Meet Your Merchant: Silk screening company's employees are Going Places

Whether it's for a large gathering or just an inside joke, the staff at Going Places, Ink can customize the perfect T-shirt - or any other item - to commemorate it.

"We do a lot for teams and family reunions," said Jim Baesman, supervisor. "And we will get the person who walks in and just wants one or two done."

Baesman is one of three supervisors, overseeing a staff of about 15 employees. The business is part of the Reno-based organization Going Places, which provides services for disabled clients.

Baesman started working with the company seven years ago, managing an assisted-living home for people with special needs. He said he instantly fell in love with the work, including his job now supervising the Carson City store.

"This is just unbelievably rewarding," he said. "It's just so neat seeing them learn new things. I wouldn't leave this job for nothing."

When working on a project, the employees form an assembly line, each performing his or her duty.

Baesman said the customer can bring in a emblem or insignia to be emblazoned on a shirt. But employees will also help customers find the right design.

"If they have an idea what they want, we'll get on the computer and help them find it," Baesman said.

Ramona Allen has been working at the store for six months and said she enjoys her job.

"I love it here so much," she said. "You do a lot of things and work with machines and stuff."

Baesman said interested clients usually come in for a day or two of work to see how it goes. If everything goes well, he said, they are put on the regular payroll.

And that's Heather Hopps' favorite part.

"I like to spend all my money," she said.

Clients work at the silk-screening business on Winnie Lane as training to move on to regular jobs.

"It's all about preparing them for the real world out there," Baesman said. "Our job is to work ourselves right out of business. I'd love nothing more than for every one of them to move on to the job they want."