HOULTON — Whether it is painting lines on pavement or imprinting shirts, mugs and other items with pictures and logos, JEI Sports of Maine can do it all.
Owned and operated by Blaine Jackett of Houlton, JEI Sports recently opened a downtown location at 3 Water St. in the Shiretown where his customers can now see the many products he can produce. Customers can bring their own images to Jackett to have printed, or can simply give him some ideas for what they wish to have and let him work his magic using various software programs.
“Screen printing is a process of using a fine mesh screen to squeeze ink through it, onto a shirt, in a designated area,” Jackett said. “We also do heat transfers and sublimation, which is putting ink into high pressure and high heat to permeate the surface of the product. Whatever is envisioned on a computer screen can go exactly onto a surface.”
JEI Sports stocks everything from clothing to photo plates and mugs to water bottles. Bridal party shirts are another popular new trend, Jackett said, as they provide a keepsake for those in the wedding party for years to come. Softball/baseball jersey and graduation T-shirts are always popular items, he added.
Another aspect of his business is making custom products, such as backpacks, totes, T-shirts, mugs or anything they can dream up, for fundraising projects. JEI Sports can also make custom banners for businesses or parties; can also do magnetic signs and window clings to place on vehicles; and also does vinyl lettering and decals.
“For schools, we can have a design and work off consignment,” he said. “The school does not have to stock a lot of the item, just one, or two for display purposes, and then we can turn around and order what is needed. There is no worry of being stuck with an item.”
In addition to his screen-printing business, Jackett has also operated a line striping business since 1998, which takes him throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts yearly. During the busy painting season, juggling two businesses can be taxing, but we are always available via email or phone.
JEI Sports Inc. is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Jackett at 532-1577 or e-mail info@jeisports.com. Jacket can also be found on Facebook under JEI Sportswear of Maine.
