Wisconsin Design Team
Posted On: December 10, 2024 in: Community Spotlight
Starting as a small print shop in Brooklyn, New York, Wisconsin Design Team (WDT) has grown to become a beloved part of the Madison community. Founded in 2021 by Josh Kuhn, Kaz Baladi, Sam Anglehart, and Briar Ion, WDT began as an idea in a modest print shop. Sam and Briar, owners of Playground Printing, expanded their business into an online platform where WDT apparel was sold. In 2023, Josh, originally from Madison, returned and opened their first storefront at 417 State Street. Since then, WDT has secured licensing through the University of Wisconsin, partnered with local businesses, and fulfilled custom orders for sororities and fraternities. Many of their employees, once design or entrepreneurship students, bring fresh creativity and unique perspectives to the team.
In spring 2023, Madelyn (Maddy) joined WDT while still a student at the University of Wisconsin, studying consumer behavior, marketplace studies, and graphic design. Josh reached out to her for assistance in getting the store up and running. Within a month, Maddy was fully committed to WDT, and after graduating in May 2024, she became the Director of Operations. In her role, Maddy manages the website, designs custom orders, and oversees the team. She emphasizes that their employees, mostly college students, are more than just sales associates; they contribute to areas they are passionate about, such as event planning. Maddy enjoys the dynamic nature of her role, where no two days are the same. Over time, her responsibilities and those of Josh have evolved, with Josh handling larger wholesale orders and Maddy managing day-to-day operations and smaller custom orders. Sam and Briar have also adapted to accommodate the growing business and larger printing orders.
Recently, WDT launched their holiday collection, focusing on Midwest-themed designs that make perfect gifts for any family member. The collection is available online and in both stores. They have also introduced a WDT advent calendar on social media, announcing daily sales and deals leading up to Christmas. The highlight of their holiday season is the new pop-up shop at Hilldale Shopping Center, located at 733 Hilldale Way, open throughout December. This location offers a unique selection of gift items not typically found at their State Street store.
One of Maddy's proudest moments at WDT was opening the Hilldale location. Given just one week to prepare, the team worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to price and ready over 5,000 units for sale. Maddy credits their success to the dedication of their associates, especially the part-time staff at the State Street location who maintained operations while the new shop was set up. What sets WDT apart is their staff, many of whom were students not long ago, bringing a fresh perspective to their business and designs. Their apparel, inspired by personal Midwest experiences, stands out for its quality and unique designs, unlike typical university bookstore offerings.
WDT is deeply connected to the community through their two locations and custom design orders. They have collaborated with local businesses and organizations, including State Street Brats, Kollege Klub, Whiskey Jacks, UW Athletics, UW Health - Badgers Give Back Program, UW School of Pharmacy, Meriter Hospital, and American Family Children's Hospital. Maddy enjoys creating designs that bring joy to children, such as custom scrubs. WDT also participates in local events like Maxwell Street Days and the Dane County Farmers Market, fostering strong community ties that have been crucial to their growth.
Over the past year, WDT has learned the importance of organization, planning ahead for events, and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges. Opening the Hilldale location, although temporary, was once a daunting task, but their confidence and hard work have driven their growth. They have also seen increased engagement on social media by showcasing their fun and relatable side, shifting from a serious corporate image to one that reflects their youthful and vibrant team. This approach has significantly boosted their follower count and customer engagement.
As they continue to grow, WDT looks forward to the rest of December at their Hilldale location and the upcoming release of new products for basketball and hockey season in the new year.