We have lost more than six million manufacturing jobs in this country over the last three decades.
But together, we can bring those jobs back home.
And we don’t have to rely on anyone but ourselves to do it.
My name is John Briggs and I am concerned about our country. Last year I published a book titled Simply American, which is a call to arms to all Americans urging them to buy more products made by members of our extended American family. The purpose of this blog is to introduce you to great American firms whose American workers are making great products we need and use everyday. Brooms made by Libman’s workers in Arcola, Illinois. Socks made by Wigwam workers in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. And blouses made by Karen Kane workers in Vernon, California. Together, we can put people in this country back to work in manufacturing. And all we have to do is make our default choice when shopping American made goods.
Simply American 
Please check out our family owned business http://www.bestdryingrack.com. We make clothes drying racks and re-sale other Made in America laundry equipment. We are currently looking for American made clothespins in our challenge for made in America clothespins. Please contact us for more information.
You don’t have to pursued me. I’ll go out of my way to make sure what I purchase is American made or as close as possible … have to put effort in to do it which is sad but it’s certainly worth it. Good work here!
~M
Sitting by the Salton Sea reading the gospel of Briggsy. You go!
Dear Clay –
My name is Justin Eugene Evans. I’m the President of BryteWerks, a start-up (co-located in Oregon, Wisconsin and New Mexico) that wants to manufacture in the US.
We need a consultant. We’re struggling to find an American manufacturer that understands how incredibly hard this decision is. Investors think we’re crazy…and we turn away money from people who tell us “just focus on building your product in China, get a distribution deal with Best Buy and go public.” We didn’t start this business to make that choice. We want to build here in the US.
However, we’re struggling to find the right manufacturing partner. Poor customer service, arrogance, a lack of math & computer skills and zero entrepreneurial spirit are common challenges at many American facilities.
Would you contact us? We need 30 minutes of your time.
Great site John. My dad sent us a woolen blanket from Fairbault Woolen Mills in Fairbault Minnesota. They have been manufacturing woolen products in Minnesota since 1865. Great USA company.
Thanks for the tip Brian; I will do a post on Fairbault in the near future. If you would like to get new posts by email, please sign up with your email on my blog roll. All the best, John Briggs
Electric Mirror in the Seattle area is another great company. They do everything here in their factory; from design to the crates that ship the lighted mirrors to mirror TVs. They are the largest in the industry — much larger than the company you covered before. We would love to give you a tour . . . believe you are in the area. You can contact me through the company or my PR company, Engstrom Public Relations.
Hallelujah to made in the USA ! Isn’t it so sad that you can go out of your way to try to buy American, which in my opinion is better quality anyway, and be willing to pay a bit more to support our American manufacturers, and still come up empty handed. It’s a sad state we’re in, but I’m happy that there’s a growing awareness and plenty of people that realize we’re on a seriously bad course. Check out my blog: theresurgenceofamerica.wordpress.com
Hi John,
I came here after your comment on my manufacturing article at the Huffington Post. Looks like a great site, and your aggregation of key stories and op-eds on manufacturing are extremely useful. I hope we can continue the conversation.
Devon Swezey
Thanks for the kind words Devon. I visited your organization’s website and it looks fascinating. Hope to speak with you in the near future. All the best, John
Sorry if I post this twice. I think I forgot to hit reply. Check out the article from the Phil Inquirerer from yesterday about high end clog and shoe manuf Dansko. starting some production in the US next year.There is a depressing part in the article about how in the 90’s they moved production to Maine to try and help revive the shoe industry, but the workers were so bad they pulled out for Poland.There is also an article about New Balance and the tariff that allows them to keep some production in the US.Go to Philly.com Click on business and the article is about Dansko.It was in the Sunday March 11 2012 paper.
Thanks for the heads up Andy, I will check out the article tonight. All the best, John
I feel the same way as you do. I found a site that have a similar vision like your and I just recently bought some high quality made in the usa clothing from American Love Affair Online. I’m very surprise to find all their products is made in the USA on their online store. They did a good jobs on finding many styles of women’s Top & dresses, designer handbags & body jewelry, and men’s tops and bottoms that are American made clothing.
briggs maybe create a post on my new powerful fantastic american vacuum cleaner! RICCAR! not only is it a superior vacuum…it is pretty AND costs less than nearly all vacuums in its class..i am also going to buy a Riccar for me aging mum who needs a superior vacuum that is very light in weight because they make a powerful vacuum that only weighs 8 pounds! http://www.riccar.com/
Karen: Thanks for the comment! I promise to do a post on Riccar within the week. All the best, John
My dog is a power chewer. I found a great line of toys that last. They are Made In The USA. I sent and email to the creator/owner and told her I was going to let you know about GoughNuts Dog Chew Toys. Here is the link: http://www.goughnuts.com/GoughNuts.php
Mary: Thanks so much for the great tip! Consider subscribing to my blog, I am about to begin a campaign of giveaways for people like you who let me know about American companies like GoughNuts. All the best, John
Please consider our admission to your website and please visit ours! Below is information on the company:
American Made Dorm offers high quality, custom-made bedding and accessories – Made in America- to college and boarding school students. The company also offers home bedding. The quality of the products is unrivaled by overseas products sold by competitors. American Made Dorm is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Its mills and suppliers are located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. The warehouse facility is in Kentucky. American Made Dorm is a women-owned small business (WOSB).
Sincerely,
Caroline Eager
President
American Made Dorm
http://www.amdorm.com
Some interesting tech news… the new Google Designed and manufactured Nexus Q is made in the USA! Someone has been listening to the Apple made in China news you have been noting!
http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/27/3121979/made-in-the-usa-google-nexus-q-streamer-american
Thank you for mentioning American manufactured Kentucky Cutting Boards in your blog! I noticed in my google analytics that someone had reached my website via your site and I popped over to see what’s going on. Jennifer at Kentucky Cutting Boards.
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John,
Loving the blog and the challenge of walking the walk and not just talking the talk. Some great american clothing I’ve been wearing recently.
Ribbedtee.com the classic line is hands down the most comfortable undershirt I’ve ever worn. After my initial trial of 2 I bought 6 more.
I’m loving my polos, hoodie and long sleeve baseball t from American Giant!
Our built in USA diesel passat has been turning in great fuel economy all summer!
Edward:
Thanks for the kind words about the blog and for walking the walk! I had not heard about Ribbedtee, but I have done posts on American Giant and the Passat in the past. VW built a $200 million plant to make Passats. A few new products made by members of our extended American family that I have bought recently are Okabashi flip flops which are great, a new Weber b-bq made in Palintine Ill and a toilet replacement part by Korky. Please keep reading and commenting and if you can let your friends know about the blog, I would really appreciate it.
All the best,
John
John,
Building a Cooperative America… is what we are all about… we’re just getting started in Seattle… we will be opening an Opportunity Center that will spawn both consumer and worker-member owned cooperatives… providing only Made in USA goods and services, http://www,MainStreetValues.org & .com
We need Congress to extend the country of origin labeling law to the Internet. When you purchase an item online, you do not know where the product was made. The law needs updating with the changing of how people shop. I have called my congressman and unions to get them on board. Any suggestions?
Hi John, just heard about your work on the local news. Thank you helping the “Made In America” movement.
I am the inventor of Qins / Numbered Pins for Quilting and Sewing, I recieved my patent 2 years ago and have been trying to find a manufacturer in America who can make a flat head plastic disc with a number on it with a quality pin that will glide thru fabric. Of course I hear “have them made in china”, but that is not what I want, and the quilting world prefers to buy USA. Do you know any manufacturers in America I can contact, I just know in my heart that there is a company I just havent found yet. Kind regards, Michelle http://www.qinsstore.com
Michelle:
I have a few people I am working with that might be able to help you find the manufacturing firm you want for your Qins. I will get back to you within the next two weeks.
All the best,
John
Try Buddha Balm John. They are an American made natural lip balm and they truly have a great product, great brand and inspiring company. Try their stuff or reach out to them because they are a symbol of what’s right with America.
Sandra:
Thanks for the heads up about Buddha Balm. I will try to contact them.
All the best,
John
John,
Thanks for everything you do on this site! I think education is one of the biggest challenges we face when trying to sell American made products. I own the company Patria Gems (www.patriagems.com), which sells exclusively American gemstones. My biggest challenge is getting the word out to people that they have options when buying jewelry. Most people don’t even know that America has a wealth of gorgeous gemstones that rival those found overseas. A
Another challenge that I faced early on was sourcing other business materials in American. I found the last American manufacturer of jewelry boxes, Signature Jewelry Packaging, after having contacted at least a dozen American companies that had all moved their manufacturing to China. So sad and deeply frustrating.
Again, thanks for what you are doing here!
Emily
Thanks for this blog. I want to share a recent discovery. Design your own outdoor apparel at http://www.wildthingsgear.com/ Made in the USA!
ALL AMERICAN MADE RUGS http://www.cobaltcreekrugs.com Super durable, super affordable.
You won’t see these rugs everywhere.
Thanks for your great blog! I have a like-minded blog devoted to quality American-made products: http://americanmadeguidetolife.blogspot.com/. Let me know if I can link to your blog. Happy New Year!
Amy:
Thanks for the kind words about the blog. You can of course link to my blog. I will do a post on your blog within the next few days.
All the best,
John
Thanks, John. I have linked to yours. Email me if you have any questions.
Many products “Made in USA” can be found at http://www.ProductFrom.com. Our direct link to American products is http://www.productfrom.com/country/US/.
HarborWare has been manufacturing boating products in Arkansas since 1967. We also sell kayaks, camping and outdoor gear all made in America. We have a “75/25 Rule”, that 75% or more of everything we sell has to be made in America.
We are MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN® work boots and Shoes.
Knapp Shoes has been providing construction workers with protective footwear since 1921.
In 2007 the company closed their doors in bankruptcy.
Now, as the KB Footwear Company, we are making the same high-quality protective footwear, Made in America, Again® by union workers.
We are doing are part to help restore the American economy – we manufacture in the USA, and we use only USA-made leather and other components in our footwear.
We make footwear for people who are working, or going back to work, who are helping to rebuild the American economy.
While our work boots are not necessarily a “fashion statement,” I believe the notion of bringing footwear manufacturing back to America would be of interest to your readers.
Please see the enclosed press release regarding our efforts to raise operating capital using Kickstarter.com
Thank you,
Avram Grossman
http://www.kbfootwear.com
It has been such a pleasure meeting you AND I’m enjoying your blog. Keep it up!!!
Thanks Verna. I love writing the blog and am working very hard on finishing my book. Thanks for your support.
All the best,
John
I think you shld take a look at an Award winning hybrid trailer made in NC. http://www.sylvansport.com/ Haul just about anything, including car roof rack attachments & enjoy camping on a king size mattress. There’s a interesting marketing story too where they’ve turned customers into promoters (Go-getters). Unfortunately, pricing (as with many MIA products) keeps this out of reach for many. I hope a rent/lease option develops in their dealer network, top down. Alternatively, bottom up could mean local buying groups could develop aided by social media (I’d get one if shared with 3 others). Have you done a story on ways to make MIA more affordable or solve whatever the most common reason is for not buying MIA? Thanks for your blog!
Hey John, I work at Red Oxx Mfg. in Billings, Montana. Enjoy reading your blog. When does “Simply American, Putting Our Extended American Family Back To Work” hit the shelves?
We’ve just finished our 8th expansion move– let me know if you would be interested in talking to Jim or Perry about growing an American company. Over two decades, Red Oxx has evolved from a basement business that Jim’s father started into a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of rugged travel luggage and other gear.
Kat:
Thanks for the message. By far my most popular post has been “Tom Bihn v. Red Oxx: May the best bag win!” I hope to get my book on the shelves this summer. I would love to interview Jim or Perry in order to do a post on Red Oxx. Can you shoot me your contact info in an email to simplyamericanbriggs@gmail.com?
All the best,
John
Good Evening,
Glad to know there are other people bringing attention to Made in America products such as ACL. Especially the list you made, I am sure that was not easy to compile.
I know its never easy maintaining a site like this with all of life’s responsibilities but thank you for making the time to do so.
I live in Washington DC and I am trying to get as much information about made in america products and what is it thats stopping people from buying them for a business class project.
If you have the time please fill out this survey, and if you think it would benefit your readers id appreciate it if you could share this survey with them. Once the results are all in we would be more than happy to share them with you and your readers.
As it stands since creating on Sunday we have 500 and counting we would love to get it as high as possible
I did not want to put it on here in case you did not approve. Again thank you! My email ppragados@gmail.com
-Phil
Hi John,
As I travel around this great country of ours and visit the large city craft fairs and small town shops, I’ve noticed one common thread that links us all together. It is the unlimited creativity, imagination and just plain raw talent of our citizens.
The truly amazing aspect about these characteristics is how they transcend all ethnic, cultural and geographic boundaries. Be it the fella in Minocqua, WI who uses a chain saw to carve animals and birds from logs, the glass blower in Asheville, NC or the artist in San Francisco, CA, the pure talent that each artist possesses is nothing less than awe inspiring. Our goal at aftcra is to attract this top talent from every conceivable product area in each of the 50 states and provide them with a unique, worldwide forum to sell their goods.
If you are a friend that has this talent, or you are as awe-inspired as we are about it, join the made in America movement with aftcra – a one-of-a-kind site where all items are proudly ‘crafted by American hands’. Check us out at http://www.aftcra.com
-Neil
Hi there! Thought you might enjoy this new video featuring the Orvis Rod Shop, wehre fly rods have been made in the USA for over 150 years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjZEM1rClnE
Good Evening, I was interested in possibly being featured on your blog, as I am the founder of a new clothing company (all made in the USA) that has just launched. I have a full press release, as well as the following excerpt below. I look forward to talking with you!
-JR Kennelly
We at Chasers choose to keep our products 100% made in America, because we feel the need to contribute to the revitalization of domestic industry. Over the past two decades exponential amounts of jobs and capital have been funneled into outsourcing, and the result is economic depression right here at home. We believe in fueling our own economy, as well as promoting job growth here at home. It isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s the right one, and that is what many retailers fail to realize in today’s market. We’re here to serve the American people, and have fun doing it. We appreciate your support, and your commitment to the goals of the company.
If you want to be featured, leave a comment with your contact info and I will get a hold of you.
All the best,
John
I have a List of US made Products website that you might find useful at
http://usproducts.yolasite.com
I have over 3100 companies listed and it is growing.
Hi John,
We’ve moved recently to a house from a condo and I’ve been trying to add as much american gardening equipment as I can. I wanted to point out a few if you haven’t seen them already.
I got a large and small Flexrake (http://www.amazon.com/Flexrake-CF224W-24-Inch-48-Inch-Handle/dp/B001BRMSLU/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)
We also purchased a fine nose and a ratchet clipper from Florian. http://store.floriantools.net/florian-ratchet-cut-pruning-tools/hand-pruners
All of these have been working great so far and no complaints from my HOA about the state of my yard!
BTW a Passat update, hit 47 MPG on a road trip last month!
Edward:
Thanks for the comment and product news! Here are a few links to posts I have previously done on gardening stuff.
All the best,
John
http://simply-american.net/2012/04/05/spring-an-elusive-customer-in-seattle/
http://simply-american.net/2012/11/06/a-seattle-gardening-essential/
http://simply-american.net/2013/05/29/hand-in-glove/
Hi John,
Scott’s Liquid Gold, a wonderful small American manufacturer in Denver, Colorado making household and beauty products. They partake in reviews & giveaways frequently.
http://www.scottsliquidgold.com/scotts-liquid-gold/
http://www.neotericcosmetics.com/
John,
Please check out http://www.topteakfurniture.com our company that produces fine quality teak furniture right here in America. Almost every single famous brand know manufactures their products overseas. We produce high quality products, stand behind them, and our customers tell us our customer service is great. It is easy, heck no! Worth it, yes as we hire locally and take pride that our products last decades if not longer.
Tim Ross
Way to go Tim! Why don’t you shoot me an email so I can learn a little bit more about the story behind Top Teak Furniture and then I can do a post of your firm if that would be of any use to you. My email address is http://www.simplyamericanbriggs@gmail.com.
All the best,
John.
Hi I have a question about your blog. Could you please email me when you get a chance? Thanks!
Hello,
I’m from the Economic Information Exchange Company. We’re looking to launch a line of “Economic Impact Ratings”– a sort of Consumer Reports for Made in America. We answer the question, “Just how made in America is that product?”
We wanted to share our IndieGoGo campaign with you that just launched. Please feel free to blog it!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/economic-impact-rating/x/5282468
Thanks,
Economic Impact Rating
Looking for good All-American coffee? USA Coffee Company has the best Hawaiian-grown coffee you can find – and its one of the only coffee companies that sells All-American coffee and gourmet products that are 100% made right here in the U.S. Everything (even the packaging!) is American-made and supports other small businesses in our country.
My favorite is the Maui Morning Mojo and Island Paradise.
If you’re looking for delicious, high-quality coffee that supports our country I would recommend http://www.usacoffeecompany.com. The best part is, you’re giving back to America too!
Hi John, great blog and thanks for continuing to support American-made products.
I was wondering if our Made In USA List (http://www.BrandNewUSA.com) would be of interest to your visitors. Maybe it can make it to your Made in America Websites in the sidebar.
Thank you and don’t hesitate to contact us,
Stephan
Stephan:
Absolutely your BrandNewUSA list should be on my blog. I will add it to the Made in America Website. And why don’t you give me a call so I can do an interview post with you about BrandNewUSA? My # is 206 795-7668. I look forward to hearing from you. And have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
All the best,
John
Hi John Briggs,
I’m producing a project that I think might make a good news story, and I’m wondering if you’d be interested in writing about it?
Zphela (Za-fell-a) as a brand is focused on Men’s underwear and lounge wear. A brand that is bold, sexy, tasteful, and tempting yet refreshingly classy. Zphela is on the edge of launching to the public, however we are in need funds to finalize all the finishing touches needed for our launch. We aren’t asking for a favor; with your pledge you’ll obtain premium Zphela Underwear and/or Lounge Wear. http://kck.st/1ifFO3M
We’ve been featured on
• It’s About the Man: http://www.itsabouttheman.com/?s=zphela
• Men’s Lifestyle Guide: http://www.menslifestyleguide.co.uk/?s=zphela
• Underwer NewsBrief: http://www.underwearnewsbriefs.com/2014/05/zphela-new-kickstarter/
• Made In The USA News: http://paper.li/Tommyew/1308688902/s/fe4cb760-e5c7-11e3-ae08-002590a55de1
The current collection up for grabs is “The Dark Horse”, a Limited Edition Collection that will never be made again. Zphela is determined to produce quality pieces Made In America that are functional, comfortable, uncannily crafted, and filled with character; giving men the confidence, respect, pride, and sexuality they deserve, from just wearing our uniquely designed products: http://www.zphela.com
Many thanks for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Brandon Donaldson
p.s. If this isn’t something you think is appropriate for you to cover, I’d be grateful for any referrals to other reporters and/or bloggers covering (tech, sustainability, fashion…) issues. Thanks!”
Cheers,
Hey Brandon!
I would be more than willing to do a post about your firm. I can harvest the info I need from your website. I should be able to put it up within a week.
All the best,
John
Hi John,
I am curious if you would be interested in writing about All American Buckles. We are a company based in Delavan, Wisconsin. We have been around since 1974 as Bergamot Brass Works. Many other US belt buckle manufacturers from the 70’s and 80’s have since sold us the rights to their designs and now we are offering hundreds (soon to be thousands) of unique vintage and new belt buckle designs under a new brand online at http://www.allamericanbuckles.com. The list of companies we carry is Bergamot, C&J manufacturing, American Pewter Works, Osiris, Vinegaroon Foundries, Captain Hawks Sky Patrol, The Buckle Connection, and Buckles of American. We are committed to providing products and services that meet or exceed expectations, along with great customer service, order accuracy, and timely delivery.
We are also offering an “Ask the Archivist” feature on our blog (www.allamericanbuckles.wordpress.com) where collectors can ask questions and hold discussions about their vintage or antique buckles, and our CEO and founder, who has been in the buckle business for 45 years, will provide some history. This feature is just for fun to get the community engaged and to educate buckle buyers on how to tell the legitimacy of an American Made buckle versus a knock-off from China or Mexico. If this is something that you are interested in or would like more information, please feel free to contact us.
Thanks for your consideration,
All American Buckles
I would love to write about All American Buckles. I will go to your site and get in contact with you in the next two weeks.
All the best,
John Briggs
Thanks John! We look forward to it.
Hi John,
Thanks so much for supporting Made In America products! We’d love to have you check out
Snake Bite, a new patent-pending folding bottle opener & forked church key that launched in November of last year. We developed and launched with all materials domestically sourced and assembled right here in St. Louis, Missouri; 100% USA Made.
You can view our completed Kickstarter campaign and website for all the details (We funded over 400%):
Kickstarter:
http://kck.st/1yW04Bd
Website:
http://www.snakebiteco.com
I’d be happy to send a Snake Bite to you free of charge so you can experience it for yourself. Let me know what color you’d like (Black, Brown, or Natural) and your shipping address and we’ll get one out to you right away. All that we’d ask for is an honest review of the opener! I can also send some additional Press Kit links for reference.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Lindsay Mohr
media@snakebiteco.com
Lindsay:
Way to go on creating a new useful product in St Louis! I would love to test drive a Snake Bite; Black would be my preference. My shipping address is 5733 30th Avenue N.E., Seattle, WA 98105. I will do a blog post on the Snake Bite after I try it out.
All the best,
John Briggs
Thanks so much! We’ll get one in the mail to you tomorrow!
Hi, is there an email to reach you at?
Stephanie:
You can reach me at simplyamericanbriggs@gmail.com.
All the best,
John Briggs
Thank you for your amazing blog! Sourcing Theory, LLC is a US Garment Factory in Los Angeles committed to American apparel production. Anyone looking for private label clothing production please email info@sourcingtheory.com or call (213) 341-8500
http://www.sourcingtheory.com
Thanks for the comment. Would you like me to write a blog post about your firm? Let me know.
All the best,
John
Hello John,
I just came across your site and was pleased to see your passion for things made in America. We share your enthusiasm and wondered if there was anything we could do to help promote your blog and your ideas.
My wife and I have a furniture store in Alexandria, VA that has offered exclusively US made products since it’s inception in 2000. All of our sofas, chairs, tables, and beds are made by small family-owned operations. Even the pottery, lamps, and wall decorations come from small enterprises.
Maybe we could write an interesting story about one of our makers or how one of the small towns near them has been positively impacted by their continued existence and growth.
Hats off to you!
Scott & Rachel Hughey
http://www.creativeclassics.com
Dear Scott and Rachel:
Thank you for kind comments and offer to help. I would love to brainstorm with the two of you about how you can help promote my blog and how I can promote your store and your makers. I have a website, http://www.homerica.house, that will be a natural for your makers and your store. I am also developing a storytelling program where we film makers talking about the human elements of their business such as kindness show to them, learning and then teaching they have done around their business and how work has fulfilled their lives, the lives of their families and the lives of the families in their communtity. My regular email is simplyamericanbriggs@gmail.com. Why don’t you shoot me an email and we can set up a time in the next few weeks to have a planning session?
Hope to hear from you soon.
All the best,
John