An Inside Look at Peace and Cotton Inc.

 

When it comes to entrepreneurship, there are few who can claim the passion, drive, and creativity that Jeremy Panda, the sole owner of Peace and Cotton Inc., has poured into his business. Jeremy’s journey into the world of printing and manufacturing was anything but conventional, and his path has been one of growth, perseverance, and finding joy in turning visions into reality.

Peace and Cotton Inc. is not your average printing and manufacturing company. What sets it apart is its experiential arm, which travels across North America, bringing a unique, hands-on approach to creating customized products for festivals, events, and retail experiences. From laser cutting and embroidery to intricate printing, Peace and Cotton specializes in producing close to a million imprints annually, offering services in multiple mediums.

But it’s not just the technical side of the work that Jeremy takes pride in – it’s the artistry and integrity behind each project. The company’s focus on customer care and delivering top-tier results has earned it a reputation for excellence.

So, why the name “Peace and Cotton”? It all started during Jeremy’s corporate sales days, where he was selling corporate products and spending his days responding to hundreds of emails. Amidst the hustle and monotony, Jeremy began signing off each email with the phrase “Peace, and Cotton,” a subtle nod to a lighter, more peaceful way of being. Little did he know, this quirky sign-off would inspire the name for his future business. In 2008, when he left the corporate world to start his own company, “Peace and Cotton” just felt like the right fit.

Jeremy's path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straightforward one. After running into challenges with his first business ventures, he found himself working in a corporate sales environment, which, while financially stable, didn't spark the excitement he longed for. It was then that he realized his true passion: bringing creative visions to life.

“I love facilitating and executing someone's dream,” Jeremy says. “It’s incredibly satisfying and fulfilling to help bring a vision into reality. It’s challenging, fun, and keeps me inspired every day.”

His passion for creative work was further fueled when he noticed a friend’s business in Guelph that combined retail and embroidery services. This dual-channel approach intrigued him, and he was soon on the hunt for a screen printer to open a similar business. With no formal business experience but a strong work ethic and a background in music, Jeremy dove headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship.

“I’ve always been a self-starter,” Jeremy explains. “I set my own goals and maintain high expectations. I’m deeply interested in people and the way things are made, and that curiosity drives my success.”

Jeremy’s entrepreneurial journey actually began long before Peace and Cotton. As a teenager, he taught tennis at a local club after earning his certification, only to be told the club no longer needed his services. A close friend offered him an opportunity at another club, and from there, Jeremy’s passion for business and teaching grew. The first summer he taught, he earned over $5,000 doing something he loved, a pivotal moment that made him realize he could turn his passions into a profitable venture.

The initial stages of Peace and Cotton were far from easy. Jeremy’s first venture involved door-to-door sales for the Toronto Star. Living in Toronto as a student, he took a commission-only job selling newspapers, and despite the challenges, he found joy in meeting people and learning the art of sales.

"While I walked the streets selling newspapers, I realized that I was actually good at it, making $150-$200 per hour. I spent the money on fun experiences with friends, but more importantly, I learned how to hustle and make things happen,” he shares.

Starting a business is never without its hurdles, and Jeremy has faced more than his fair share. From navigating the complexities of business operations to handling an unexpected audit, there were plenty of learning experiences along the way.

Two years ago, Peace and Cotton was audited, and it was discovered that their accounting firm had been negligent. This revelation led to a major turning point in the business. Jeremy made the difficult decision to fire his entire operations team and take matters into his own hands.

“That was a huge moment for me,” he says. “I realized that I had been taking a backseat to the operations of the business. I had been lazy in certain areas, so I took control, fired the accountant, and started managing things myself. Since then, we’ve doubled the company size. That experience really taught me the value of taking responsibility and staying hands-on.”

For Jeremy, the journey of building Peace and Cotton is still very much in progress. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, but with his drive and unwavering commitment to quality and creativity, it’s clear that the company will continue to thrive. Jeremy’s passion for meeting new people and bringing their ideas to life is what keeps him going – and with his high expectations and hands-on approach, Peace and Cotton Inc. is bound for even greater success.

In the words of Jeremy Panda, “Every day is difficult, and I love that. It’s what keeps me inspired and moving forward.”

From a young tennis instructor to a creative entrepreneur at the helm of Peace and Cotton Inc., Jeremy Panda’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s passion. Through both successes and challenges, Peace and Cotton has grown into a powerhouse in the printing and manufacturing world, and there’s no doubt that its future will be just as bright.