In this enlightening episode of The Manufacturers Network Podcast, host Lisa Ryan welcomes Dean Wegner, founder and CEO of Authentically American. Dean shares his journey from a West Point graduate and Army veteran to an entrepreneur passionate about creating American jobs through his 100% American-made apparel brand. Explore the strategic insights Dean gained from his corporate experiences at Procter & Gamble and Mars and how they shaped his mission-driven leadership approach today.

Key Themes and Lessons Learned:

1. Commitment to American Manufacturing and Job Creation:

• Dean Wegner is on a mission to revitalize American manufacturing by producing high-quality apparel made entirely in the U.S. He aims to create jobs and support the American worker, moving away from the industry's reliance on cheap overseas labor.

1. Entrepreneurial Journey and Strategies:

• Dean transitioned from an Army officer to a corporate executive at Fortune 500 companies before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. He stresses the importance of understanding your industry and the power of branding and marketing.

1. Balancing Mission and Profitability:

• Authentically American adheres to a direct-to-consumer business model, inspired by successful examples like Dell and Southwest. This approach helps maintain competitive pricing by cutting out the middleman, ensuring high-quality American-made products remain affordable.

1. Harnessing National Media for Brand Growth:

• Dean shares how national media exposure catalyzes brand awareness and sales but emphasizes the need for sustained marketing efforts to maintain growth momentum.

1. Employee and Customer Engagement:

• Authentically American boosts customer and employee loyalty by staying true to its values. Dean’s commitment to donating 10% of profits to veterans and first responders is a testament to the brand’s purpose-driven ethos.

Fun Fact:

• Authentically American incorporates innovative designs, such as sweat-activated T-shirts, which reveal new messages as you perspire, a nod to their creativity and unique market appeal.

Connect with Dean Wegner:

Visit Authentically American's website at authenticallyamerican.us to learn more about Dean Wegner or explore its range of premium American-made apparel. You can also connect with Dean on LinkedIn to stay updated on his journey and insights into American manufacturing.