Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More Opening New Location in Northern Kentucky

Michael Huber spent years building software and managing projects, but the work felt far from the people it served. He wanted to see his impact in real time and close to home. That search led him to Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, a retail custom-apparel franchise where customers design on-demand shirts and other wearables for teams, schools, nonprofits and local businesses.

“I have a background in software engineering and project management, and that helped me learn how to work with people and how to keep projects on track,” Huber said. “I have attention to detail, which will be helpful for producing high-quality output for my customers.”

Retail Roots, Real-World Lessons

“I worked at Old Navy after college, and I had no idea how valuable that would end up being to my career,” Huber said. The retail floor taught him how clothing is made, handled and sold — knowledge he still draws on. “I learned things about the garment industry that I wouldn’t have been able to pick up otherwise. It’s funny how life comes together in unexpected ways.” 

That, paired with years in software and project management, pushed him toward work he could see and feel. “I couldn’t directly see the value that I was providing in the corporate world,” he said. “I enjoy seeing the value that I provide to people, and working directly with customers at a Big Frog store will allow me to see the smiles on their faces.”

Backed to Win: Why Big Frog Made Sense

What Huber wanted from a franchise was clear: aligned incentives and owners who actually felt supported. “I can tell that the franchise group really cares about the franchisees,” he said. “They don’t succeed unless I succeed.”

Those validation calls mattered — not as a box to check, but as proof that the system shows up for its operators. “From speaking with other franchisees, I could tell they have a fantastic support network. They’ll do what they can to help me realize success in my own business.”

The training plan turned belief into a roadmap. “I had a week of training at Big Frog University where we got bits and pieces of every part of running the business,” Huber said. “I will also have a week at a Center of Excellence…I will have in-store training in my store before I open and then coaching afterward.”

Crescent Springs, Cincinnati’s Neighbor Across the River

Huber is currently targeting February 2026 for the opening of his Big Frog location in Crescent Springs, Kentucky. His shop will sit at 576 Clock Tower Way in Buttermilk Towne Center, a plaza anchored by everyday stops — including a grocery store, Home Depot and Esporta Fitness. 

Although Crescent Springs is located in Kentucky, it functions as a Cincinnati suburb just across the Ohio River. “My shop is pretty centrally located in Northern Kentucky,” Huber said. “People from Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties will be able to reach my store easily.”

Giving Back From Day One

Community partnerships are part of the plan, starting with a cause close to home. “One group that’s near and dear to my heart is the marching band at Highlands High School. My son is in the band,” Huber said. “I want to do a fundraiser with them — sell shirts across the school and have some of the proceeds go to the band.”

Building Year One: Team, Targets and a Measured Ramp

Huber is aiming for a strong, steady ramp: “For the first year, $400,000 in gross sales is my target,” he said. “I plan to start with two full-time employees. From what I hear, that should be enough. Years down the road — additional employees, a manager. Not sure what’s in store, but I’m sure it’s an exciting ride.”

For Huber, this isn’t just a career change — it’s a shift from abstract to tangible. The goal is simple: take the precision of engineering, the instincts of retail and the reliability of a proven system and put it to work for neighbors who will see — and wear — the results.

ABOUT BIG FROG CUSTOM T-SHIRTS & MORE:

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Dunedin, Florida, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts and More, Inc. is an international franchise system with over 75 independently owned and operated stores serving consumers and businesses across the U.S. and Canada. Big Frog specializes in direct to garment printing (DTG) and is a one-stop shop for all custom apparel decorating techniques, as well as branded promotional products. Big Frog offers free design help, no minimums, no art/setup fees, and fast turnaround. Find a store at BIGFROG.COM, U.S. franchise opportunities at BIGFROGFRANCHISE.COM, Canadian franchise opportunities at BIGFROG.CA, and Big Frog on YouTube.