GH Customs brings new retail biz to Dodge Center

GH Customs, which opened two years ago in Hayfield, has now moved into a new retail location in Dodge Center.
The business has expanded from laser engraving into embroidery and direct-to-film printing with heat transfers on clothing and other items.
Gary Dahl said he first became involved doing laser engraving after a 35-year career at Hayfield Window. While looking for something else to do, he started watching videos of laser engraving on YouTube and became interested in the process.
Dahl said he began working on it in his garage. As friends became interested, he and his wife, Heather, opened the business. It didn’t take long, he said, before they expanded.
Their direct-to-film transfers allow them to apply full-color, high-quality designs to fabric using a heat press. With the direct-to-film transfers and the embroidery equipment, they can customize t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, coats and jackets.
The business grew through word-of-mouth from friends and family, and the couple decided it was time to look for a location where there would not only be more room for equipment but also for retail space. They found that location, Dahl said, in Dodge Center, and opened the shop at 40 West Main St. three weeks ago.
They now have the space for more equipment and have expanded the embroidery portion of the business.
Dahl said the Hayfield community and now Dodge Center residents have been supportive of the business.
Dahl said he does most of the day-to-day work at the store, while Heather is involved in the other aspects of the business. They have no employees as yet, but their adult daughter and son do come and help out, he said.
GH Customs is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also be contacted through their website, ghcustomsllc.com.