After making the decision to buy Made in USA in 2015, I slowly (and tentatively) began writing about what I was learning on my old marketing blog. In 2019, my designer, Rachel Cunliffe, and I began publishing a magazine, Manufacturing Marketing. I began writing product reviews and interviewing manufacturers — with a focus on Made in USA.
I knew I was on to something because people would call or email to ask, “Who made those towels you featured in the last issue?” or “Thank you for highlighting that woven blanket; my wife and I bought one.”
When we ceased publication in 2021, I realized I needed a new platform because I really missed writing manufacturers’ stories. Rachel, and her brother Stephen Merriman, created this magazine-style blog for me; I began publishing in March 2022.
Rather than a product directory, this blog is a combination of several things:
- Chronicle of my personal journey buying Made in USA
- Interviews and stories of the people behind the products
- Celebration of American manufacturing
What you’ll find here
Original pieces written by me
The heart of this blog are the creative pieces I write about small manufacturers and makers — industrial and consumer — who make things in the United States.
Many of the stories are based on my own experiences with buying Made in USA products over the last 10 years. People love knowing which products are made here, and the people behind them, and have thanked me repeatedly for writing about them.
I do all my own research, interviews, and writing. I travel to factories or retail stores to meet people or see how things are made. I’m very hands-on — and share these experiences with my readers.
I refer to my house as my “Made in USA test lab” — because I now know where everything in my house has been manufactured. I’m proud to say almost everything has been made here. I read labels and do research on EVERYTHING.
My German Shepherd, Rocky, makes regular appearances. For example, he traveled with me when I visited the Vermont Flannel store in Portland, ME. And as you can see, he was featured in the WSJ write-up too!
Buying tips
One question I’m asked all the time: “How do I start buying Made in USA?” I created a new category to address this question and will be adding to it through 2026. I’ve learned everything I know the hard way — through experience!
Marketing strategies for manufacturers
Two (of the many) challenges smaller U.S. manufacturers face is finding skilled employees and marketing their businesses.
Manufacturers, consultants, and others in the industry have graciously shared their strategies and insights. The interviews previous to 2022 I transferred over from our magazine, Manufacturing Marketing, and my old blog.
Part of my mission is to help smaller manufacturers grow their businesses — and attract new hires — which is what my team and I do through our paid work with clients.
I therefore share some of my own hard-learned insight and marketing advice. You can learn more about our approach to things on the Our Work section of this website.
Showcasing manufacturers’ hard work and innovation
The items we use every day comprise a huge supply chain that spans our country coast-to-coast — from cotton farmers and weaving mills to metal recyclers and machine shops.
I’ve visited hundreds of factories over my career, and I can state with certainty: American manufacturers are amazing. Their sheer determination and tenacity in the face of challenges, but mostly, their vision for what can be, continues to inspire me.
I hope their stories inspire you as well — especially when it comes to buying Made in USA products.
