A Story - I Bought A US Manufacturing Company To Make Cool Stuff (Kinda) - @upTOPOverland Ownership

[@sherpaec]

Congrats Mike! Can't wait to see what you do with them.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Thanks brothas - looking forward to partying this weekend with y’all!

[@maniacalscience]

Not a boring video at all. I've been following you for a hot minute and it's been so cool to watch you keep succeeding in new ways. New fam, new house, and now this? Ur killing it... It's weird that im so proud of a dude I never met, but I am. (Was so stoked to see you go camp with the dudes from expedition overland btw) When i built out my taco your videos were such a huge help, and i called uptop several times for my rack and other stuff. They were amazing! I didn't actually go with their racks due to the model of smart cap I had already installed. Glass windows on the smart cap would have cracked on the uptop rack handles. But the fact that they were super straight foward about that? Like, I was in a super vulnerable place a year ago, trying to build out my truck on a strict time budget, (basically an emotional support vehicle to get over some ptsd stuff)... and they could have sold me a problem. They didn't. They gave me solutions. I went with a Sherpa rack (another amazing CO company) but if i remember correctly, uptop helped direct me to them and recommended a few other places for power and armor and this that and the other. My point is, uptop is amazing and even though I didnt actually buy any of their gear, they were such a huge asset. I'm out on the trails today thanks to people like you and the people at uptop. Looking foward to the cool new toys you guys create together. Thanks for all the awesome videos and tell your new partners thanks for building a company that helps baby overlanders find their way.

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Congrats Mike! I've been through a similar journey of building my product business in the US. It is cool and exciting but very difficult. Kudos to you taking this on. I look forward to seeing what you bring to the community. Best of luck!

[@RickReardon]

This is great man! I have a ZULU rack for my f150 and love it. The only thing i had wished was for an explicit video showing installation for this which wasn't available at the time. I continue to buy from Uptop as I believe in their workmanship. Congratz!

[@WisconsinGabe]

I own a roof rack and a bunch of other stuff from UpTop! I love them!

[@Waltherarms]

Nice! Congratulations!! We're amped to see it grow.

[@scoobeswoosh]

This is awesome. Congrats Mike! I have been watching you for so long. I absolutely LOVE uptop. Quality products and I was one of the only ones with their truss rack when it came out. Head turner, great quality and was able to give great word of mouth to others! You will do great things there!

[@robbkline3679]

Congratulations on everything Mike. Very happy for you

[@PracticeMakesPrepared]

Congrats Mike. I’m a huge fan of you and now I’m a fan of uptopoverland. I have a 2017 ford raptor so I’ll be picking up anything I can use on my truck! I can’t wait for what’s to come with that company because of you!

[@Odyss3yGaming]

I love UpTop. I have bought everything for my Chevy 1500. One place I have found awesome products for my truck. I’m supply happy about this news!!

[@LastLineOfDefense]

That’s great - appreciate you rocking our products!

[@richardrodriguez6274]

Congrats Mike. Been a big fan of yours for years. Started with the pew insight and I own two of your holsters. Hard work and faith pays off. Love UpTop and have been looking for a short rack for my RAM Rebel with Ram Boxes & Retrax cover. Very few options. Blessings bro.

[@MeThomason-s6y]

Dude you never cease to amaze, stoked for your progress in life it’s been cool to see you progress as a KZbinr business man and dad! Congratulations on your success.

[@kailuarunner746]

Great to hear that you are apart of the UpTop Team. I bought my Bravo rack from them back late 2000ish and have never regretted their product. Their craftsmanship was innovative. customer service was on point and responsiveness to feedback was beyond professional. Sorry to hear a few of their key reps left though; found out that a few months back. Still sporting the Bravo rack and will probably grab another soon just cause of normal wear and tear. I would like to see the Bravo rack brought back with a bit more side structure support to keep it from flexing so much without load. It has such a shudder when you hit some bad roads and causes the side rails to flex inward. Actually flexes enough to slightly rub the top of my 4Runner at the lowest spots of where the rails overhang the truck's sides. Look forward to seeing new products and a refresh of what already a great company!

[@goodenough1986]

Congrats Mike! I got some Rapid Release RTT mounts last year for my last cruiser and it was a great time saver. I really enjoy using them as opposed to having to squeeze between the rack and the roof of my 80 series. Best of luck with the new venture!

[@yudanov13]

Hell yeah! I've been following them for so long but never pulled a\the trigger, I think this video convinced me! I have your holster and a bought many things based on your recommendations (basically my full outdoor kitchen and EDC set up) and never regretted a single purchase.

[@PatrickBeseda]

Congrats Mike, and congrats UpTop! I’m excited to follow your journey there. It is really great to see folks investing in manufacturing in the US and in Colorado. It is a challenging arena, but super rewarding. I’d love to link up and swap stories and ideas from our journey in manufacturing in CO. ✌️✌️

[@waltertang9303]

Got their last set of racks for the 3rd gen 4Runner. Love it. Gonna hit you up for a possible slide out folding table for under the rack!?

[@harvmac69]

DUDE! That "flat bed" system looks great! I would love to see that in an affordable sense!

[@carterbezzant5045]

Love the idea of a utility flat bed that can be used for construction and convert to camping.

[@bmbullman]

Amazing Hummingbird chase / fly-by at 16:30

[@JustQuattro]

Congratulations Mike! This is huge news!

[@GoAdventure101]

Please…….. please do a video talking about solar or just battery backups. You are always showing a million different ones you are using on your trips. Please talk about why you use certain ones or what to look for when using certain items. I do t have a bunch of money but I want to be sure to find a good one for my needs when I can get one. I really appreciate the time and info you put into your videos. You are a stud. Thank you.

[@francisfarley2231]

Awesome! I have an uptop rack on my ‘18 Tacoma makes me even more stoked to get the rack cap and cab rack to finish it out

[@VentureOutMoreJon]

Keeping you guys in our prayers man. Especially for the little ones. Keep up the great work, influencing and inspiring

[@VentureOutMoreJon]

Oh and congrats on the new venture!

[@supayota7265]

Congratulations, Man! I've been following since you made your channel with EDC and overland stuff. Glad you can make a difference!

[@trackntrail2869]

Congrats Mike! Can't wait for the home solar + battery backup and homestead videos.

[@jbullock5288]

Awesome to hear your new partnering!!! This fella is always available to test out uptop gear if need be on the east coast!! Lol. If it can survive in Ct/vt/nh/me it can survive anywhere!! Plus im a poor old guy lol. Im sure you will bring a ton of knowledge and input to the company and can’t wait to see some stuff. You guys should head out this way and start a big overland meet north east. Just saying. Anyway, be well man!!

[@rockcityprepper9134]

Hell yeah buddy. I’m looking for a second Gen sequoia now. That rack is sick. I’d love to do what you did at least. Future customer baby! I have your hats and as soon as I pic a light I’ll be ordering a holster. I have always liked you and your stuff. You made me feel ok about being an OD green head. Fav color. If you sell it I’ll buy from you first. Dig it!!

[@patrickbrock6349]

I got the Kilo for my 24 Taco. So far it has been great! Looking forward to what you can do with them! Keep it up!

[@itsakickpushlife]

I've been watching you for years now. watched for 3 years before I was able to get a 3rd gen tacoma for myself. Stoked to see where this new adventure takes you man! Yeah its a gamble with the economy and dip in overlanding/camping market but that's what's going to make it an exciting challenge. Best of luck!

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Appreciate it, and congrats on the Tacoma!

[@jaredsigwarth48]

👊👊. Fun to watch your life development. Inspiration. Staying true to your principles as well. Along for the ride and learning along the way. Thank you.

[@MudSlingar]

Speaking of flat decks & beds - If you get into any rear bumpers, please please please work on a high clearance dual swingout for the 3rd gen Tacoma that retains the BSM. Apogee Offroad out of California has one (non-high clearance) out now, and a number of other manufacturers have tried to make one, but have ran into constant functionality issues with maintaining the BSM system. UpTop is great; I have a alpha roof rack & rear roof rack, mid-height truss bed rack. Drew was a massive help for all of my orders in 2021 / 2022,, but he doesn't work for UpTop any more.

[@willy3177]

Congrats. I love UpTOP products. Your product support is amazing. It also helps that we live across town.

[@kenschoon2869]

A simple add for your bed racks is a hanging track to slide in a couple those HDX yellow top bins. You couldn’t put a ton of weight in or it would blow out the bottom but it might be a way to store bulky light gear in the dead space. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Haha funny -this is actually in the “should we make this” product list we have going on.

[@kenschoon2869]

@@LastLineOfDefense do it!

[@kenschoon2869]

@@LastLineOfDefense I thought of another thing that could be easy and useful. A bin that hold gear that attaches to the Toyota deck rail. Specifically sized to go over the wheel well. Would be a good spot to store stuff and grab it from over the side. You could even make the panels MOLLE style to hang other bags of of them. Hope this might be something you would consider.

[@geminij610]

Wow, looking forward to all of that man. I’m always learning a lot from you.

[@PaulHuchton-vx6ou]

Congrats! Looking forward to seeing what you all do!

[@wiked1_camptruck]

That’s Awesome! I’ve ran there rack on my Ram 2500 and loved it!! WOW! That flatbed is sick!! Please offer one for the Ram 2500!!

[@dan_dul]

Congrats Mike! 2023+ GMC Sierra 1500 very little support for winch mounts etc especially for diesel engines. Just something to look into. I know a bunch of us would be interested.

[@rikinpatel7734]

Great company. Have their low profile cross bars. Product is awesome. They need to update their install directions though!!! Outdated and all over the place!!! Good luck and look forward to seeing what you bring to the table for them!!!

[@VanWo]

Just got their bed bars and had the exact same reaction. Basically just piece it together like legos, hope I did it right 😂

[@allenhoyt8016]

Cool to see you getting involved in the company. Own their bravo for my 4R but haven’t installed it yet.

[@Daniel-dp5gi]

Congrats brother. Business ownership is not easy or the faint of heart, but it can be very rewarding. Titles are important in a business bc they help communicate many things such as who you are and what your purpose is in the company. Also push and advertise the poop out of American made.

[@EducatedEDC]

Can’t wait to see your ideas come to fruition!!!! Congrats!

[@aaronm5149]

The next adventure; I’m sure you’ll crush it. I’m sure you’ll have a great time learning at the very least. Glad to see your still thriving.

[@pursuitoverland743]

That’s very exciting news!! Hopefully we will see some more gladiator geared products like molle panels and d other interior storage options/gear.

[@Sampson_503]

I would like to see something family oriented for camping, like a pop-up camper truck bed hybrid. Rooftop tents are too small for families.

[@kenschoon2869]

Agree, I think a lot of folks would like overland lite to get their families camping more. I kit with a retrax and no name stuff off of Amazon to make it work for the price that makes sense for my usage.

[@elixiradventureoutdoors8119]

Love UPTOP product! Amazing stuff! Have the bedrock for my 22 tundra and accessories and all I can say is UPTOP overland for the WIN!

[@TimBurke]

Interested to see what accessories you create for your current products, like tech (Starlink mounts, Wiiboost mounts, etc.) or related bolt on upgrades. Also, related camping gear that might compliment your racks or appeal to your customer base.

[@MicahRayburn]

I absolutely love UpTop, especially having another Micah at the helm 😎 I’ve been stoked to watch them grow over the years, and same for you! I’m excited to see what’s to come, just make sure the new Ute is here to stay 😆

[@ambrot724]

Congrats on the new business venture! Can’t wait for the shop build out and a look at all the tools you use to do your life!

[@cbar2222]

Awesome news. Would love to see some camper compatible roof racks from uptop. Namely one compatible with a GFC and double cab 3rd gen Tacoma (probably the most popular of these types of roof racks).

[@randyhays899]

Congrats on UpTop Overland!

[@JoeBplus12]

Definitely cool opportunity for you Mike. I was a bit sad when I saw an area for a Subaru Ascent on the site only for it to be empty. Hope to see some stuff soon!

[@Johndoe33157]

This is awesome Mike. I hope everything works out for ya….. keep them videos coming brother!

[@adenrella9109]

Definitely wanna see all the homestead stuff possible 🤙

[@corygant4125]

This is a very interesting transition you are making ... or is it really you have been going through a series of big transitions with family, home, and business the last few years. My Gen2 Tacoma has had the UpTop Overland roof rack, bed truss system, and bed rack for two years. They are great products! [The assembly instructions were not great.] The new ideas for jumping into the flatbed (tray) and boxes is intriguing. Those are very cool. I have been thinking that I need to learn to weld and then build these, so you beat me to it. :) I have several designs floating around in my head. :)

[@mtb_lou9074]

Congrats Mike. I bought the Uptop Kilo Roofrack for my 2024 tacoma after watching your channel. Next is the bedrack, cant wait!

[@leonardsmith8516]

What a peaceful setting. Watching a storm. Congrats.

[@_1mik3_32]

Excited to see some new products from you guys

[@Rickseavey84]

I would love a secure rollingTonneau cover where i can put a full bed rack on my Frontier Pro4X, or a full bed rack where it can be onnected under the bed cover so when you open the cover the bed rack doesnt move.

[@ridgey1043]

Awesome stuff, congrats! Will we get anymore OffShoot Pod?? Also definitely wanna see all homesteading videos you got

[@carsonholoien5298]

I had no idea you were also a Backend developer! That’s awesome man. I’ve been following for years, keep up the great content

[@tonyaguirre1340]

I've been on the fence for a rack. I've based a ton on what I did on my Taco based on information in large part to this channel. Fully expecting more from UpTop and now considering more so due to manufacturing being based Stateside and also what I'm hearing on the customer service side which goes a long way. Basically I'm in.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Looking forward to having you on team upTOP

[@maverick2242]

Congrats on the new venture! more 80series! 🤘miss the Brown Bomber! Possible product dev for the new partnership also!

[@chrishanna842]

Congrats! They make good racks; it was nice to see a company challenge Prinsu. Please continue with the flatbed options and merchandising clothing designs. Hopefully the kids get back to a regular sleep schedule sooner than later.

[@GoXplr]

Congrats Mike. Looking forward to the ideas you bring to upTOP

[@ShaunsJeep]

Congrat Mr.Mike I hope the best for the company. I just live south of the border of you would like to buy some things closer to Colorado. I drive a Gladiator . That should be interesting.

[@sevynblanes]

Make sure they manufacture one of those flatbeds for a second generation Tacoma long bed, please!

[@lonestarrekon]

Fan of LLOD and UpTOP! Please bring the Kilo RR to the Silverado 1500. Trail Boss with a DB bed cover and UpTOP bed rack, just waiting on the Kilo RR.

[@robv8504]

I'm looking for the first truss rack compatible with a softopper that will allow us to drop and deploy the topper without removing the rack. Uptop make a gen II please!!!

[@NL1T3N]

Congrats Mike!!!!!!! Volkswagen needs a nice low pro roof rack, specifically for the atlas and atlas cross sport. We’ve asked around but nobody wants to r&d a rack system. If I was closer I would let you use my cross sport. I’m pretty sure you can get people local to assist.

[@Wm.Lidgett]

Am excited about your new venture best of luck

[@Eric-lj2nk]

Very cool! Always spurs some innovation when people who use the products, get in on the development. I’ll be keeping an eye out!

[@sengvang6861]

Congratulations Mike.

[@KirkWagner147]

Let’s get some lx570 accessories. Some better looking cup holder replacements. Some storage options. Like an organizer for the back.

[@thebiosoilcompany]

Way to go Mike. I’ve been on a similar journey always designing building and innovating. Such a joy to be making cool things and bringing ideas into reality

[@ttengineer404]

More flat bed options here in the US I think is a good direction. Personally, and greedily I’d like to see a Ram 4th Gen option.

[@Itsjrob_]

Congrats man ! This is big time 🔥

[@JC-tm6wh]

Def video barn build out. Good stuff.

[@SwellRunner]

Congrats on the acquisition and new business venture man!

[@justinberhow9710]

Way to go mike your hard work paying off

[@Petemitchell0341]

Congrats on the new chapter in life Mike! ‘09 LX owner in need of a rack. It’s like the planets aligned, I think it’s a sign lol.

[@Dave_Gurman]

When will the Gladiator roof rack be back in stock. I would really like a 41" roof rack to fit in front of a Camp King Canopy Camper.

[@MikeMillerimages]

I love my up top overland rack on my 4Runner.

[@DenCoOutback]

upTop products are great and have bought their products for previous vehicles. Would love a roof rack for a Subaru Outback Wilderness and to buy local. Live a few minutes away and could even provide a test vehicle!

[@sb-nyc]

The smartest thing a DTC brand can do is bring on an influencer as a major shareholder. Even better to have you with hands on the wheel steering product innovation. This is very smart for broth them and you. Onwards and upwards. 🚀

[@greym6436]

Congrats Mike👊🏽

[@fiensiferum]

Congratulations!! Is there going to be a video for installing the rack on the Sequoia? I have a 2020 TRD PRO.

[@usmcmsgt5487]

Make a spare tire carrier attached via hitch like RIGd UltraSwing / Dirtcom Trail Swing but under cut the cost. 😊

[@TheAllred13]

Love Uptop and have one of their racks on my 3rd Gen Tundra. I’d love to see videos of all their products just so i can see how they would fit on my rack

[@lilklondikeoutdoors4116]

Congrats Mike! I’m sure it will be successful!

[@elegymusic]

i have a couple ideas. It would be neat to have a bracket, like their BDS2 bracket, but fit for SSC2 light from diode dynamics that i can use for chase lights on the rear of my uptop bedrack. One thing i wish uptop did also was make a more lower profile roof rack like the prinsu for the Silverado 1500. Maybe some cable management system (if we run chase lights) i think might be cool for the bed rack. maybe integrate into, and run the length of the end caps of the extruded aluminum since we already use a screw for those. Or just even some more pictures of the product installed rather then like the product shots of them would be nice to get a better sense of what the product is and how someone might be able to integrate that product into their setup.

[@Warpetrie]

I have been planning on taking my Expedition to upTOP for some time now for a custom/ prototype rack since no overland company makes racks for my vehicle. Im willing to make the drive and hand over the keys for a prototype. Hopefully under your ownership i wont get turned down!

[@brandonholt1475]

Congratulations Mike. It looks like you are making some good moves.

[@grayman_overland7352]

Create more Jeep products. From a business perspective it just makes sense. It’s a massive market that will increase sales and cash flow.

[@TILB]

Hell yeah, congrats! I've built my rig fully on the uptop rack system. Was the perfect upgrade on the diamondback from the frontrunner rack.

[@LastLineOfDefense]

Awesome to hear!

[@HomesByPatrick]

Seeing a lot of videos about the Porsche Cayenne Gen 1, might be good to chase after those products. Racks, bumpers, skid plates.

[@hectordelgado1885]

Consider expanding your market in Australia. That part is monopolies by rhino rack and it will be a good idea for the OZ’s to have options for rangers, Dmax, hilux and LCs

[@kerthaaron]

Congrats! I own a 2024 GMC AT4X and am in need of a rock slider that could act as a foot step for the wife, kiddos and dog... Can't find any in the aftermarket, let me know if this is something you may be able to do.

[@JoseSanchez-vg6nu]

More awesome things to come 😎 congrats 🙌🏻

[@kevinhowes9496]

My ram is 100% uptop and it’s all top tier stuff. Great company