7/4/2010

Grateful for the Fourth of July crowds, Patrick Johnson of Sisters, mans his booth in downtown Bend at Drake Park.

His business, witty t-shirts, an idea  he came up with with his brother, Jeff, when work was slow in the construction industry. Both are still general contractors, but have found success in their side job.

"I think if construction would have been good, we might not have even started this, so it was just kind of right place at the right time. But I mean it's really just I love doing it, I love making people laugh," says Patrick Johnson.

'High Roller', 'Recycle' and 'Tree hugger' are some of the funny, original designs found on the BendersInk shirts. A hobby for the brothers that turned into business plan.

"It started on the kitchen table, started so basic, ya know and our bathroom was our dark room, so it was just a real jerry rigged set up, but now we've got more of a production and everything is starting to be a little more streamline," says Johnson.

Drawing crowds at the festival, this is the first year they've sold their shirts at events throughout the community. They say the response has been great, and it's keeping them very busy.

"I'd rather do this than construction, I mean contracting is fun, it's a challenge but it's not my dream job, this is more of my dream job. I don't think I'll ever stop doing this I mean it's just, I have a funny bone. I have to be funny it's just part of me," say Johnson.

Always brainstorming new ideas, the Johnson brothers say they will continue their side business even if construction work picks up again.

"It's just a good, timeless open canvas, the t-shirt I mean it's going nowhere so (laughing)," says Johnson.

For more on the shirts visit www.bendersink.com