made screen printing my full-time career. A year later, the pandemic hit, and my family and I made the tough decision to leave California and relocate to Utah for a safer environment and better opportunities. It was a major turning point, both personally and professionally.
Since then, I have poured everything into growing Pulse Merch. I have invested in cutting-edge equipment, expanded our capabilities, and refined our process to handle large jobs with nationwide shipping. It has been a wild ride full of challenges and big wins, but at the core of it all is my love for the craft and my commitment to helping businesses, bands, and brands create high-quality custom merch.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I think that is true for most business owners. Every stage of growth has come with its own set of challenges, and there were plenty of moments when I questioned if I was on the right path.
A couple of years ago, when I moved to Utah, I didn’t know anyone. I lost most of my clients from the move, and at one point, I only had $500 to my name with the mortgage due. I could have held onto it and played it safe, but instead, I doubled down on myself. I spent that last $500 on t-shirts, printed a bunch of samples, and sent them out to clients I wanted to work with. It worked. That moment was a turning point for me, proving that taking a risk on myself was the right move.
Early on, one of my biggest struggles was perfecting the craft. Screen printing is both an art and a science, and I had to learn everything through trial and error. There were many late nights, misprints, and frustrations, but I kept pushing forward because I loved it.
Even now, running and growing a business on my own comes with challenges. Balancing everything, keeping up with demand, and constantly improving can be overwhelming, but I have learned to embrace the process. The struggles are what push me to be better, and at the end of the day, the reward of seeing customers excited about their merch makes it all worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Pulse Merch is more than just a screen printing and embroidery shop. It is a business built on passion, craftsmanship, and a commitment to helping brands, businesses, and bands create high-quality custom merch that they can be proud of.
We specialize in screen printing, embroidery, and custom merch production, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. Whether it is t-shirts for a local business, hoodies for a band hitting the road, or premium embroidered hats for a corporate brand, we take the time to make sure every piece meets our high standards. What sets us apart is our dedication to the craft. We do not cut corners, we use top-tier materials, and we make sure that every order looks and feels amazing.
One thing I am especially proud of is how Pulse Merch has grown without sacrificing quality. When I started, it was just me printing for bands in my garage. Now, we have the equipment and expertise to handle large-scale orders with nationwide shipping, but I still approach every job with the same level of care as I did when I was printing for my own band.
Beyond the work itself, what really defines Pulse Merch is the experience we provide. We make the process easy, whether someone is ordering merch for the first time or is a seasoned business owner looking for a reliable partner. We take the time to educate clients on what will work best for their project, and we make sure the final product exceeds their expectations.
At the end of the day, Pulse Merch is about more than just printing shirts. It is about helping people tell their story through quality custom apparel. Whether it is a small business trying to build its brand, a band gearing up for tour, or an organization looking to create something special, we are here to make sure they look great doing it.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I have learned is that consistency is key. Success does not happen overnight. It comes from showing up every day, putting in the work, and staying committed even when things get tough.
Building a business is a long game. There will always be challenges, slow seasons, and moments of doubt, but the people who keep pushing forward, adapt, and improve are the ones who make it. I have seen firsthand that steady, intentional progress is more valuable than quick wins.
I have also learned that passion and integrity matter. Customers notice when you care about your work. I built Pulse Merch on a foundation of quality and service, and that commitment has helped me build lasting relationships and a reputation I am proud of. No matter how much we grow, I will always make sure we stay true to that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pulsemerch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulsemerch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PulseMerch/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulse-merch
