made in the usa matters logo

I do a great deal of online research for products made in the USA. It’s a lot of work that requires time, effort, and some expertise due to trial and error. Many people have run into the same challenge and have created directories to help consumers find products.

The problem however, is that due to the time commitment needed, many directories are out of date. You can tell the website owner isn’t maintaining it or has given up. And, they’re sometimes not well organized.

When I found the Made in the USA Matters website last year, I was quite impressed. Now here was a directory that someone obviously maintained while providing a ton of useful information to consumers.

Michelle Barto’s Made in USA cherished KitchenAid stand mixer and her late grandma’s rolling pin.

I finally reached out to founder Michelle Barto. I’m very glad I did because it was like finding my lost soul sister: We both live in and are renovating mid-century houses. She loves to cook and cherishes her KitchenAid stand mixer — a gift from her late grandma. I, too, love to cook and still use my KitchenAid ca. 1990 — in that same color blue!

We’re both Type A people and sweat the details, and we love when people leave comments thanking us for our work.

But even more amazing, she founded her website in 2022, the same year I started this blog. Wow!

I sent Michelle a few questions via email and could tell instantly from her answers that she’s lively, energetic, and has a wonderful sense of humor. She also has a great story, so instead of rewriting her answers, I’ve simply reposted them.

Dianna Huff: Did you begin in 2022 with a few products or categories and then expand out?

Michelle Barto: I started building Made in the USA Matters in late summer of 2022. I had the entire concept mapped out in my head from the beginning. Day one, I set up the full range of categories you see now, from Automotive to Tools & Home Improvement, then began filling them with American-made brands and products (a project that’s still ongoing!).

Made in the USA Matters Product Categories (partial screenshot!)

I wanted the site to work similarly to a retailer’s storefront, where visitors could easily browse categories and then drill down into subcategories. For example, Housewares branches into subcategories like bedding and cookware, and those continue to grow as I add more brands.

DH: What has been your biggest challenge? What has been your biggest “yes!” experience?

MB: The biggest challenge is that I’m just one person tackling a project that could easily keep a whole team busy. There’s always more to add, plus constant edits and updates to keep everything accurate. On top of that, my Type A personality means the moment I spot something I can improve, I end up reworking it across every page.

Right now, I’m in the middle of expanding all the directories to include more detailed information about each brand.

As for the biggest “yes!” moment, it was the month the site first covered its hosting expenses. That was huge for me.

The reader feedback is just as meaningful. When someone left a comment saying I deserved an award for what I’m doing, I smiled ear-to-ear. Knowing that the site is helping people support American manufacturing in their everyday lives is great.

DH: How many products do you have listed?

MB: I couldn’t even begin to put a number on the total products. What I do know is that I currently have around 3,000 brands tagged in the directory. Each of those brands might have just one product, or hundreds, even thousands, so the total product count is well beyond anything I could tally.

[DH: In addition to the product listings, Michelle also has helpful articles, such as “Cast Iron Cookware 101.” I especially love, “Don’t Be Fooled! Sneaky Tactics in Fake Made in USA Advertising.” Ha! Don’t get me started. See the LINKS section about the dish towel deception I encountered.]

cast iron cookware 101 screenshot

DH: Do you have any future plans for expanding the website or perhaps going in a new direction?

MB: My mind always has bigger plans than there are hours in a lifetime. In the beginning, I imagined having a news-style section to keep up with the day-to-day of American manufacturing. I’ve since realized that would be far more than I can manage. [DH: Ha! I know the feeling!]

I want to get the directories to a point where they feel more complete and well-rounded, so I can step back from additions and devote more energy to my Product Spotlights. These let me highlight the stories behind brands and products, share personal reviews, and do a deep dive into a product’s features.

As if I don’t already overwhelm myself enough, I’d love to build a personal blog section, which I’ve been loosely calling Homegrown Chronicles for now. It’s where I want to share little snapshots of my own life with American-made products, such all the items we bought for our camper.

I want to add to those products, plus when we purchased a new Maytag wash machine because my old one quit, or the excitement of getting the John Deere lawn tractor I’d been dreaming about for years. It’s a space where I can be more casual and let readers tag along, almost like chatting with a friend about everyday wins and discoveries.

DH: What are your three favorite Made in USA items that you use regularly? Which is your favorite vintage item?

MB: Easy Peasy!

First, my KitchenAid Stand mixer. I’ve had it for over two decades now. It was a gift from my late grandma, and I use it at least once a week. It never stops running during the holidays.

Second, my 360 Cookware slow cooker. The brand gifted it to me for Christmas last year, and I use it multiple times a week in the colder months for roasts, soups — you name it. Receiving it was also one of those big “yes!” moments. I had just finished doing a deep dive on it, though the brand had no idea I did it, and it wasn’t published. The timing was a complete coincidence, and I was really touched that they even noticed me.

Michelle writes, “My pretties are in an American-made mid-century rock maple hutch.” She collects vintage American-made crocks, bean pots, and jugs. You can also see one of her Roseville bowls, the 360 Cookware slow cooker, and much of her Lodge cast iron collection.

Third . . . OK, maybe not so easy peasy. It’s a toss-up between my All-American Canner and my Wooster Shortcut paintbrush. But if I’m honest, the paintbrush wins for now. We’ve been DIY remodeling our home for a decade, and painting happens far more often than canning. I sure do love the canner, though.

Bottom of Roseville, OH bowl

My favorite vintage item is an 8-quart Roseville, Ohio bowl I found for ten bucks at a Salvation Army. I spotted it from across the room and was making a beeline, ready to take out any cart that got in my way, when my husband, who had no idea I’d seen it, picked it up and turned to present it to me, knowing I’d love it.

It’s part of my little collection of vintage American-made bowls, crocks, and pottery I’ve picked up thrifting and lovingly call “my pretties.”

DH: Thank you, Michelle!

The Made in the USA Matters website is an amazing resource. I’m now finding I consult it first when looking for a product because it saves a lot of time.

The other thing her directory does is confirm to me that so many products are still made here — despite the gloom and doom from the media and “experts.” Knowing this keeps me going — especially with writing this blog. After meeting Michelle and hearing bits and pieces of her life, I feel like a total slacker. I definitely need to up my game!

As I say constantly, the sole reason I write this blog is because I love America. I want to help keep manufacturing jobs stateside to ensure farmers, families, and communities stay strong.

Michelle has the same belief and purpose – so I’m thrilled to feature her Made in the USA Matters Directory. The more we can all work together and support one another, the more we can ensure manufacturing stays right here in the United States of America. 

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Links

Made in the USA Matters Directory

From her website:

Nantucket Looms: Handwoven Kitchen Towels — My write up on finding Made in USA dishtowels using Michelle’s directory — after first being deceived by a hidden made in China tag.

Full Disclosure

I’m not paid nor asked to write about products or the companies that make them. All links in this piece are FREE — meaning, they’re not sponsored or paid for.

My mission is to keep manufacturing jobs stateside and this blog is my way of giving back. We like to think a “small” choice, such as purchasing a product made in the U.S. by American workers, won’t make a difference. It does.