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Partner Spotlight: John & Mary Echlin of DRDTG.com
Showcasing Our Hats in Action
With over two decades of experience in the embroidery industry, Dr. DTG & Embroidery has become a trusted partner of OTTO CAP® and a go-to resource for decorators who want reliable equipment, expert support, and standout results.
Located in Brea, California, the husband-and-wife duo of John and Mary Echlin aren’t just business owners. They’re the heart of a shop where small business dreams come to life—one shirt, hat, or hoodie at a time.
Ready to find out more?
A Shop with Some Soul
Dr. DTG & Embroidery opened its doors around 2003 with a clear mission: make quality embroidery equipment more accessible and more reliable.
“What was lacking in the industry was a good warranty,” John recalls. “Everyone was offering only a year, and we wanted to offer a five-year warranty.”
That commitment to standing behind their products has shaped their business ever since.
Today, Dr. DTG & Embroidery is a hands-on operation where customers come first. Every project is approached with the mindset of taking care of customers like neighbors, the old-fashioned way.
The shop specializes in:
- Direct-to-garment printing
- Commercial embroidery machines
- Supplies and parts
- Repairs and technical support
Whether someone is just getting started or upgrading their equipment, John and Mary are there to help at every step.
John Echlin: The Fix-It Guy with a Plan
John first entered the embroidery industry around 1999 as a technician, repairing machines in the field. That technical foundation still defines how he approaches the business today.
He’s been the go-to guy for installation, training, and repairs since day one, and he takes that role seriously. As the owner of Dr. DTG & Embroidery, John’s a technician and part-time miracle worker when it comes to keeping embroidery and printing gear running smoothly.
Mary Echlin: The Heart and Thread of the Business
If John’s the engine, Mary’s the spark. She’s the one handling the embroidery and personalization work, or in other words, turning customer ideas into tangible and beautifully stitched designs.
Before launching the business with John, Mary was already running her own operation out of her garage, working with 13 sewing heads and building a loyal customer base. That experience shows in every piece she touches.”
Her attention to detail and creative eye has earned her a reputation for making just about anything look good on fabric. Mary brings warmth and personality to everything she does, transforming orders into art—something no machine can do on its own.
Mary brings warmth and personality to everything she does. Her work transforms orders into art, and that’s something machines alone can’t do.
Helping the Underdogs Win
At first glance, Dr. DTG & Embroidery might look like a high-tech haven for printers and embroiderers. But look closer, and you’ll see the human side of the business woven through every interaction.
The Echlin’s have created a space that’s equal parts technical expertise and genuine connection. Their mission has always been simple: empower small businesses to look big.
John remembers how different the industry looked when he started.
“Back when I started, it was mostly large embroidery operations out in the industry,” he explains. “It’s evolved into smaller mom-and-pop shops adding embroidery.”
As customization has become more accessible, Dr. DTG & Embroidery has focused on more than just selling machines and supplies. They’ve put equal emphasis on education, training, and ongoing support, helping customers turn their ideas into real, sustainable businesses.
That spirit carries into their product demos, where they showcase both the capabilities of modern embroidery machines and the importance of choosing the right blanks—especially when it comes to headwear.
Why OTTO CAP® Is Their Go-To for Demos
When it comes to demonstrating what their machines can do, John and Mary don’t leave anything to chance. That’s why they’ve gravitated toward using OTTO CAP® hats for their embroidery demonstrations.
From a technician’s perspective, that reliability matters. Poorly structured caps can cause needle breaks, misalignment, and inconsistent stitching—especially under the pressure of live demos.
With OTTO CAP®, John sees the difference:
- Smooth sewing experience – “We don’t have any needle breaks.”
- Consistent, clean results – “The embroidery looks beautiful on the hat.”
- Ideal structure and shape – The crown and build of the hat help designs sit correctly and sew out evenly.
He’s especially fond of using flat-bill snapback hats for embroidery, where the larger front panel and OTTO’s structured shape help showcase bold, detailed designs.
For decorators and small businesses chasing creative headwear goals, this combination of machine performance and hat quality is a game-changer.
Where Passion Meets Community
Over the years, Dr. DTG & Embroidery has become more than just a print and embroidery shop. It’s a community hub.
Local entrepreneurs stop by for advice. Workshops turn into brainstorming sessions. Friendships are built over thread charts and hat samples.
John and Mary regularly recommend OTTO CAP® to their customers for both print and embroidery projects, because they know how well our hats hold up in real-world use. As John puts it, they’ve “gravitated towards OTTO CAP®” because they’re the best fit for the kind of dependable, high-quality results their customers expect.
The Final Stitch
Dr. DTG & Embroidery continues to empower businesses of all sizes with expertise, care, and reliable tools. Their story shows what’s possible when quality gear meets skilled hands. Explore their latest projects, machine demos, and shop updates for an authentic behind-the-scenes look. Connect with them on Facebook at Dr. DTG, Brea, follow @thedrdtg on Instagram, and visit DRDTG.COM to discover their embroidery machines, supplies, and services.
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