The Washington Post Explores the Made in America Store’s Mission to Revitalize U.S. Manufacturing

It’s not every day a national publication stops by our little slice of Elma, New York. But last week, The Washington Post visited the Made in America Store, and they took a deep dive into the heart of our mission: a commitment to 100% American-made products, supporting local jobs, and honoring American craftsmanship.

We were thrilled to share our story with them — and even more excited to see it showcased for the world to read. The article explores not just what we sell, but why we do it — and the journey Mark Andol has taken to make this vision a reality.

From Setback to Comeback: Mark Andol’s Story

Mark Andol didn’t start out to run a store. He started out as a welder and small business owner. But in 2007, when a major customer took their business overseas, Mark’s welding company, General Welding & Fabricating, lost nearly half its revenue. Rather than throw in the towel, he decided to fight back.

Mark didn’t just watch American jobs go overseas — he took action. He founded the Made in America Store in 2010 with one simple mission: to offer products that are 100% made in the USA. What began with just 50 products quickly grew to over 15,000, and has since become a symbol of resilience in the face of an ever-globalizing world.

The Reality of 100% American-Made

One of the highlights of The Washington Post article is the candid exploration of the challenges we face in stocking a store with entirely American-made goods. In a world where so many products are sourced from across the globe, finding items that are truly American-made is becoming increasingly difficult.

But that’s exactly why we’re here. Our store isn’t just about selling products; it’s about proving that American-made can still thrive. It’s about showing that when we make an effort to support our local economy, we can create jobs, empower communities, and bring quality back to the forefront.

Why This Matters

At its core, this feature isn’t just about the Made in America Store — it’s about the larger movement we’re a part of. It’s about the dream of revitalizing American manufacturing, creating jobs, and bringing more production back to the U.S. The article highlights how tariffs and trade policy could play a role in reshaping the landscape for American-made products. But beyond the trade policies, there’s a bigger picture — it’s about people choosing to make products here and supporting businesses that keep jobs in America.

Want to read the story? Check out the article here

Original article written by Rachel Siegel of the Washington Post, photos by Jalen Wright for The Washington Post.