More than just printing – it's art

Wasco T-Shirts opened in 1999. Since then, the company has been a local leader in the industry. Victor Padilla is the owner and says he is passionate about his work.

Padilla started from zero and was a truck driver before he launched his business. He was diagnosed with kidney failure, and that is when he decided to make the switch.

"I am self-taught. It has been a tough road, up and down. Now I can say I am very successful."

He does silk screen printing, embroidery and branding, including hats, uniforms, banners, signs, decals, stationary, business cards, jackets, towels, duffle bags and labels.

For his t-shirts, he uses only quality brands like Hanes, Fruit of the Loom and Next Level.

His business has many customers, not only in Wasco but from Dinuba, Fresno, Porterville, Bakersfield and even from Texas.

"We have customers from all over, and it means we are doing something good as they decide to come to us instead of going to someone closer to them," said Padilla. "That is because I put the extra mile into it."

It is a family business, with his wife, daughter and other relatives helping him over the years.

He said his business thrived despite the height of covid in 2020 and 2021.

"It was the best two years ever in business for me," he said.

Padilla is passionate about his profession as a graphic designer.

"I love it because I can create new ideas and put my feelings into every design. I enjoy drawing, which I have done from an early age."

He has accounts with large institutions and businesses such as Wonderful Pistachios, Thomas Jefferson Middle school, Semitropic School, Primex, the City of Wasco and Wasco Prison.

"I have long-term customers that have been with me since I opened 23 years ago, like E&M Trucking. Not even if they found lower prices, they have never wanted to leave us," said Padilla.

The work is guaranteed, and they offer friendly service.

"We want our customers to be more than satisfied and work to provide the best products, so they are happy with us."

What he appreciates most about the business are the relationships he has built.

"I've made lots of new friends. It is nice when I go places, and people say hello because they are my customers and others that know me for my business."

He believes he made the right decision to open in Wasco.

"I really like Wasco. It is a very nice and peaceful town. It is not crowded, there is no traffic and it's affordable. The community has been very good to me, and thanks to them, I have been able to afford a comfortable quality of life here for my family of six."

Wasco T-Shirts will be around for many more years to come.

"I plan to operate my business here as long as our customers want us. I am grateful for them for supporting me and helping us to grow."

[BEGIN ITALIC]Wasco T-Shirts, 747 E St., is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 661-758-1948. [END ITALIC]