Check Out Benjamin Meister’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Meister.

Hi benjamin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I managed Josh’s Snoshack, a snow cone franchise, for six years before pursuing my passion for building and design. In 2018, I moved to California and joined the YouTube channel Yes Theory, helping design and build their Venice Beach headquarters. That work led to projects with other creators, including Airrack, and being around that creator world introduced me to merchandising.

I started my business, Merch Daddy Apparel, in 2020, and in 2022 was invited on tour as a merchandise rep. What started as six U.S. shows quickly grew into a global run of over 60 U.S. dates and concerts in 22 countries. I handled everything from design and production to shipping across borders, managing sales teams, and overseeing VIP experiences.

Since then, I’ve worked with artists like Lauren Spencer-Smith, Natalie Jane, Geena Fontanella, Blake Proehl, and American Idol winner Abi Carter, as well as acts like TLC, Run-DMC, Third Eye Blind, Styx, Theo Von, Bill Burr, and Shane Gillis. Today, I serve as Director of Tour Merchandise for Garment Decor, a major Southern California print shop, while still running Merch Daddy Apparel and a small print shop in Tulsa.

Outside of merch, I’m a travel enthusiast working on my Been There, Done That blog — a global city guide featuring local recommendations, QR code access, and contributor content from around the world. For now, my focus remains on building my business, supporting artists, and creating experiences that connect people to the brands and music they love.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to life in Los Angeles after moving from Oklahoma. It was a major financial leap, and I didn’t know anyone at first. I was fortunate to meet Yes Theory by chance on a Venice Beach sidewalk, which introduced me to a network of creators, but many were digital nomads who didn’t stay local. Building a consistent community took years.

Two years after moving, COVID hit, which made it even harder to build momentum. Starting my business with little to no capital was another hurdle — especially in the music industry, where you often have to front the cost for merchandise and get paid later. Without infrastructure, that was a major roadblock.

I’ve overcome these challenges by forming strategic partnerships, including merging with Garment Decor, which provided the resources and backing I needed. This year, I finally feel like I’m in my stride and operating in a solid groove.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in tour merchandising — creating the entire merchandise experience for artists on the road. When an artist is preparing for a tour, we handle everything from start to finish: designing the full collection, sourcing high-quality blanks, managing production through screen printing or embroidery, and shipping everything directly to the venues.

One of our strongest selling points is design. We have a talented in-house design team, and the creative concepts we present often spark the initial interest that lands us new clients. It’s that combination of creativity, production expertise, and logistics management that we’re known for in the industry.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is simple: don’t stop. Success comes from mastering your field and staying consistent, even when it’s tough. I make it a point to keep learning — attending printing and apparel expos, talking to people in the industry, and deepening my knowledge of everything from vending to production to sales. In the past, I quit projects too early, but I’ve learned that it takes years of steady effort for something to become truly successful. Now, every morning, I remind myself: keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://merchdaddyapparel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrbenmeister/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-meister-91746515b/