The Manufacturing Report

In Maryland, you learn to crack a crab before you learn to walk - but Shelby Blondell decided the tools you use to do it deserved a serious upgrade. One night in 2017, Shelby picked up the traditional wooden mallet and plastic knife and saw how badly they both failed. That moment launched a years-long journey through prototypes, machine shops, and manufacturing partnerships to create The Sheller: a flat, stainless steel crab-cracking tool made in the USA. Today, AAM president Scott Paul talks with Shelby about her origin story, why she chose American manufacturing from day one, the supply chain resilience that helped her weather COVID steel price spikes and tariffs, and the whirlwind that followed a CBS Sunday Morning feature and AAM’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources https://www.thesheller.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

What happens when a cartographer and a fashion stylist go to Germany and fall in love with a canvas bag? They come home and build an American business that celebrates hometown pride with every product. Today, AAM President Scott Paul speaks with Rachel Rheingold Berick and Michael Berick, co-founders of Maptote, a Brooklyn-based company that makes map-themed totes, pouches, home goods, and accessories — all manufactured in the U.S. They share how a 2006 trip to Hamburg inspired their first Brooklyn tote, how they grew from door-to-door sales to major retail partnerships with J.Crew, HBO, and museum shops worldwide, and what it takes to build a Made-in-America brand that’s approaching its 20th anniversary. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide! And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources https://www.maptote.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

What happens when an electrical engineering professor decides to skip the MBA and just… start a business? For Dr. Maya Gupta, it led to Artifact Puzzles — one of the most distinctive puzzle companies in the country. Today, AAM President Scott Paul speaks with Dr. Gupta about how she bought a laser cutter, built a manufacturing operation from scratch in Silicon Valley, and grew Artifact Puzzles into a 15-year-old business now based in Port Townsend, Wash. They discuss her patented approach to puzzle design, how co-locating design and production drives innovation, surviving the COVID puzzle boom-and-bust cycle, and why manufacturing in America lets her offer something no overseas competitor can match: piece replacements, tight customer relationships, and puzzles that spark genuine joy. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources https://www.artifactpuzzles.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

Winning a court case against unfair trade should mean justice, but for many American manufacturers, it doesn't. And it's costing them billions. Today, David Rashid of auto-parts maker Plews & Edelmann and Betsy Natz of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association reveal how Chinese companies are evading U.S. tariffs through transshipment, product misclassification, and third-country routing — and how winning trade cases still didn't level the playing field. They discuss the Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW, the fight to pass the PALE Act, and why a dedicated DOJ trade crime unit is critical to protecting American workers and manufacturers. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our Made in America Directory! And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources Alliance for Trade Enforcement: https://www.enforcementnow.com David Rashid — Plews & Edelmann https://www.plews-edelmann.com Betsy Natz — Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) https://kcma.org Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya via Pexels

Buying a business is hard. Holding and growing it for decades is even harder. Today, Gat Caperton shares how he acquired a struggling West Virginia furniture maker at age 29 and spent nearly three decades building Gat Creek into a resilient, American-made manufacturer. He discusses applying lean manufacturing, investing heavily in technology, and surviving the “China Shock” by differentiating on quality and values. Gat also reflects on tariffs, sustainability, and how domestic manufacturing supports rural communities, jobs, and long-term economic resilience. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources https://www.gatcreek.com/ Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

The idea for this company didn’t start in a boardroom — it started under a military helmet. Today, Scott Paul speaks with Haidar Hamoud, founder of HaakWear, about reinventing the traditional beanie through American manufacturing. Haidar shares how his U.S. Army experience inspired a patented stitch design that eliminates discomfort, why he chose to manufacture entirely in Cleveland, and how rigorous testing and customer feedback guide the company’s product development. They discuss the challenges of starting a manufacturing business from scratch and HaakWear’s commitment to community impact and ethical production. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide! And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources https://www.haakwear.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

Happy 2026! Today we’re featuring two artisan makers who were spotlighted in AAM’s holiday gift guide. Treeworks founder & co-owner Meaghan Goulder shares their evolution from arborist work to full-time spoon making, and the importance of sustainable wood sourcing. Dirty South Pottery co-owner Carvel Norman shares how he and his wife built a functional ceramics brand, the success of their signature mugs, and lessons on following customer demand after a surge from CBS Sunday Morning. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources https://treeworksidaho.com https://www.dirtysouthpottery.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide: https://bit.ly/2025Gifts Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest: https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/digest-sign-up or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis: https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/subscribe Check out our Made In America Directory: https://www.americanmanufacturing.org/made-in-america/ You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-manufacturing-report/id1213359909 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3jAoV4AHejHd36wSjSEPMs Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing More About The Manufacturing Report While America is charting its way through a crisis like no other, we've rediscovered the value and importance of making things right here. Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul chats with policy makers, manufacturing experts and factory workers to find out. The Manufacturing Report has featured interviews with Ben and Erin Napier of HGTV's hit show "Home Town", American Giant CEO Bayard Winthrop, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the stars of "Working Man" (2019), and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage among others.

2025 will be remembered as the year tariffs took center stage in U.S. trade policy. Today, AAM President Scott Paul and AAM Director of Media Relations, Cat Adams, recap 2025 and walk us through the Trump administration’s trade actions from day one through a pivotal Supreme Court showdown. They examine sweeping new tariffs, market and political backlash, and competing arguments over costs versus strategic benefits. From everyone at AAM, thanks for listening all year long. We wish you a happy holiday season and a strong, successful New Year. See you in 2026! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide! And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

In an industry dominated by imports, one company stayed local — and competitive. AAM President Scott Paul speaks with City Threads founders Shayna Samuels and Joe Willis about building a Made-in-USA apparel brand from the ground up. They discuss how City Threads grew from early boutique sales into a national direct-to-consumer business, why they prioritize U.S. cut-and-sew manufacturing, and how customer feedback shaped their shift toward comfortable, clearly labeled cotton basics. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide! And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships Guest Resources https://www.citythreads.com/ Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing

It started with one sewing machine, a pile of flat inner tubes — and a big idea about American manufacturing. Lanette Fidrych shares how Cycle Dog grew from sewing dog leashes out of discarded bike tubes to becoming a nationally distributed, U.S.-made pet product manufacturer. She discusses scaling production from her home to a full factory and retail/tavern space, the brand’s commitment to sustainability, and the importance of creating meaningful manufacturing jobs. Lanette also explains how in-house production accelerates innovation and enables the company to repurpose waste into new products. Our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide is out now: https://bit.ly/2025Gifts 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide: https://bit.ly/2025Gifts And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org... Guest Resources https://cycledog.com/ AAM Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide: https://bit.ly/2025Gifts Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest: https://bit.ly/4iWbJga or our bi-weekly: https://bit.ly/4rXmh2Q Check out our Made In America Directory: https://bit.ly/4oUQRY7 You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3XQ7glr Spotify: https://bit.ly/48PXG7d Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #CycleDog #MadeInUSA #AmericanManufacturing #SustainableManufacturing #UpcycledProducts #EcoFriendlyBusiness #PetIndustry #USAMade #ManufacturingInnovation #SmallBusinessSuccess #SustainablePetProducts #EcoFriendlyPets #Upcycling #CircularEconomy #DogLovers #PetProducts #WomenInManufacturing #EntrepreneurLife #FactoryTour #BuyAmerican

They built one toy for their daughter - and it changed everything. Blueberry and Third, founded by Nikki and Brian Benbenek, began as a handcrafted climbing arch for their daughter and evolved into a fast-growing, Montessori-inspired children’s play-furniture brand. Nikki discusses how their passion for quality, open-ended play, and Brian’s 20+ years of woodworking experience helped them scale from a basement workshop to partnering with U.S. manufacturers. She also shares why domestic production gives them unmatched flexibility and control. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Resources & Links Check out our 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide! Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources https://blueberryandthird.com/pages/contact Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/subscribe Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #madeinusa #madeinamerica #americanmade #podcast #smallindustries #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #montessori #kids #christmas #holidaygiftguide #woodworking #shoplocal #holidayshopping #blueberryandthird #handcraftedtoys #familybusiness #supportsmallbusiness #madeintheusa #woodentoys #montessorikids #holidaygiftideas #shoplocalforchristmas #entrepreneurship

The sneaker brand that beat the odds against American footwear manufacturing — until disaster struck. Today we continue our Made in America Holiday Gift series with Justin James, founder of Opie Way, a U.S.-made sneaker brand rooted in craftsmanship and community. Justin shares how a lifelong passion for footwear led him to build a domestic shoe factory from scratch — only to have it destroyed by Hurricane Helene in 2024. He describes the emotional aftermath, the overwhelming support from fellow makers and customers, and his determined effort to rebuild. The conversation highlights resilience, American manufacturing, and the mission to relaunch Opie Way stronger than before. Catch next week’s episode as we continue our holiday series with City Threads, a Los Angeles-based clothing brand that manufactures comfortable, durable apparel for the whole family. Make sure to tune in! 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources: www.opieway.com Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis: https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/subscribe Check out our Made In America Directory: https://bit.ly/2025Gifts And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America: https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #MadeInUSA, #GiftGuide, #OpieWayFootwear, #opieway #HolidayGifts, #AmericanManufacturing #hurricanerecovery #giftguide #sneakers #sneakerhead #sneakernews

What does it take to build a modern American manufacturing brand from scratch? A lot more than leather… Today, we’re continuing our Made In America Holiday Gift series with Lost Dutchman founder. Nathan Walker shares how he built his American-made leather goods company from a teenage hobby into a fast-growing brand. He discusses the origins of the company name, his self-taught craft, scaling from Etsy to a full shop with employees, and the importance of quality and transparency in U.S. manufacturing. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources www.lostdutchmanleather.com Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #MadeInUSA, #GiftGuide, #LostDutchmanLeather, #HolidayGifts, #AmericanManufacturing #holidaygiftguide #holidayshopping #leather #leatherworking #leathercraft #arizona #maker

You can find Chilewich placemats all around the world in some of the best hotels and restaurants out there, like Le Bernardin and the Ritz-Carlton, but this home goods company has stayed true to its Made in Georgia roots since its founding in 2000. Here's how the Martha Stewart-approved company has integrated technology from design through production to set the table for success.

America’s shipbuilding industry is making waves again — and we're sitting down with one of the companies helming the revival. Fincantieri Marine Group USA CEO George Moutafis joins us to discuss the company’s 15-year journey growing U.S. shipbuilding operations. George shares how Fincantieri is modernizing Great Lakes shipyards with cutting-edge technology, advanced robotics, and strong supplier networks. He talks about developing skilled talent through university partnerships, building vibrant manufacturing communities in Wisconsin and Michigan, and why America’s shipbuilding renaissance depends on innovation, collaboration, and investment in people. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Guest Resources https://fincantierimarinegroup.com Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #shipbuilding #SHIPSforAmerica #manufacturing #podcast #xijinping #madeinamerica #podcast #wisconsin #greatlakes #supplychain

In an era of overseas production, one family-owned Alabama company is opting out of the race to the bottom and bringing back the heritage of high-quality American-made linens. Red Land Cotton Founder Anna Brakefield talks about building a fully American-made, farm-to-home textile business. She discusses how her family vertically integrated their Alabama cotton farm to control production from field to finished bedding, overcoming supply chain challenges and investing in U.S. manufacturing. Anna also reflects on the importance of keeping textile jobs in America, the impact of local economic revitalization, and how Red Land Cotton blends craftsmanship, sustainability, and design to prove that quality goods can still be Made in the USA. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources Watch Clash of Trades on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ProjectMFG Project MFG Website: projectmfg.com Instagram: instagram.com/projectmf Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #MadeInUSA, #FastFashion, #Shein, #Temu, #AmericanManufacturing

Think Top Chef — but for welders, machinists and engineers. Ray Dick, founder of Project MFG and creator of the reality show Clash of Trades, discusses how his organization is inspiring the next generation of manufacturers through hands-on competition and community engagement. He shares how Project MFG evolved from local events into a national showcase during COVID, highlights its role in addressing the skilled labor shortage, and emphasizes manufacturing’s importance to economic and national security. Dick also explores how inclusivity and purpose-driven education can attract more people into the trades. Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly Check out our Made In America Directory 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources Watch Clash of Trades on Youtube: / projectmfg Project MFG Website: projectmfg.com Instagram: instagram.com/projectmf Resources & Links Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing #ClashOfTrades #ProjectMFG #MadeInAmerica #Manufacturing #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #ManufacturingMatters #AmericanManufacturing #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeSkills

A little-known trade loophole cost American jobs and put families at risk — until a coalition fought back. Kim Glas, president & CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations, discusses how a coalition of labor, manufacturers, retailers and families worked together to close the de minimis loophole. Kim explains how Chinese e-commerce giants exploited this U.S law to flood the U.S. with untaxed and uninspected goods, including products made with forced labor, unsafe merchandise, and fentanyl shipments into the country. Kim breaks down where the law now stands and how de minimis reform protects American workers, consumers, and national security.

You've probably tasted this product a thousand times, maybe without even knowing its name! From pumpkin spice to hibiscus, family-owned Torani has been bringing delicious flavors to life for 100 years through its San Francisco-made syrups. But there's so much more to this B-Corp-certified company than just "mmmm" factor. Torani CEO Melanie Dulbecco shares how the family-owned company pioneered the flavored latte, grew from cafés into consumer markets, and how the company's commitment to opportunity- and wealth-sharing has been critical to its 20% year-over-year revenue growth. Photo courtesy Torani

Eight out of ten eyeglass frames sold in America come from China - but a Texas couple is out to change that. Rick and Cindy Taylor, founders of Forall Frameworks - one of the few U.S. eyewear manufacturers - discuss their path from importing eyewear to establishing a factory in Lubbock, Texas, overcoming challenges like sourcing overseas machinery, training workers, and competing with global monopolies. They highlight their commitment to quality and American-made values and the pride their team takes in producing durable, American-made frames that compete with imports.