Mike Rowe: BREAKING the CODE on American Made Products | Bayard Winthrop | The Way I Heard It

Bayard Winthrop, founder and CEO of American Giant breaks down our supply chain issues, our trade imbalance with the rest of the world, and how his company still managed to produce “the greatest hoodie ever made,” 100% in the United States.
Listen to the ENTIRE episode of "The Way I Heard It" #303 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
CHECK OUT AMERICAN GIANT:
www.american-giant.com/mike
SUBSCRIBE: www.youtube.com/@therealmiker...
FOLLOW MIKE ROWE:
twttr.com/mikeroweworks
TheRealMikeRowe
instagr.am/mikerowe/
#MikeRowe #BayardWinthrop #TheWayIHeardIt #americanmade

[@Expandacraftboats]

I'm an American manufacturer of Expandacraft modular boats, and my product is truly American made like your friend with the sweatshirts. It's been a struggle, but I have made a good living doing what I love.

[@centralorrealtor7518]

Another company doing 100% American made clothing is Origin USA love what both companies are doing

[@graywilliams_77.]

@@susannicky May I ask which investments are good? I've been looking at a few different ones but want others' opinions as well.

[@user-xp6sc6su9c]

@@susannicky I'm pleased to have come across this conversation. Could you kindly provide me with the contact information of your investment advisor? I am in urgent need of one.

[@user-xp6sc6su9c]

@@susannicky Thank you for providing this helpful pointer. I managed to find the contact information for ROCHEllE DUNGCA-SCHREIBER , and she appears to be highly skilled and adaptable. I have scheduled a call session with her.

[@DobyDuke]

dont forget the imported yarn to make the clothes

[@johncormier8194]

L.C.King are absolutely incredible quality product, people, and purpose

[@malachiteofmethuselah9713]

I desperately miss the days when, "American Made," meant a quality product that is not going to break.

[@preshisify]

☕❤️

[@jag2039]

Add be Proud to say yeah I work there that's part of why it's good stuff it's time to show how it's really done right !!!

[@VADER677]

Lowering the taxes of people with yachts didn't improve the economy and the rich just kept the money for themselves? Color me shoked. 😮

[@weekendwarrior3420]

Then stop buying garbage. And write a review about every garbage you happen to buy, before you return it.

[@malachiteofmethuselah9713]

@@weekendwarrior3420 Unless you can recall how Walmart built it's brand on "Made in America," you are I'll equipped for this conversation.

[@daniellegenack69]

I appreciate drawing attention to this company, Mike. I want to buy as much stuff from American made companies as I can.

[@karensellers7862]

Levi's jeans used to be made entirely in the US. Then the manufacturing was sent overseas. That was when the legs started twisting because the denim was being cut in thicker layers of cloth and the stack of cloth would shift so some of the cloth was being cut at angles. They eventually figured it out. Then the jeans were not being denim except for the 501s. I had a friend who cut denim for Levi's in San Francisco until her job was sent overseas. I would like to see more clothing made in the US.

[@laraemitchell9064]

I used to work in a Jantzen sportswear sewing factory in the late 70’s to about 1981. I loved that job, believe it or not. They made beautiful jackets and swimsuits. Then the factory was outsourced to overseas.

[@njoyreading3503]

Levis is woke now. I won't wear their clothing anymore.

[@lauriedean72]

I created a product 9 years ago with a dream of having a completely US made product, I had several offers of financial support, but no one would agree that American Made would be profitable enough. So the prototype sits in my closet, because I refuse to go to China for the production. I'd rather die with this item than to outsource. Love this man! I wish I had the way to do this!

[@elizabethcote9070]

Hope you can find a way to do production.

[@WizzRacing]

Wait till 2024.. As thinks will change.. As I didn't vote for Donald J. Trump.. I will this time...

[@joellenrhodes456]

​@@WizzRacing45 promised to bring manufacturing back to the US, a failed promise. 35 corporations moved their manufacturered parts to China, including the last bastion Harley Davidson. Interesting fact 45 had tried to get a couple of patents, AFTER becoming president 26 patents were fast tracked through red tape for Ivanka in China. My point is a question, why vote for a potential servant who doesn't walk his talk?

[@timothymilam732]

Your average consumer can not afford luxury items such as $40.00 Tee shirts, $120.00 hoodies and such as that. I use to buy Red wing boots exclusively for work, but two things changed that.. First the price quadrupled, and I might have lived with that had the second issue not have come to be the norm. I use to be able to wear their boots for two n half to three years, and i am hard on footwear I'll state that for all to understand. And in order to get the use out of those boots, I'd pay for the replacement soles, and heels to be replaced when needed. But it got to the point that they weren't holding together long enough to justify this in my mind. When you pay nearly $350.00 for something to go on your feet that isn't considered dress wear as construction worker, and I was not union, so my hourly wage wasn't close to that pay scale. That's an incredibly amount of money, considering that I can buy nearly three pairs of halfass decent boots and get average of a year out each pair. Redwing was doing good to stay together for at best 14 months, and I not talking about the soles wearing out No sir it was the whole boot falling apart at the seems. No different than I wore levi 501 jeans for ever, but once again the price jumps to over $40.00 a pair. Worse yet, I was doing good to get 6 months outta of a pair, and before I could wear a pair basically a year before they were considered worn-out. Now I have switched to wrangler, believe it or not, but the style that sells for $19.99 I can get two years of wear from, before they either get turned into shop towels, or i take them to goodwill for someone else to get a decent pair of jeans for few dollars. But the day's of buying luxury items such as Tony Loma boots for dress up occasions, are gone, because it's all the average person can afford is your basic bills, and food for the table. I can't afford a brand new truck anymore, I gave up on Redwing boots a decade ago, along with levi jeans. You do good to find a decent Tee shirt with a pocket under $20.00 dollars that last 6 months that isn't falling apart. Then when you do, the next time you go to buy one, either you can't find them any longer, or they falling apart in a few months. Sad state this country is in, and it didn't have to be this way in my opinion, but greed has blinded everyone whose in power to control these things.

[@user-ul3vu4ks2p]

Carhartt is a prime example of former quality. 30 years ago they made a great product-I buried my shop cat last year in a coat that I wore for 25 years,would leave it hung on a fencepost in the rain to clean it. Their products now are branded garbage

[@absatwell8163]

Yeah, and it’s a shame, but now their brand is “popular”. To be honest, I’ve never heard of them before they got all the attention.

[@katiekane5247]

Sweet way to honor your kitty!

[@user-ul3vu4ks2p]

@@katiekane5247 thank you for saying that,it was a rough patch for sure

[@user-ul3vu4ks2p]

@@katiekane5247 Thank you Katie

[@jcnme]

I Absolutely Agree. I will NEVER BUY ANYTHING FROM CARHARTT EVER AGAIN. GO WOKE GO BROKE

[@philabowl8073]

If only our politicians could grow up to be like these guys....

[@JustPlaneAround]

Mike Rowe for President 2024!

[@happycat3399]

Great segment Gentleman. I am of your era and have been having this very conversation for a few years now. In our Grandparents’ day post WWII, there was so much American pride in everything we made, relationships with our Allies our belief in World Economy. Now, 2-3 generations on we have seen the exact opposite occur. Made in America can represent Quality and pride again, we just need to take back our power that we just gave away. Massive Respect from 1 of your 2 listeners, who actually does read! 🤣

[@christine-wj7fi]

We REALLY need manufacturing brought back to USA🇺🇸

[@john-or9cf]

Suppose Germany or Japan had been making all our products 90 years ago…as China does today.

[@joekagerer]

I was on All American Clothing (all one word) if I attempt to put the URL, KZbin will block me

[@preshisify]

☕🇺🇸

[@graemejohnson9025]

You do, it's called social media Millionaires.. And homeless, doctors, nurses, and teaches.. The priorities in America is Arse Up.. Autotune Music, Starship. WILL NEVER land on the moon.. It's a Con.. Elon uses the the investor money.. to fund Tesla.. Cyber Truck. Con. Tesla Semi, Con.. From The Land down Under.... We just Giggle and laugh How big America is at Being WANKERS..

[@leftyo9589]

@@john-or9cf our politicians are too busy getting their pockets lined to worry about the safety of our country. 10% to the big guy!!!

[@mlefeber4227]

Great presentation. As a recently retired high school shop teacher of 32 years. Shop classes are the only cheerleaders in schools for manufacturing and work. Every year more shop classes disappear. The numbers of programs in America are similar to textile industries to all manufacturing. I have had parents and school administrators tell me that shop classes just aren’t important enough anymore. That manufacturing has left the country. Vocational teachers are treated as if we know nothing and are burden to schools. I was lucky enough to have mostly great high school students that wanted to work, that wanted to be challenged…who wanted to do their best. The fine arts programs generate a great support system, because the classes give children a way to express themselves and learn in different way. I had a Mike Rowe poster in my classroom for 15+ years. I think we have gone splat.

[@jameslipke354]

For years I wanted a black pair of Minnetonka Lace Up Knee High Moccasins and so did my husband. 10 years ago I ordered a pair for me and a pair for him. When you open a Minnetonka Moccasins shoe/boot box, on the inside of the lid is the story, and they are very PROUD of that story, about how Moccasins became popular as footwear when people crossed the frontier going from the East Coast to the West Coast. It also includes how Minnetonka, MN became the hub of manufacturing the various styles of Moccasins, sandals and boots for that company. Thw company is American Founded, American Owned, American Operated - BUT - they HAVE NOT BEEN MADE IN THE USA FOR 60 YEARS NOW. They're proud of all that tradition just as long as it DOES NOT INCLUDE employing Americans, all that entails and the Quality Assurance Standards are NOWHERE near what would be required if still manufactured in the USA. When we started lacing up those Moccasins, we weren't pulling or tugging on the suede laces at all - YET THEY ALL BROKE ABOUT EVERY 8" OR SO BECAUSE THE SUEDE HAD DRY ROTTED. I emailed Minnetonka Moccasins, whose corporate office is still in Minnetonka, MN. The CEO replied to my email about the issue we had, she offered to have new suede laces mailed to us. I asked her if these Moccasins were still Made In The USA, she said no and they hadn't been for many years. She said for the past 50 years (now 60), their products have been manufactured in The Dominican Republic, so new laces would be shipped from that factory. I asked what kind of guarantee she would provide that the new laces wouldn't be dry rotted. She told me she could not make any product guarantees. I still have the email correspondence between us. Levi's is another company that is very proud of being American Founded, American Owned and American Operated just as long as they aren't employing American's in factories here in the USA. I contacted them via email asking why they had gotten rid of jeans with longer inseams. My husband is 53 years old, 6'4", he has a 40" inseam which is now only available in Shrink To Fit 501's - at least they were, I'm not sure now. I'm 57 years old, 5'8" and have a 34 1/2" inseam. Their then CEO responded by saying, "Based on our demographic research, people are getting shorter so we discontinued the longer length inseams." To which I replied, "People are getting shorter? Only in the countries where they're manufactured. Perhaps you don't understand that tall people are exactly that - WE'RE TALL. We've been tall since our sophomore/junior years of high school and haven't gotten ANY SHORTER. There is a fairly young organization in the United States, maybe you've heard of it - IT'S THE NBA, THOSE ATHLETES ARE TALL TOO! Can you please explain to me why there are on average 40-45 different shades of Levi's jeans, 30 of which are supposed to be various shades of blue? There is no way on God's Green Earth ANY OF YOU can identify which shade of blue each fabric swatch is simply by it being shown to you. NO WAY AT ALL. Levi Strauss, a German man who came to America to achieve the American Dream. As German American citizen, he did EXACTLY that. I have no doubt he is rolling over in his grave at how the company he built with his own to hands, from the ground up, has disrespected HIS LEGACY." I received one last reply letting me know I can still buy Levi's Made In The USA. I was given a phone number for a location in San Francisco and one for a location in New York City and told to call them. So...I...did... At each location you have to schedule an appointment which lasts anywhere from 4-5 hours. It is an appointment with an honest to God tailor who takes all of your measurements, discusses the rise, cut, inseam, zip front or buttonfly front, and the shade of blue you're wanting. And, oh by the way, the fabric of the jeans sewed by the tailor your appointment was with at either location is 100% cotton denim, they DO NOT AND WILL NOT USE ANY DENIM CONTAINING SPANDEX OR LYCRA OF ANY KIND. Here are the steps necessary: 1) Call either San Francisco or New York to schedule an appointment witn a tailor. 2) Purchase a round trip plane ticket to whichever location you decided to go to. 3) Book hotel accommodations for at least one night, making sure you have extra cash for food and transportation. 4) Check out with the person at the Levi's customer service desk where you will be given paperwork explaining it could take 4-6 months before you recieve your new Levi's in the mail at your home AND you have to pay for your purchase as well. The rough cost I was given over the phone was between $900.00-$1,100.00 dollars. That pays for the tailors time - AND- WAIT FOR IT...ONE PAIR OF LEVI'S ONLY! ONE F*CKING PAIR! GET THE F*CK OUTTA HERE WITH YOUR ONE PAIR! Air fare + hotel accommodations + food + transportation + $900.00-$1,100.00 FOR ONE PAIR OF LEVI'S MADE IN THE USA FROM 100% COTTON DENIM. 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 Why yes, yes I do still have that whole email exchange ss well if you would like to read it. NAFTA was the economic downfall of manufacturing and the American Middle Class. In the first year of Bill Clinton signing NAFTA into law, almost 700,000 Americans lost their jobs in manufacturing facilities in the US. Within 10 years of it being signed, the number of Americans that lost their jobs as a direct result was in the millions. That created a domino effect for smaller health insurance companies closing their doors, filing for bankruptcy or being absorbed by UHC for instance. What insurance companies UHC does not own outright, they "manage". They've created a monopoly without actually breaking the law. Then we have BCBS. Health Insurance premiums continue to rise with fewer things being covered and an added higher out of pocket deductible BECAUSE HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES NO LONGER HAVE TO COMPETE FOR CORPORATE BUSINESS. Bill Clinton said if he thought signing NAFTA would hurt the American people or the country he wouldn't have done it. Well, that would have required Bill Clinton to actually care about this Nation, OUR HOME, and her LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS WHO LOST THEIR JOBS, INSURANCE COVERAGE, HOMES, ETC AS A DIRECT RESULT OF HIM SIGNING IT - HE COULDN'T HAVE CARED LESS ABOUT THE DAMAGE DONE TO THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE. Because of NAFTA, Corporate America and our Federal Government ARE 100% COMPLICIT FOR OUR SHITTY ECONOMY AND THEY ARE ALSO 100% COMPLICIT IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HOMELESS LEGAL AMERICAN CITIZENS AND VETERANS IN THIS NATION. We stopped being the Land Of Opportunity, Home of The American Dream and the American Way Of Life people wanting to immigrate to this country so badly to be s part of BECAUSE of NAFTA!!! Corporate American and Big Pharma Greed are still doing just fine. They didn't even miss a beat. As far as Supply Chain Issues - that is an absolute BS excuse for retailers to continue to raise prices on everything, especially groceries and medication. I invite you to research the information above for yourselves. By all means; PLEASE DO!!! Damn! I almost forgot to include the coup de gras!!! Any company/corporation from any country outside of CHINA, choosing to build manufacturing facilties in CHINA, the United States included has very stringent rules and regulations as set forth by the CCP which includes having to pay 10% of EACH CHINESE EMPLOYEES MONTHLY HOUSING COST, the write up/warning/suspension/termination protocols used by US companies in the United States DO NOT APPLY IN CHINA. A foreign owned and operated company/corporation CAN NOT TERMINATE the employment of ANY of its Chinese employees without taking it before the CCP FIRST...THEN YOU MUST PLACE SAID CHINESE EMPLOYEE ON A BRAND NEW PROBATIONARY PERIOD OF A FULL 6 MONTHS AT WHICH TIME THE ISSUE WILL BE REVISITED BY THE EMPLOYER AND THE CCP TO SEE IF TERMINATION IS APPROPRIATE AND 50% OF ALL CHINESE EMPLOYEES MEDICAL/HEALTH INSURANCE IS PAID BY THE EMPLOYER. Hmmmm...you won't EVER see an American Company/Corporation do the SAME FOR ITS US EMPLOYEES. PLUS THE HOLIDAYS OBSERVED FOR CHINESE EMPLOYEES ARE THE SAME ONES WE OBSERVE HERE BUT THEY GET EXTRA HOLIDAYS SPECIFIC TO THEIR COUNTRY, CULTURE AND BELIEFS AS WELL AS PAID HOLIDAYS. You can find that info by searching "requirements for foreign countries companies/corporations to build and operate manufacturing facilties in CHINA". Enjoy. ~ APRIL LIPKE

[@1erinjames]

When American pride drove the American worker, there was no better quality to be found!! Good to hear there is still someone out there who understands quality.

[@jangrahame4891]

Consumers have shown in the last few weeks that they are waking up to supporting products that line up with their values. We in our house made it a practice to buy domestic when there is availability. Pendleton shirts for instance. For sure I will be looking up this company for future purchases.

[@828_Nate]

I really wish you'd put all your entire podcast on KZbin. I enjoy watching whilst listening. I may be crazy but that's just how I do it. Thanks Mike and crew!!

[@russh6414]

I used to work for a giant telecom company starting with a C. When the government calls for American Made they would have stuff made in another country, bring it back and program it here and call it American Made. China does this funneling things through countries like Vietnam and other partner countries. I guess you could call this USA washing.

[@tahoma6889]

I think we can call it dishonesty. It is the corporations, landlords, and health/pharma that have the worst karma and the results are right around the corner for them. They are pretty much going to lose it all. Greed is the path to destruction. Sadly, we consumers will be collateral damage. We actually already are.

[@ALCRAN2010]

And so, how many tshirts a month can a typical family afford @ $40 each? It's definitely a boulder up a hill.

[@Bigfoottehchipmunk]

​@@ALCRAN2010Los Angeles pricing.

[@themadmallard]

understandable, but sometimes the raw mats themselves in certain cases are next to impossible to find outside of China. Its not perfect, but if a company makes it in the US from global parts, its not nothing.

[@leftyo9589]

@@tahoma6889 it doesnt help when the politicians sell us out for their own personal gain.

[@stroys7061]

Never heard of American Giant. I will be ordering items from them now - no matter the price! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@edjarrett3164]

I love American Giant. I’ve bought many of their products and have never been disappointed. My original zip up sweater of twelve years is my favorite. They aren’t cheap, but durability over time makes their products worth every dollar you spent. The Splat Mike mentions is already happening. China is continuing to hemorrhage businesses today. Unemployment for the 20-28 group is now at 20%. Bringing back manufacturing to the US will cure a lot of ills. The dignity of work is so underrated, but builds communities and families.

[@scottvolage1752]

Always knocking the truth out of the park Mike Rowe. Keep up the good work and God Bless you and your family Mike.

[@johncollins719]

I refer to our current situation as living in a landfill economy. A boss many years ago said you have three choices, quality,price and service. You can only pick two.

[@brettelizabethspore]

Absolutely fantastic interview. I’ve been searching high and low for American made products and some are just not out there or are not at a price I can even remotely afford. I like that this manufacturer states the government needs to make things an even playing field. 100%. I would love to see US manufacturing back in the game!

[@Derf1313]

Loved the harmony at the end, really capped it off. Also enjoyed the topic, as opposed to rhetoric. I'm a worn out Builder at 64 & cant... Growing up in & around carpentry (etc), I saw that dad (step-) had a thing about quality, & doing it right. So I've kept personal ethics part of what I produced. BUT was constantly being pushed to do it cheaper by a "buying" public, when my so called competitors, would cut corners... Instant gratification & Disposable are now ingrained in the past few generations, that our government just keeps printing & throwing money at crap... Sorry, don't want to rant. Sure glad y'all are willing to expose the problems, while standing on the target box! Kudo's! & a chuckle, have made a Quixote quote part of my oath. "Too much sanity may be madness, but the madness of all, is to see life as it is, & not as it should be!". We all need to be willing to take up our lance & tilt a few windmills. Thanx !

[@judystreich7333]

Loved this conversation, the truth needs to get out there. Wake up America.

[@shirlkallal2003]

I really am so happy I came across this. Buy made in the USA people .

[@markfalcon5949]

Well that comment disappeared, so I’ll attempt it again. Mike, I always enjoyed your shows, are the educational, oh yeah, but in the same token you interject enough humor to make it even more entertaining. Thank you for what you do to show us how dirty some jobs really are!!!!!!!

[@jeanieking2017]

What a great conversation. Stimulating thoughts and ideas. Thank you!

[@royhi1809]

Mike Rowe for President! Mike Rowe 2024 is what America needs!

[@lavondacarter7228]

AGREE AGREE! AGREE!

[@itemsforsale7517]

Mike No one will ever END YOU. you are the best.

[@StarNanny]

We really need access to the information to make good-for-our-neighbor choices. I’m glad to learn of this news-to-me USA sourced manufacturing seller of clothing, just as I was happy to learn of Sherrill Mfg, last USA maker of flatware sold via Liberty Tabletop, having acquired the Oneida Ltd flatware mfg assets. But who else is there? I was searching for USA cotton sheets, but couldn’t find any that kept the manufacturing piece guaranteed in USA. So you’re right, in that the consumer can’t be a major driver - we need the product to be on offer, first. I still hunt. It’s a dense jungle of half-information and obfuscation.

[@timoakley1923]

Red Land Cotton (Alabama) Sheets, bedding, etc., All American Clothing (Ohio), clothing, Union Made shirts, underwear, RoundHouse (Oklahoma) Jeans, Bayside (California) T shirts, ALL made in US.

[@baconjo]

Online retailers should be required to make it easy to see country the product was made in. Ideally, there should be a filter if you want to identify American made products.

[@scottdotson9633]

Thanks for the years you shared with us. Keep Rolling boss..

[@Solhai]

Glad to have another company to look at for a few choice items to have for many years. I won't buy a tee with a logo on it, especially at that price. Not even a discount for being a walking poster. I'm on board with the hopes and this company chipping away at the problem. It's going to be hard no matter how it is sliced.

[@terrymitchell7714]

I have said this many times and am sure others have said the same, "Mike Rowe For President"

[@mercedesescoto628]

I love Michael’s Roe’s brain . His voice is easy to listen to.. The content of what he informs is totally relevant.

[@linak7155]

Bayard Winthrop. Nice name. He founded his company out of his car in 2012. Things were still semi normal that year. I saw some photos of factory workers modeling the tees n was alarmed at how large ppl have become. Folks are under a lot of stress, and jobs are becoming harder to come by. I hope this model is repeated many times over.

[@pauletxfish4976]

Love the PODCASTS Mike ! we listen in the car while on long trips. BUT this is first one where you show (we can see) the great conversation which does add to the program. All the other U-tubes are just clipped episodes and I feel we miss out on some nuances of a visual especially with your MOM ! Want to se more please ! 🤔

[@jackwalsh1468]

Hey Mikey! I liked this episode a lot! Your "Intellectual Horse Power" A highly blessed "Sweat Shirt" and a philosophy delivered with the skill of a true "Journeyman" Kudos to your crew and you, too Mikey!

[@frankyates5412]

Looking forward to the American Giant hoodie I just ordered. Thank You!

[@howardhendrickson2933]

Quality of clothing has go w down the tube! Grew up wearing hand me downs from my brothers and im pretty sure 90% or more of clothing doesn't get past the first kid.

[@kareneDallas]

Several years ago, American Giant had a t-shirt with Made In America and a small banner. It was great but I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on “wants”. I’ve asked their customer service many times to re-release it.

[@nostarstv7640]

American Giant is worth every penny. I'm a happy customer of AG and like to support local business. GO USA.

[@kurthageman]

Great episode, Keep posting the video feed of your podcast. For a visual person I get a lot more out of seeing you guys talk vs the podcast.

[@leslielehman2040]

I LOVE this conversation and the level of intelligence and respect of all involved. I sincerely hope that the conversation (somehow) continues.

[@sydneyhaase4106]

Everyone should see this podcast god bless America

[@bobmoroney3643]

I'm listening Mike and appreciate your what you do. Thank you.

[@chiguy_]

there is something to be said when it is made (not just put together) in your home. it is like a home cooked meal with some of the fruits/veg/herbs you grew in your garden. it just hits differently. to see more of these video calls from your podcast is awesome. keep up the great work. cheers.

[@gracemember101]

You hit all the bullet points and answered every objection I could come up with. I will add that many major corporations are headed up by contractors whose sole job is increase profits by hook or by crook who are sensitive only to investors who think only about their 401k and do not realize or care about taking a cut in order to give American manufacturing a chance.

[@garymanion5609]

Thank you both for the missions you are on and the clear message you give.

[@robinsmith3719]

That was a sensational program. Truly in lightening. Thank you.

[@josephrobichaud5198]

Please allow me to vent for a min. about the point he touched on for a second about the gov. Issue he mentioned. Long ago I worked at an industrial supply company in inside sales. Part of my job was to do bids on materials for the US military and the state of VA. Just to be able to bid on anything, no matter what it was you had to fill in a 4 page form every time that had nothing to do with what they were buying. They wanted to know what race, sex, any handicapped people or veterans where working there. We would lose bids even though are price was lower because our "ratio" did not meet there standards. Despite the fact that in the 7 years I worked there not one handicap person ever even applied for a job and the only black guy that showed up got hired the same day.

[@spin4224]

This should be required viewing, and more importantly listening, to every citizen of this once upon a time very self sustaining nation. Excellent episode.

[@donnaodum1872]

Love, love American Giant clothing 🙏🇺🇸

[@rickharper6320]

I would like to hear more of the pitfalls and triumphs he experienced determining his USA suppliers. As with the imbalance of trade tariffs, I am certain many would be unaware of the difficulties he has experienced with supply chains and procuring resources in such a competitive environment.

[@user-jy7to4nh3w]

Great show and interview ! Thank you.

[@hillfort5796]

This guy is on a mission much bigger than sweatshirts! Impressive thought process concerning global manufacturing and competitiveness. Even more impressive actions against the flow of poor policy.

[@marierisdon8894]

Sometimes I don't agree with Mike's opinions but I'm with him on this. I'm Canadian, live in a small town that has died due to companies like Black + Decker, P&G and others closing up and manufacturing elsewhere. I try really hard to NEVER buy products (especially grocery items) from China. Occasionally Walmart sourced Canadian manufactured clothing products that were great quality. But these companies have disappeared or been eaten by larger companies that outsourced to Asia/Pacific countries. All that is left is Chinese manufactured crap. It's so disheartening to shop now, and most of my 25 year old clothing is disintegrating. American Giant, keep pushing the boulder for Americans and Canadians. We thank you!!

[@barryg41]

New American Giant customer. 🇺🇲🙌

[@Bigfoottehchipmunk]

Oh my goodness. That subscribe song at the end is epic!😂 Good conversation.

[@CMDR_Elizium51RA]

What a fantastic interview. Two brilliant minds. Really appreciate what Mike and his team do. I'm going to buy something from American Giant now.

[@johncollins719]

Generations of Americans grew up wearing hand me down clothing from an older sibling, that is impossible when the sticking begins to fall out and the fabric is thread bare after only a dozen washing.

[@jslwrnc63]

Job well done Mike! Once again.

[@teribelleau137]

Such an excellent interview. Love the "subscribe" song as well 😊

[@jvin248]

Mike, You may want to do a deep dive on taxes/government expense by nation and how that enables or squashes manufacturing (taxes in all forms and how they roll up). 1700s-1800s economics philosophers argued about how taxes influence landlord rents which influence general cost of living (housing to retail) and thus wages for workers in a snow-ball effect.. Some called this "fifty percent money" because by the time you chop your wages into all the taxes you only really keep half (and then inflation eats what you save). ... Once upon a time the US New England textile mills made the lowest cost cloth material in the world even compared to Old England (which put export controls on loom parts and mechanics immigrating). .. Now the US cannot make inexpensive products compared to Asia/Eastern Europe citing worker wages but the workers are the tip of the dog's tail. It all starts with why is the cost of living so high? ... Even if Made In America, early 1980s the Gibson Guitar company moved from Kalamazoo MI to Nashville TN chasing low wages (non-union workers), new equipment, and low factory construction/land/tax costs. Many other companies did this. It's like a book that says "Taxes Have Consequences" (Laffer) because they do.

[@johncollins719]

Carhartt moved their production offshore, I will never buy one of their products again.

[@wesleysmith6018]

Mike Rowe 2024!

[@hansjansen7047]

I'm currently wearing a pair of jeans that I bought 30 years ago. They were made by a Canadian company, the Great Western Garment company,GWG, that was bought out by Levi's back in the '80's. Now I haven't worn them for 30 years , in fact I didn't know I still had them, but they still fit and feel great and show minimal wear.

[@melvinhunt6976]

In the mid seventies, a friend from work who had been here a short time then, said that in California, plywood instead of being manufactured here, was manufactured on a Japanese ship, a certain distance away. They would come to land cut the trees and haul them back and then sell the plywood for 40 percent less than it could be manufactured on land . (California) the problem here has always been greed ! Let’s be honest here, employees who actually fake workplace injuries doesn’t help ! Why do robots build most of automobiles? They do their job! No hangover, no personal problems at home and the list goes on. Year after year employers think they should be paid more for less work! We need to build everything here but the mindset millennials, gen zers or whatever has to change! Start teaching civics in school and be proud of this Country! Thousands gave their lives and lively hoods to create the greatest country ever to exist!

[@janellevoigt5481]

Love the show, thanks to you all for doing the great job you do, I would also like to see Chuck dance, smile! Go Chuck!

[@SaltyAF-fl5hs]

I'm wearing my full zip hoodie that I have had for 7.5 years. I have 5 of them. I'm always cold. I love this hoodie. No other compares.

[@denisegagner2887]

I am proud of all the every day essential items I use that are American made. Cleaning products, toothpaste, protein powder, vitamins etc. I appreciate that you've shown me more options. 🇺🇲

[@CT_Yankee]

As a 73 year old CT Yankee, I WILL pay for quality in products that will be around awhile. The Scots and Yankees have a similar mindset - buy for quality and longevity. While as a consumer I appreciate lower costs, the quality of the products that the US has outsourced have continually creeped downward. Most corporations only see the profit margins and the return on the stockholders' investment and actually appreciate the faster retirement of their products because they can then sell more of them. Amazon used to be a great company early on - now they're just a Chinese outlet house with minimal domestic products getting an early listing on a search.

[@karensellers7862]

L.L..Bean was originally clothing made in the US. Last rime I looked in their catalog, everrything was impported except their Maine boots and belts.

[@BLacknesmonstaz]

Bought quite a few shirts from ACAL and a handful of jeans from Origin.

[@dannymullen2978]

Excellent information

[@auntiesam8489]

Last week I was on Walmart.com and they were retailing women's clothing made entirely in the USA!!! ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you Walmart

[@nomusicrc]

I wonder if there was a national store that only sold stuff made in America how long it would last

[@mtbalpinecounty]

It's been said in song.."We can't make it here anymore..".. Go!

[@misformargaret4028]

love the ending serenade😘

[@billchmelik5697]

Mike, you should do a show on western welding academy

[@rickwinkler2711]

The closing song got me to hammer the subscribe button. Great show.

[@peashooterc9475]

The only mission statement that has ever mattered from Collis Potter: 'We shall build good ships here; at a profit if we can, at a loss if we must, but always good ships.'

[@joanoflondon]

I agree because if Canada does not manufacture what I need I always search the USA. Way to much product is being shipped from Asia with no scorching of said product in North America. Great show Mike just read your last month..

[@HippocratesGarden]

I applaud the sentiment, and at least a portion of Walmart's supposed commitment to bringing back American manufacturing, but they have a long long way to begin repairing their brand to many of us who have seen our small town, downtowns decimated by Walmart. I'm hopeful but wary.

[@jeffbarnard3050]

Mike, I love your story telling! You are a string in an American fabric! May you seek God and may God blessing come to you!

[@FVMissPaula]

I challenge All You Tubers to sell only American made Merch and everyone to buy only American Seafood.

[@absatwell8163]

Eh. It would be conflicting as most of their equipment is not American made and their cell phones certainly are not. Unfortunately, it’s less expensive to outsource jobs to other countries. That’s how the corporate ivory tower guys like it. More for them while their little minions work.

[@7210Shooter]

I would love to have a discussion with Mr Winthrop, about producing some of these fine pieces of clothing for people such as myself that are amputees. There is a tremendous hole that needs to be filled with a quality product like GIANT, for people like myself. Over the past many years, I have had to cobble together articles of clothing for myself, that will allow me to have the freedom in my current dress style along with dealing with my limitations. If I have wanted something that would work for me I created it. Same as I did with wood, metal, concrete, you name it. If I need something I built it. But not everyone can make things as I have. They need a company that would fill their needs. Thanks Chris

[@oldmantwofour5561]

I love what he's doing but, next time you talk, could you tell him most of us can't afford $40 for a T shirt?

[@joekagerer]

I see T-Shirts on their site for $13.95 probably not the same quality as the $40.00 ones but they're there...

[@ALCRAN2010]

​@@joekagererby quality you mean..? From China, or Mexican maquiladora across the border?

[@kkknotcool]

You make a lot more from selling 500 shirts a month at a 30 dollar profit margin then 2,000 shirts at a 5 dollar profit margin. And when you try playing in the middle between those numbers you loose the cheap customer wanting a utility shirt and you loose the rich guy who thinks it can't be that good at that price. So your all of a sudden selling to that niche middle ground who might only want 600 shirts a month and if your only making 15 dollars a shirt that's a problem.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

​@joekagerer6086 where? I've looked several times in the men section, nothing under 40

[@joekagerer]

@@WhoIsSerafin I found them right on the first page, if I go to Shirts, and filter Low to High I see them start at $12.95

[@itsmatt2105]

Carpenter here, never tried this guy's cloths but I tried Carhart back in the day and 1, they don't fit people who actually work. I'm 6'-3" and may go from reaching off a ladder, straining to reach something to sitting or even laying down and then back up on the ladder. Carharts are for union guys who don't actually work hard and the models who appear standing up in the Carhart's ads. 2, Carhart pants/bibs are VERY expensive but don't last much longer than the $12, now $14 Kirkland jeans I get at COSTCO. 3, expensive Carhart cloths get permanently stained just as fast as the cheap COSTCO jeans only with Carharts, I can only afford to buy one pair instead of the 3-4 pairs of Kirklands. Oh, and the Kirklands allow me to move and work while wearing them!

[@gregwitkamp5583]

Please Keep Pushing for America

[@russellstarr9111]

I want to compliment Bayard Winthrop on his commitment to Made In The USA and also Mike Rowe for the absolutely best "please subscribe" blurb in the business!

[@tracieblack1599]

Great interview ❤

[@ChrisGenXer]

I’d love to see more “Made in America” products. Sorry to here about that Walmart fiasco, kinda crazy. I do wonder how many of those people who were outraged actually shopped at Walmart.

[@joellenrhodes456]

Walmart: America's pimp brand, backed by thuggery dressed up in good old christian values. Do you know the buying power of walmart? They would rather buy and destroy 100 tons of product just to keep from their competition, noting they really have no competition anymore. People see the store, shop for the prices unaware that their contracts for products are geared to demand such a large product smaller manufacturing companies will default, at which point are sucked into Walmart conglomerate. People haven't noticed Walmart started with a few trucks working from their distribution centers and now has the nation's largest trucking company. While there is benefit to capitalism, when the CEO's can buy politician with non disclosed donations through PAC money... Hmmm which party restricted PAC and SPAC money and made them transparent? NOW which party removed those policies? Never vote for political parties who reduce transparency.

[@tomsoil9909]

Another great video Mike!!!

[@merkyworks]

Amazing & inspiring

[@chuckm260]

Great interview. BTW, Bayard and the actor Paul McGillion (who played Dr Carson Beckett on Stargate: Atlantis) are doppelgangers.

[@stevesly7954]

There's this guy named an0maly he also goes by dream rare he has a pretty big following he started a website for people who manufacture and make stuff in America so if your products made in America exclusively he put you on the website he's one of the few people I know doing stuff like that Mike Rowe you should try to get an interview

[@JohnTBlock]

Origins is doing the same thing - quality clothing, all parts/material sourced IN the US, to a very high quality standard... we need to see more of this... yes, it costs more, but lasts ten times more than what an imported item will, so it's actually more economical for the consumer!

[@riverpirate1022]

Btw American Giant. Bring back Real Relaxed fit, Loose fit, and Baggy jeans, and I will find a way to pay your crazy prices. I am sooooooo tired of not being able to buy pants that I am comfortable in that fit MY body right! The fashion giants changed all pants to slim tight bs that is unbearable, literally! You cannot find a single major company making these types of pants from the 90's anymore, we are all forced into these skinny slim uncomfortable pants which are pure torture! Same with shorts, bring back those same above fitments, with BELOW the knee coverage! Especially in cargo shorts! SO many of us guys are bigger and need clothes made the right way for OUR bodies. Our thighs and junk are not meant to be sucked into skintight pants on a day-to-day basis while we are trying to move and work! SOME ONE SAVE US PLEASE!

[@elizabethcote9070]

Hi guys! Glad to hear that this company is doing business in the US. When I graduated from high school, my dad said you need to get a job, witch only made sense,so my first job was sewing furry mittens. The company was from Finland. Loved it. ❤️ Still have them!

[@brendanthegreek]

Love this interview, love the philosophy, can’t afford a single piece of clothing they make. 😆