Best Gift Ever for Your Favorite Sports Fan; and it’s Made in USA!

Custom New Balance running shoes in Georgetown University blue and grey.

Here’s an idea for an awesome gift for the sports fan in your life.

New Balance makes running shoes which can be custom tailored to match the exact color scheme of practically every NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, etc. team in existence.

Not only that, New Balance will embroider the back section of the shoes directly behind the heels with a custom message of your choosing.

Imagine custom made Florida State University shoes in garnet and gold that read “Let’s Go Noles!” Or custom made New Orleans Saints shoes in gold and black that read “Who Dat?”

There is nothing cooler to wear to the big game than these custom New Balance shoes. Your favorite sports fan is sure to love this gift.

And I know that from experience.

I got a pair of these custom New Balance shoes (see pictured) for my wife and she absolutely loves them.

We are huge fans of the Georgetown University Hoyas basketball team, so naturally we designed my wife’s shoes in Hoya colors, navy blue and grey. And we embroidered the backs of the shoes with the classic Hoya cheer, “Hoya Saxa!”

My wife wears them to every Hoya game we go to and she is complimented on them often.

Best of all, these one-of-a-kind shoes are reasonably priced from $139 and they are Made in USA. That means if you buy these shoes you will be creating jobs for workers right here in American at a time that so many need work.

You can design your custom New Balance team shoes by clicking here.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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There’s Nothing Cooler than Made in USA Oakley Sunglasses

The warm weather has finally arrived, and it’s time to start spending more time outside. Whether it’s at the beach, in the backyard, or at a baseball game, a good pair of sunglasses is a must-have this time of year.

If you are looking for a new pair of shades be sure check out Oakley sunglasses. Not only does Oakley make many of the coolest sunglasses ever designed, they have superior eye protection, they’re competitively priced, and most (if not all) of their shades are made right here in the USA.

I’ve been a huge fan of Oakley ever since I was a kid. During the mid-nineties, there was a period when it seemed everyone in my entire high school was wearing Oakley sunglasses (or Oakley knock-offs we called “Foakleys,”). The brand had recently introduced their iconic e-wire design and the trend (in Miami, Florida, anyway) was to wear sunglasses indoors on your forehead as you walked around from class to class. It seems a little silly now, but at the time, that was the thing to do.

Ever since that time, Oakley has consistently been a leader in the sunglasses industry. The company, headquartered in Foothill Ranch, California, has been a frontrunner in eyewear innovation and currently holds more than 600 patents for eyewear, materials, and performance gear. They have had design after design become best-sellers, and they have earned their position as one of the most recognized and coveted brands in the industry.

I recently entered the market for a new pair of shades when I broke the sunglasses I had been wearing for several years.  Having never even researched sunglasses since committing to buy American a little over three years ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Would I even be able to find American-made sunglasses? And if so, would they be reasonably priced and look good? I was ecstatic to find that Oakley – my favorite brand of sunglasses – are made right here in the USA.

In my research, I could not confirm that all Oakley sunglasses are American-made. Many accounts online suggest that all their sunglasses are made in America, but others say that a few of their designs are imported. Nonetheless, the brand has many different styles that are manufactured domestically (in California), and you can identify them because the words “Made in U.S.A.” are stamped in raised letters on the inside arms of the frames.

In my search, I considered many different Oakley styles, and the decision on which pair to go with was tough. In the end, I chose a pair of polarized Oakley Pit Bull sunglasses.  They look and feel awesome, and they can be purchased for around $130. I’ve had these glasses for a few weeks, and I absolutely love them.

By the way, the fact that I’m from Miami and I bought “Pit Bull” glasses is purely coincidental.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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Now is a Good Time to Buy American-made Okabashi Flip Flops

I just saw that there is a Groupon for Okabashi sandals going on right now and I wanted to share it with you.  The deal is for $30 worth of Okabashi merchandise for just $15.  This bargain is too good to pass up.  I already got mine, and I’d jump on this deal too if I were you.

If you aren’t familiar with Okabashi, I hope you will be soon.  They make very comfortable and high quality flip flops.  Since I first tried them a couple years back, I have purchased three different pairs in different styles and colors.  They are by far my favorite brand of sandals.

What I like best about Okabashi is the quality construction of their flip flops.  Unlike most sandals, Okabashis are made from a single piece of stamped rubber, as opposed to different pieces of rubber that get joined together or uppers made of different materials sewn to rubber bottoms.

In my experience, Okabashis hold their shape perfectly and never flatten out like most sandals.  They also have true arch support.  I found I can walk around much further in these sandals than others I have owned in the past because of the support they provide.

My wife loves Okabashis, too.  She really likes to have sandals that match her outfits in the summertime, so she just loves how this brand comes in practically every color of the rainbow.  Some of their sandals for ladies also come with a 1” heal, which is pretty rare in a flip flop.

Okabashi is a family owned business that has been around for more than 25 years. Besides being made in the USA, Okabashi shoes are 100% recyclable, designed with superior foot support and a massaging insole, anti-microbial, dishwasher safe, and backed by a 2-year guarantee.  And at less than $20 per pair, Okabashi sandals are a really great value.

This Groupon for Okabashi ends in just three days.  Don’t miss this chance for a really good deal on some of the highest quality American-made sandals money can buy.  Not only will you love these flip flops, but you will be creating jobs for American workers when you buy them.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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Bullet Blues: The Next Great Brand of American Designer Jeans

I want to introduce you to Bullet Blues, an up-and-coming brand of premium designer jeans for men and women that is on the cusp of becoming the next great American denim brand.

What sets Bullet Blues apart from the stiff competition in the denim jeans industry is the extremely high quality of their product and their unwavering commitment to using American labor as well as American-made materials to construct their clothing.

Let’s face it, in this era of global supply chains and rampant outsourcing, there aren’t many clothing brands left that can make that kind of claim. 

Many iconic American brands of jeans that were once proudly made in the USA – think Tommy Hilfiger, Polo, and countless others – are now made in factories overseas.  And while clothing made by brands like these are often adorned in red, white, and blue – suggesting American patriotism in every way – when it comes to investing in American workers, most brands check their patriotism at the door in favor of heftier bottom lines.

Not Bullet Blues.

As the rest of the denim jeans industry continues to move toward outsourcing, Bullet Blues is moving in the opposite direction. They currently make every pair of their jeans in the USA, and as they ramp up production, they are committed to keeping every pair made right here in America.

As Bullet Blues Founder Isabelle Benoit explains it, their brand’s two best selling points – superior quality and American construction – are closely related.  It’s not just that Bullet Blues happen to be extremely well-made and constructed in the United States; they are extremely well-made because they are made in the USA.

When Isabelle was establishing the Bullet Blues brand, she decided early on that her clothing would be made in the USA.  But as she began to sample fabrics and make prototypes of her designer jeans, she quickly realized that she simply could not do the kind of quality control she demanded from half-way around the world.  The quality of her product depended on her close oversight of the entire production process and quality American construction.

The end result was spectacular.  Bullet Blues are true designer jeans.  That means they have superb design, superior construction, and a great fit.  Just the qualities you would want in your new favorite pair of jeans.

Let me make this clear: When I talk about Bullet Blues, and what great pair of jeans they are, I’m speaking from my own personal experience. 

I’ve owned a pair for about six months, and they are the best pair of jeans I own by a long-shot.  They look great, which makes them my go-to jeans for a night out on the town. But they are also very comfortable.  They are quite simply the best pair of jeans I have ever owned.

If you are looking for a great pair of designer American-made jeans, give Bullet Blues a try.  Ladies can buy a pair of Bullet Blues from M.i.U.S. Collection, a wonderful online boutique featuring a superb collection of American made clothing and apparel for women, by clicking here. 

If you try these jeans, I’m sure you’ll love them, and your purchase will be helping a small business that is committed to growing and creating jobs in the United States.

That’s the kind of company I want to support.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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American-made Hardwick Suits are a Cut Above the Competition

Recently, I decided it was time to buy some new suits.  When I made that decision, I had a feeling that these were going to be costly purchases.  You see, I am committed to buying American, and I thought I might have to pay a substantial premium to get quality suits that are made in the U.S.A.

But I am glad to say that my preconceived notion about the cost of buying quality American-made suits was completely wrong.

After a brief internet search I came across an American-made brand of suit called Hardwick, an extremely high-quality suit that, get this, can be had for under $300.  Reviews online for Hardwick suits were great, so I bought one immediately.

It just goes to show you that American workers can still compete in industries that many have long given up on.  Let’s not continue to make that mistake.

Let there be no mistake about this: Hardwick suits are extremely well-made.  They are easily the full equivalent (if not the superior) of imported suits I have purchased in years past from fine department stores and men’s clothiers – suits for which I’ve typically paid as much as $400-$500.

The Hardwick suit I purchased is beautiful charcoal grey made of 100% worsted wool, and you can just see and feel the quality of the suit when you put it on.  I’ve worn it just a few times, and I get positive comments every time I wear it.

Hardwick’s quality comes from over a century of experience in the industry and superior craftsmanship of their suit-makers.  Founded in 1880, Hardwick is proud to be the oldest private-held apparel manufacturer in the United States.  They make all of their fine men and women’s clothing in Cleveland, Tennessee. The company performs all cutting, sewing, and distribution from this location where they employ about 400 people (seen below).

Kudos to Hardwick for remaining loyal to their workers in Tennessee.  Their product is of better quality due to the fact that it is American-made.

So where did I actually buy my Hardwick suit?  I got it from an online retailer called MensSuitSeparates.com.  This retailer had the best deals I could find anywhere for Hardwick suits.  They’ve also got good deals on American-made Neil M shoes and American-made Gitman Brothers shirts.  MensSuitSeparates.com is one-stop shopping for a professional man’s wardrobe needs.

After I found MensSuitSeparates.com online, I called them up with a few questions and got all the information I needed with quick and friendly customer service (Thanks again, Carl!).  I placed my order, and had my suit delivered to my front door in just a few days. There was no charge for shipping, and the online retailer offered me 100% money back for returns in case there was any problems (there weren’t any).

I really like Hardwick suits because in addition to being really well-made and sharp looking, they offer suits sold as separates – which means you can get the specific size of jacket and pants that fit you best, instead of getting the right sized jacket with pants that are way too big.  the suit I ordered fit so well when it arrived, the only tailoring I needed to have done was to hem the pants.  I’ve found buying suits as separates will save you a lot of money in tailoring.

This was the first suit I have ever purchased online, and I have to say, it was a great experience. In the past, I always bought suits in stores because I thought it was necessary to try suits on before I bought them.  But then I realized this really is not necessary.  I buy the same size suit every time anyway, then I take the new suit in to my local tailor for small alterations.   When you buy suits this way, there is literally no difference between buying a suit in a store and buying them online.

No wait.  Actually, there is one difference.  You can get better deals online.

My experience was so good with MensSuitSeparates.com and Hardwick that I have just put an order in for two more suits.  I can’t wait until they show up.  For the first time in my life, I am going to have a rotation of American-made suits.

Maybe it’s just me, but that makes me proud.

If you are in the market for a new suit, consider buying a Hardwick, and give MensSuitSeparates.com a try.  You can find the link to MensSuitSeparates.com on this site at all times under “Good Vendors.”

Hardwick suits are simply a cut above the competition.  You could not find a better suit for a better price anywhere.  And when you buy a Hardwick, you will be putting Americans to work at a time our country needs jobs the most.

Let’s spread the word about Hardwick suits and see if we can double their business.  With 10.1% unemployment in Bradley County – the county in which Cleveland, Tennessee is located – the people living in this area of the country could sure use 400 new jobs.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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In the Spirit of Christmas, Buy American

Christmas is just around the corner, and every day millions of Americans are hitting the malls, shops, and websites searching for gifts to give friends and family. Even if this Christmas is leaner than some in years past, for many it will still be a time of much celebration.

But for many of the millions of unemployed or underemployed this season, Christmas will not be a time for celebration at all. In fact, Christmas is the hardest time of year to be unemployed because it is the time when financial obligations are the greatest.

When I’m shopping this Christmas season, I am doing everything I can to make sure the things I buy are made in USA, and I’m letting those around me know if they are buying me gifts, to please make sure they are American made.

That’s not to say every gift you buy for ever person should be American made, because sometimes a person wants a very specific item, or sometimes an American made version of what you want to get for someone is simply not available.  Check out my advice for buying American while gift-giving.

Here are a few examples of the things you can do to buy American this Christmas season: 

Buy a real Christmas tree. The fake ones are usually made overseas while the real ones are almost always grown right here in the USA.  I have always insisted on real Christmas trees because I love the smell of a real tree, but they are also a great way to buy American and create jobs. If you do prefer an artificial tree, a company called Christmas in America makes theirs in the USA.

Buy American made candles. People tend to buy a lot of candles around the holidays, and generally American-made candles can be found very easily at retail stores near you.  But the imported ones are on the shelf right next to the American-made ones.  The imports generally aren’t any better or cheaper.  Make the right choice. 

Buy American wine.  People buy more wine around Christmas than any other time of year.  Thankfully some of the greatest wine in the world is made right here in states like California, Washington, and New York.  Don’t feel the need to buy an imported wine for a gift because it might look it like a better wine.  The comparably priced American wine is probably better, and you’ll be helping create jobs here in the USA if you buy American.

Buy American clothing.  We buy lots of clothes around Christmas time, and there are lots of great options that are American made.  Check out the Made in USA Clothing Company for a great American brand of polo shirts and sweatshirts for men and women.  Check out All American Clothing for some more great clothing options including jeans.  Check out Todd Shelton for a true American made designer brand. 

Finally, check out www.AmericansWorking.com for a great directory of American made products.

Every time we buy American made we are doing something – our small part – to create jobs for Americans. This is so important when millions of Americans are out of work. 

This year, in the spirit of Christmas, please buy American.  I am.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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If You Only Buy One Thing Made in U.S.A., Make it Your Car

The Ford Sport Trac is made in Louisville, Kentucky and has the highest percentage of domestic parts content - 90% - of all vehicles being sold in the U.S.

Without question, the most important time you can buy American is when you are purchasing a car.  The reason for this is simple.  A new car is second only to a home as the most expensive purchase many consumers make. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,400. That is a whole lot of money to be spent at one time on a single purchase. Choosing to buy American in this one critical instance has the same impact as buying hundreds of less expensive goods that are American-made.  In short, when buying a car, this is the time when you can do the very most to help create American jobs by buying made in U.S.A. 

Another reason it is great to buy American when buying a car is that our country makes many of the best cars in the world.  Whether it’s a car, truck, SUV, hybrid, you name it, many of the very highest rated and best-selling vehicles in the world are made right here in the U.S.A.  Regardless of what kind of vehicle you are looking for, you will likely find one that fits your needs that is made in America.

Buying American is a little more complicated for cars than most other goods though.  There are lots of foreign sounding cars, like some Toyotas and Hondas, that are actually now made in the U.S.A., and there are some traditional American car brands that are now made in other countries.  So when buying a car, we really can’t just assume based on the brand name where the car was made.  We really have to do a little more homework to make sure the car we are buying is made in the U.S.A. 

Another important consideration when car buying is the percentage of U.S. domestic parts content used to make the vehicle.  We can’t get parts content information for most goods we buy, but with cars we have access to a great deal of information.  Not only can we identify where every vehicle had its final assembly, but every car manufacturer publishes the percentage of domestic parts content used in making their vehicles.  This allows us to differentiate between the cars that have 0% domestic parts content and those that have a much higher percentage of U.S.-made content.

The parts content is important because when you buy a car, you aren’t just creating jobs for the people working in the final assembly plant; you are creating jobs for workers all the way up through the supply chain – like the person who built the transmission or the person who sewed the seats together.  Cars create lots of jobs for workers that never actually see the final product being made.  That is why it is critical to consider the percentage of domestic parts content when purchasing a car.

One thing to consider about parts content is that no car is made with 100% American-made parts anymore.  One main reason for that is every car built today has a computer chip and complex electrical system built into it.  Some of this parts content simply cannot be sourced in the U.S.A.  But we shouldn’t let that discourage us from buying an American-made car with as high a percentage of domestic parts content as possible.  Thankfully, we have over 100 cars and trucks to choose from that have 50% or more of their parts content made in the U.S.A.

If you are wondering what the most American-made car on the market is; it is the Ford Sport Trac, made by Ford Motor Company.  The Sport Trac is made in Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky plant that has been in operation since 1955.  There are 2,100 workers employed at that plant.  In addition to the Sport Trac, this plant also makes the Ford Explorer and the Mercury Mountaineer, both of which have 85% domestic parts content. 

For a full list of cars (years 2005-2011) and their percentage of U.S. parts content, go here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws+&+Regulations/Part+583+American+Automobile+Labeling+Act+%28AALA%29+Reports

Remember, there is no more important time to buy American than when you are buying a car.  And don’t forget, the higher percentage of domestic parts content the car has, the more American jobs you are creating when you buy it. 

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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American-made Tito’s Vodka Puts Imports to Shame

Tito's Handmade Vodka

If you’ve never heard of Tito’s Vodka, just wait, you’ll be hearing a lot about it soon.  Tito’s has been gobbling up market share left and right because it is quite simply one of the best, if not the best, vodka on the market today.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated Tito’s handmade Vodka and awarded it a score of 95, an insanely high score for vodka.  By contrast, other top shelf vodkas, Ketel One, Grey Goose, and Belvedere scored 89, 84, and 84, respectively, when rated by the same publication.  They didn’t hold a candle to Tito’s. 

What does that tell you about the vodka market?  To me, it says don’t be misled by a fancy bottle and lots of marketing.  The best vodka – like many other things – is not necessarily the one with the highest price tag. 

Speaking of price tags, that is absolutely one of the most attractive qualities of this fine vodka.  Unlike some of the brand’s imported rivals that sell for $30 and up, a 750ML bottle of Tito’s can be purchased for $18-$20.  Tito Beveridge, the owner of Tito’s vodka, has said that he decided to keep the profit margin down and sell his vodka for around $20 to reach a potentially bigger audience. That strategy – delivering a superior American-made product at a very reasonable price – is paying off in spades.

What is most impressive about Tito’s is the reviews the product gets from people know the product well. They don’t just like Tito’s, they love it!  Check out this review of Tito’s Vodka from the Beverage Baron, a connoisseur of beer and spirits based out of Alexandria, Virginia.  Even if you don’t care about vodka ratings, I suggest you take a look at the Baron’s blog; it’s funny and informative.  The Baron swears by Tito’s. 

Here is my favorite attribute of the brand.  Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which is a corn-based, gluten-free vodka, is distilled 6 times in old-fashioned pot stills at Fifth Generation distillery in Austin, Texas.  It is as American as apple pie.  In fact, just today, Tito’s vodka became Made in U.S.A. Certified, a certification that guarantees a commitment to American products in the entire production process.  Tito’s is the first spirit to have earned that designation. 

When you are committed to buying American, there are times when you have to pay a premium to get a good made in the U.S.A.  Then there are other times, like right now with Tito’s Vodka, that you don’t have to pay a penny more for the American product.  In fact, the American product is superior and significantly lower cost.  Tito’s beats the imports six-ways-to-Sunday on any factor you might consider.  

If you buy vodka, you owe it to yourself to give Tito’s a try. Tito’s is available in all 50 states, so you should be able to locate some in your neck of the woods.  And, don’t be afraid to ask for it by name at your local bars and restaurants.  It would be great if every establishment in America had Tito’s on the shelf.  Don’t be surprised if that becomes the case in a few years.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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Proof Buy American is Catching On: PickMyDecor.com Goes Made in USA Only

This week, http://www.PickMyDecor.com decided to sell goods made in the U.S.A. only. Go there for a great selection of high quality American-made products for your home.

If this isn’t proof that this buy American movement is catching on, I don’t know what is. 

Just this week ABC World News announced a Buy American Challenge, and challenged Americans to redecorate their homes with goods made in the U.S.A.  Well today, I found out that www.PickMyDecor.com has decided to carry only products made in the U.S.A.  They have updated their website and now everything you will find there is made in America.

If you’re looking for a place to buy American-made goods for your home, www.PickMyDecor.com has a great selection of really beautiful products.  They have bathroom items, bed linens, dining and kitchen supplies, pillows, furnishings, patio items, and much, much more.  It is all quality stuff.  And best of all, it’s all American-made.

This is how we use buying American to create jobs.  The American people demand it, then companies like this one step up and bring all those American-made goods to one place so that consumers can shop as they normally do, while shopping for items that are made in the U.S.A.  Kudos to www.PickMyDecor.com for making the decision make their site 100% made in U.S.A.

I’m convinced that we are going to get our economy humming and creating jobs by millions of Americans choosing to buy American.  I can see that this idea is starting to grow.

Join the movement.  Be a part of the solution.  Invest in your country by buying American.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

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Big News: ABC Issues Made in U.S.A. Challenge; You Game?

ABC's Diane Sawyer issues Made in USA Challenge on World News. I'm in, how about you?

This week on World News with Diane Sawyer, ABC issued a Made in U.S.A. Challenge.  See it for yourself here.  A truly ground-breaking project, ABC has challenged Americans to empty their homes of imported goods, and replace them solely with goods that are made in the U.S.A. 

From curtains, to furniture, to lighting, there are numerous ways to buy American in your home and create jobs for Americans in the process.  ABC has issued the challenge, but can it be done?

In the coming weeks, ABC is going to find a house, and conduct an extreme makeover using only American-made goods.  First, let me say to all the readers out there, check this segment out, and please consider participating in this challenge.  I know that I will.  Even if you can’t replace all the things in your home, you can participate by replacing one or two things.  If lots of us will do it, it could make a major difference. 

If you decide to participate, please let me know what you are going to replace in the comments section.  I’d love to hear what you are planning.  I know what I’m replacing first – my ugly recliner.  I’ve been wanting to replace it for a while, and now I’m finally going to do it.

ABC introduced an amazing statistic to highlight the importance of buying American.  If every American spent an extra $3.33 on goods made in the U.S.A., it would create almost 10,000 new jobs in this country.  That is precisely the job-creating power that we have as American consumers.  We have the ability to create all the jobs we need in this country simply by changing our buying habits. 

Don’t wait.  Take the Buy American Challenge today.

Until next time, here’s to doing what we can to support our country by buying American.

Randy

P.S. If you are looking for a great American made clothing brand, check out Made in USA Threads!

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