<![CDATA[American Made, 1st: Podcast]]>Conversations with Owners, Founders and Leaders of American based companies to shine a spotlight on American Made products and services, learn about their stories, histories, and the workers and communities they support.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 26 May 2026 06:55:52 GMTTue, 10 Mar 2026 22:39:37 GMT60Darin Keiser<p>Conversations with Owners, Founders and Leaders of American based companies to shine a spotlight on American Made products and services, learn about their stories, histories, and the workers and communities they support.</p>episodicDarin Keiserkmedia302@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Episode 09: ByRobertJames.com, Robert James]]>The conversation delves into the journey of a clothing brand that emphasizes small batch manufacturing and ethical production practices. It explores the challenges of maintaining value and quality in clothing, the community-centric approach to business, and the psychological aspect of value and quality. Additionally, it discusses the struggles with marketing and advertising. The conversation covers the impact of AI on business and the importance of supporting American-made products. Robert James discusses his experience with AI and its implementation in business, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges. He also emphasizes the significance of promoting American-made products and the positive impact it can have on local artisans and manufacturers.

Takeaways

  • Small batch manufacturing
  • Ethical production practices AI and its impact on business
  • The importance of supporting American-made products

Chapters

  • 00:00 Struggles with Marketing and Advertising
  • 36:00 The Impact of AI on Business
  • 44:06 Promoting American-Made Products

Contact information:

www.ByRobertJames.com

email: Robert@byrobertjames.com

]]>3cc95015-d92a-419c-88d5-ae8f62c927d1Tue, 19 May 2026 23:51:04 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the journey of a clothing brand that emphasizes small batch manufacturing and ethical production practices. It explores the challenges of maintaining value and quality in clothing, the community-centric approach to business, and the psychological aspect of value and quality. Additionally, it discusses the struggles with marketing and advertising. The conversation covers the impact of AI on business and the importance of supporting American-made products. Robert James discusses his experience with AI and its implementation in business, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges. He also emphasizes the significance of promoting American-made products and the positive impact it can have on local artisans and manufacturers.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Small batch manufacturing</li><li>Ethical production practices AI and its impact on business</li><li>The importance of supporting American-made products</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Struggles with Marketing and Advertising</li><li>36:00 The Impact of AI on Business</li><li>44:06 Promoting American-Made Products</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact information:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.ByRobertJames.com" target="_blank">www.ByRobertJames.com</a></p><p>email: Robert@byrobertjames.com</p>no00:59:469Episode 09: ByRobertJames.com, Robert Jamesfull<![CDATA[Episode 08: GearHaul, Kenny Finley]]>The conversation delves into the story of Gear Haul, a manufacturing company, and its journey from humble beginnings to facing challenges of intellectual property theft. It highlights the resilience of American manufacturing and the impact of global economic dynamics on small businesses. The conversation delves into the decline of American manufacturing and the impact of regulations on the industry. It also explores the resurgence of manufacturing in the Midwest and the innovative solutions being developed. Kenny Finley's journey from insurance adjuster to a key player in national manufacturing policy is highlighted, showcasing the resilience and potential of American manufacturing.

Takeaways

  • American manufacturing resilience
  • Challenges of intellectual property theft American manufacturing resilience
  • Impact of regulations on manufacturing

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Story of Gear Haul and Its Beginnings
  • 31:50 The Decline of American Manufacturing
  • 45:21 The Midwest Manufacturing Boom

Contact info:

www.gearhaul.com

www.sawhaul.com

Book information Kenny spoke of:

Author: Robert Spalding

Title: Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept

]]>8d844b63-e48b-4014-b977-952db563b544Tue, 05 May 2026 02:17:35 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the story of Gear Haul, a manufacturing company, and its journey from humble beginnings to facing challenges of intellectual property theft. It highlights the resilience of American manufacturing and the impact of global economic dynamics on small businesses. The conversation delves into the decline of American manufacturing and the impact of regulations on the industry. It also explores the resurgence of manufacturing in the Midwest and the innovative solutions being developed. Kenny Finley's journey from insurance adjuster to a key player in national manufacturing policy is highlighted, showcasing the resilience and potential of American manufacturing.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>American manufacturing resilience</li><li>Challenges of intellectual property theft American manufacturing resilience</li><li>Impact of regulations on manufacturing</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Story of Gear Haul and Its Beginnings</li><li>31:50 The Decline of American Manufacturing</li><li>45:21 The Midwest Manufacturing Boom</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.gearhaul.com" target="_blank">www.gearhaul.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.sawhaul.com" target="_blank">www.sawhaul.com</a></p><p></p><p>Book information Kenny spoke of:</p><p>Author: Robert Spalding</p><p>Title: Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept</p><p></p>no00:45:07Episode 08: GearHaul, Kenny Finleyfull<![CDATA[Episode 07: Heritage Steel, Bobby Griggs]]>The conversation with Bobby Griggs from Heritage Steel covers the history and evolution of the company, the impact of coatings on health and the environment, the multi-layer steel process, sourcing steel and aluminum, the workforce and long-term employees, an affordable cookware line, and AI optimization for resource management.

Takeaways

  • Quality Cookware
  • Impact of Coatings

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Heritage Steel
  • 05:40 The Impact of Coatings on Health and the Environment
  • 11:41 Sourcing Steel and Aluminum
  • 26:34 Affordable Cookware Line and AI Optimization

Contact info:

Bobby Griggs, Vice President

www.heritagesteel.us

]]>2c8040ec-c18c-40d4-927a-223a873db2eaFri, 24 Apr 2026 00:47:14 GMT<p>The conversation with Bobby Griggs from Heritage Steel covers the history and evolution of the company, the impact of coatings on health and the environment, the multi-layer steel process, sourcing steel and aluminum, the workforce and long-term employees, an affordable cookware line, and AI optimization for resource management.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Quality Cookware</li><li>Impact of Coatings</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Heritage Steel</li><li>05:40 The Impact of Coatings on Health and the Environment</li><li>11:41 Sourcing Steel and Aluminum</li><li>26:34 Affordable Cookware Line and AI Optimization</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info:</p><p>Bobby Griggs, Vice President</p><p>www.heritagesteel.us</p>no00:34:597Episode 07: Heritage Steel, Bobby Griggsfull<![CDATA[Episode 06: Welch Tuning Systems, Samuel Welch]]>Samuel Welch, the founder of Welch Tuning Systems, shares insights into the innovation of drum tuning and the challenges of balancing American manufacturing with global partnerships. The conversation covers the mechanics of drum tuning, the benefits of Welch Tuning Systems, marketing and distribution strategies, remote business operations, blacksmithing business, product range and pricing, the patent process, and the revolutionizing impact of drum tuning. Additionally, the discussion delves into the importance of balancing American manufacturing with global partnerships.

Takeaways

  • Innovation in Drum Tuning
  • Balancing American Manufacturing with Global Partnerships

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Background
  • 08:08 Marketing and Distribution
  • 17:20 Blacksmithing and Artistic Ironwork
  • 25:13 Patent Process and IP Protection
  • 35:08 Balancing American Manufacturing

Contact info: Samuel Welch

www.WelchTuningSystems.com

Samuel@welchtuningsystems.com

]]>bb2f46b8-737e-4597-8ea4-12d013eeae04Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:42:08 GMT<p>Samuel Welch, the founder of Welch Tuning Systems, shares insights into the innovation of drum tuning and the challenges of balancing American manufacturing with global partnerships. The conversation covers the mechanics of drum tuning, the benefits of Welch Tuning Systems, marketing and distribution strategies, remote business operations, blacksmithing business, product range and pricing, the patent process, and the revolutionizing impact of drum tuning. Additionally, the discussion delves into the importance of balancing American manufacturing with global partnerships.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Innovation in Drum Tuning</li><li>Balancing American Manufacturing with Global Partnerships</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>08:08 Marketing and Distribution</li><li>17:20 Blacksmithing and Artistic Ironwork</li><li>25:13 Patent Process and IP Protection</li><li>35:08 Balancing American Manufacturing</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info: Samuel Welch</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.WelchTuningSystems.com" target="_blank">www.WelchTuningSystems.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Samuel@welchtuningsystems.com" target="_blank">Samuel@welchtuningsystems.com</a></p><p></p>no00:37:286Episode 06: Welch Tuning Systems, Samuel Welchfull<![CDATA[Episode 05: WindSolarUSA.com, Michelle Knox]]>Michelle Knox shares her journey from business management to becoming an advocate for solar energy. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the solar industry, the impact of data centers on energy demand, and the importance of supporting American-made products in the renewable energy sector.

Takeaways

  • Renewable energy advocacy
  • Impact of data centers on energy demand
  • Supporting American-made products in the renewable energy sector

Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey to Solar Advocacy
  • 07:12 Solar Education and Installation
  • 14:16 Realistic Expectations for Solar Energy
  • 27:31 Supporting American-Made Products

Contact info: Michelle Knox

www.WindSolarUSA.com

Michelle@windsolarusa.com

]]>5037c90d-d6ee-4097-a678-2ca047d1b2e7Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:28:06 GMT<p>Michelle Knox shares her journey from business management to becoming an advocate for solar energy. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the solar industry, the impact of data centers on energy demand, and the importance of supporting American-made products in the renewable energy sector.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Renewable energy advocacy</li><li>Impact of data centers on energy demand</li><li>Supporting American-made products in the renewable energy sector</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey to Solar Advocacy</li><li>07:12 Solar Education and Installation</li><li>14:16 Realistic Expectations for Solar Energy</li><li>27:31 Supporting American-Made Products</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info: Michelle Knox</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.WindSolarUSA.com" target="_blank">www.WindSolarUSA.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Michelle@windsolarusa.com" target="_blank">Michelle@windsolarusa.com</a></p><p></p>no00:28:22Episode 05: WindSolarUSA.com, Michelle Knoxfull<![CDATA[Episode 04: Medford Knives, Greg Medford]]>Greg Medford, a Marine, pilot, and entrepreneur, shares insights into the craftsmanship and philosophy behind Medford Knife and Tools. He emphasizes the value of American-made products and the meticulous process of creating high-quality knives.

Takeaways

  • Craftsmanship
  • American-made
  • Value of quality

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Journey of Greg Medford
  • 06:05 Elevating the Human Experience
  • 11:43 The Pursuit of Excellence
  • 18:20 The Process of Knife Production
  • 23:43 American-Made Convictions

Contact info: Greg Medford

www.medfordknife.com

Gre@medfordknife.com

]]>7aa60fc6-1de8-4dcd-8f62-09f937e69e4aSat, 11 Apr 2026 01:17:20 GMT<p>Greg Medford, a Marine, pilot, and entrepreneur, shares insights into the craftsmanship and philosophy behind Medford Knife and Tools. He emphasizes the value of American-made products and the meticulous process of creating high-quality knives.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Craftsmanship</li><li>American-made</li><li>Value of quality</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Journey of Greg Medford</li><li>06:05 Elevating the Human Experience</li><li>11:43 The Pursuit of Excellence</li><li>18:20 The Process of Knife Production</li><li>23:43 American-Made Convictions</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info: Greg Medford</p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.medfordknife.com" target="_blank">www.medfordknife.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Gre@medfordknife.com" target="_blank">Gre@medfordknife.com</a></p><p></p>no00:26:154Episode 04: Medford Knives, Greg Medfordfull<![CDATA[Episode 03: Sodapup, Adam Baker]]>Adam Baker, founder and CEO of Soda Pup, shares the journey of his company, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading pet supply brand. He discusses the inspiration behind his products, the impact of the pandemic on pet buying behavior, and the unique approach to product development and marketing. The company's commitment to FDA compliant, food-safe materials and American manufacturing is a key highlight.

Takeaways

  • Entrepreneurial Journey
  • Innovative Product Development

Chapters

  • 00:00 Family Involvement and Product Highlights

Contact info: Adam Baker

www.SopaPup.com

Adam@sodapup.com

Tik Tok, Instagram: @sodapupdogtoys

]]>b72d55d8-ea8f-4a53-ab17-9870fbee1588Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:45:50 GMT<p>Adam Baker, founder and CEO of Soda Pup, shares the journey of his company, from its humble beginnings to becoming a leading pet supply brand. He discusses the inspiration behind his products, the impact of the pandemic on pet buying behavior, and the unique approach to product development and marketing. The company's commitment to FDA compliant, food-safe materials and American manufacturing is a key highlight.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Entrepreneurial Journey</li><li>Innovative Product Development</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Family Involvement and Product Highlights</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info: Adam Baker</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.SopaPup.com" target="_blank">www.SopaPup.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Adam@sodapup.com" target="_blank">Adam@sodapup.com</a></p><p>Tik Tok, Instagram: @sodapupdogtoys</p><p></p>no00:32:083Episode 03: Sodapup, Adam Bakerfull<![CDATA[Episode 02: Power Planter, Greg Niewold]]>The conversation with Greg Niewold on the American Made First podcast covers topics such as the customer base, product features, manufacturing, and the impact of American-made products. Greg also discusses the challenges of online shopping and the importance of supporting American manufacturing.

Takeaways

  • Customer base diversity
  • Product features and manufacturing
  • Challenges of online shopping
  • Importance of supporting American manufacturing

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Customer Base
  • 06:02 Challenges of Online Shopping

Contact Info: Greg Niewold

www.PowerPlanter.com

Greg@powerplanter.com

]]>a8b9e1d6-deb8-4090-b850-1234464a14dfSat, 11 Apr 2026 00:37:54 GMT<p>The conversation with Greg Niewold on the American Made First podcast covers topics such as the customer base, product features, manufacturing, and the impact of American-made products. Greg also discusses the challenges of online shopping and the importance of supporting American manufacturing.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Customer base diversity</li><li>Product features and manufacturing</li><li>Challenges of online shopping</li><li>Importance of supporting American manufacturing</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Customer Base</li><li>06:02 Challenges of Online Shopping</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact Info: Greg Niewold</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.PowerPlanter.com" target="_blank">www.PowerPlanter.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Greg@powerplanter.com" target="_blank">Greg@powerplanter.com</a></p><p></p>no00:33:30Episode 02: Power Planter, Greg Niewoldfull<![CDATA[Episode 01: Fjord Cold Plunge, Steven Haynes]]>Steven Haynes, the founder of Fjord Cold Plunge, shares the journey of starting his company and the benefits of cold plunge pools. He emphasizes the importance of American-made products and the challenges of manufacturing. The conversation also explores the role of AI in small businesses and the community-building aspect of cold plunges.

Takeaways

  • American-made products prioritize reliability and durability.
  • Cold plunge pools offer physical benefits such as athletic recovery and improved sleep, as well as mental health benefits.
  • AI can be a valuable tool for small businesses, but finding the right AI talent is a challenge.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Discipline and Mental Aspects of Cold Plunges

Contact info: Steven Haynes

www.FjordColdPlunge.com

Steven@fjordcoldplunge.com

]]>b855e4f5-e91e-4e89-8c99-eae447ae7327Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:26:49 GMT<p>Steven Haynes, the founder of Fjord Cold Plunge, shares the journey of starting his company and the benefits of cold plunge pools. He emphasizes the importance of American-made products and the challenges of manufacturing. The conversation also explores the role of AI in small businesses and the community-building aspect of cold plunges.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>American-made products prioritize reliability and durability.</li><li>Cold plunge pools offer physical benefits such as athletic recovery and improved sleep, as well as mental health benefits.</li><li>AI can be a valuable tool for small businesses, but finding the right AI talent is a challenge.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Discipline and Mental Aspects of Cold Plunges</li></ul><p></p><p>Contact info: Steven Haynes</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.FjordColdPlunge.com" target="_blank">www.FjordColdPlunge.com</a></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:Steven@fjordcoldplunge.com" target="_blank">Steven@fjordcoldplunge.com</a></p><p></p>no00:21:371Episode 01: Fjord Cold Plunge, Steven Haynesfull<![CDATA[Welcome: About the Podcast]]>The American-Made First podcast aims to promote American-made products and support American businesses. The podcast encourages consumers to prioritize American-made products and highlights the stories of American-made business leaders. The host shares exciting plans for the podcast's future episodes and encourages listeners to engage and support the initiative.

Takeaways

  • Promoting American-made products
  • Supporting American businesses

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to American-Made First Podcast
]]>0d5bf944-4b3a-4c39-a8c8-323ec3d8644aWed, 08 Apr 2026 23:53:38 GMT<p>The American-Made First podcast aims to promote American-made products and support American businesses. The podcast encourages consumers to prioritize American-made products and highlights the stories of American-made business leaders. The host shares exciting plans for the podcast's future episodes and encourages listeners to engage and support the initiative.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Promoting American-made products</li><li>Supporting American businesses</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to American-Made First Podcast</li></ul>no00:01:46Welcome: About the Podcasttrailer