Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Pinillos.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my time with Red Horse about 4 years ago now. Unofficially, it’s been over 10 years. Growing up, I’d help mom and dad out in the garage from time to time and remember saying “when I grow up, you won’t catch me doing this” well, fast forward to 24 year old me….and am having one heck of a time!
After college I went straight into an office job doing logistics rates and sales. After a year of growing with the company, I was able to go back to school and earn my Masters. Part of this opportunity was to go to work with the family business. It’s been a rollercoaster of an experience and I wouldn’t trade any of the last 4 years for anything.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, the road has been pretty smooth. Just like any other business, we’ve had our tougher time and our smoother times. I feel it’s a little more interesting than your typical business because you have family involved.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Red Horse Screen Printing?
From our in-house brands to custom products, Red Horse’s high-quality standards are apparent in every step of the process from initial design to the finished product. In 1992, Red Horse Screen Printing began in a single-family home on a plantation, between a loving couple. With nothing else but the work the plantation offered the husband, the couple found a way to grow a business and move it to a single-family townhome in Charleston, SC. Ena and Fernando Pinillos were able to purchase their first home which allowed Red Horse to grow, expanding to the garage, dining, and living room. All the while being able to open a storefront in the North Charleston Mall. Down the line, both storefront and production moved to a single location in the heart of West Ashley to support the business’ growing operations.
One of our first clients was at the Downtown Charleston Market, where we made some of the most iconic Charleston designs. Our custom business continued to expand adding more local companies as well as sports teams, ranging from local schools and recreational clubs to universities. Some of the local business we have worked with are Palmetto Moon, Lowcountry Treasure, Jolin’s, Moon Lighting, and Charleston Green. Red Horse has been a leading provider of Apparel and Promotional Items in the Lowcountry for over 25 years.
After years of custom work, Fernando Sr pivoted to a new venture, designing and producing his own line. He trademarked Reel soon after. A few short years later Southern Strut and Tried and True joined the lineup. Now, because of our Brands: Southern Strut, Tried & True, and Reel, we find ourselves having to move once again.
We are still a family-owned and operated company, with Ena and Fernando still at the helm and my sister, Gabriela, and I as their support. Along with an experienced crew that covers everything from Ordering, Shipping/Receiving, to Printing: Ena, Gabriela, Cam, Kelly, and Carolyn are over Shipping, Receiving, and Ordering. While Fernando Sr, Germaine, Felicia, Sonia, Jackie, Amalia, and Maria are overproduction. We can’t forget about the creative crew, Alexa, Quinn, and Fernando Sr.
We continue to serve our Charleston neighbors and anyone looking to get exceptional quality screen printing or embroidery, as well promotional items for their business. We also serve retail businesses looking to add new quality brands to their inventory.
We offer over 25 years of experience in the screen-printing business. We have extensive knowledge of graphic design and are experts at the color separation process necessarily to prepare these designs to print. This combined with our knowledge of available garments and how the interact with the screen-printing materials truly allows our work to come to life. This is where our brands: Southern Strut, Tried & True, and Reel flourish.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The most important lesson we’ve learned from Covid-19 is to be shapeless. To survive, we have to move with the times. During this time, we have to learn to move more digitally and take advantage of our social networks much more.
Contact Info:
- Email: jfp@redhorseonline.com
- Website: www.redhorseonline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redhorse_screenprinting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/REDHORSESCREENPRINTING
