Makers of the USA

About Topsl Farm

Sarah’s Journey

Key Themes from the Conversation

From Hustle to Stillness

Out of the Head, Into the Hands

3. Building Without a Blueprint

4. The Power of Experience Design

5. Culture Over Everything

6. The Next Chapter

Memorable Takeaways

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

In this episode, Kristan sits down with Patrick Stone, lead singer of Hairball, to talk about the craft behind performance — not just music, but transformation, confidence, and connection. What starts as a conversation about 80s hair-band culture quickly becomes a deeper discussion about purpose, creativity, and what it means to make people feel something through live music.

How Patrick’s love for music started with his sister’s record collection

Growing up in Northern California and forming his first bands

The difference between being a singer and being a performer

The discipline behind stage confidence and transformation

Why Hairball is more than a cover band — it’s an experience

How confidence evolves through repetition, preparation, and growth

The emotional connection between performers and audiences

Why nostalgia and live music still matter today

Performance is a craft that takes just as much discipline as music itself

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s built over time

Great performers don’t just sing songs; they create moments

Live music connects generations in ways few other art forms can

Being a “maker” isn’t limited to physical crafts — performance is a craft too

Patrick Stone – Lead singer of Hairball, performer, songwriter, and live-performance artist known for bringing the energy and spirit of 80s rock to audiences across the country.

Kristan Vermeulen – Host of Makers of the USA, a podcast that highlights artists, creators, and makers across the country who bring passion, craftsmanship, and creativity to what they do.

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Episode Highlights:

* Why so many successful entrepreneurs still feel stuck or unfulfilled

* The danger of hiding behind titles, success, or “having it all together”

* How fear shows up differently for leaders and founders

* Why storytelling doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful

* The six-question framework Josh uses to uncover authentic personal brands

* How podcasts and media appearances can be leveraged as strategic marketing tools

* The Year of the Horse as a mindset for 2026: momentum, courage, and clarity

Key Themes:

Authenticity • Fear • Personal Branding • Storytelling • Entrepreneurship • Momentum • Leadership • Identity • Growth

Memorable Quotes:

* “Everything happening in your outer world is a reflection of what’s going on inside.”

* “You already know what you want. The real work is understanding why you’re not getting it.”

* “Your story isn’t boring—you’re just too close to it.”

Who This Episode Is For:

* Makers and creatives building something meaningful

* Entrepreneurs in the messy middle

* Leaders who look successful on paper but feel disconnected inside

* Anyone ready to stop hiding and start moving forward

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Guest:

🧍‍♂️ Steven White — Co-Founder & Creative Director, [Different Regard](https://differentregard.com)

📍 Location: Howard Street, Baltimore, Maryland

Highlights:

* Steven’s journey from finance to fashion — and how narcolepsy changed his path

* Founding story of Different Regard (2010–2011) and building an in-house factory by 2013

* Transition from T-shirts to fully tailored suits and small-batch production

* The philosophy behind custom consultations and valuing craftsmanship

* Baltimore’s role as a creative hub and why Steven chooses to stay and build there

* Mentorship and youth education initiatives teaching pattern-making, sewing, and design

* Global yet local sourcing — from Baltimore to the UK and back

* Creating standout custom pieces for clients like Real Housewives of Potomac’s Robin Dixon

* How Different Regard balances high-end design with community values and sustainability

* Kristan’s personal connection: Steven designed her suit for her national pageant

Key Quotes:

> “I want to show young people that you don’t have to sew to be in this space — there are so many ways to build a career in fashion.”

> “We don’t just make clothes; we make people feel different, confident, and connected to the process.”

> “Baltimore is where my story began — and it’s where I want to give back."

Connect:

🎧 Listen to more episodes: makersoftheusa.com

📸 Follow @makersoftheusa and @differentregard on Instagram

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Episode Notes: Makers of the USA with Elise Marie Designs

In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen welcomes Elise Marie Designs, a Maine-based jewelry artist whose work blends sustainability, elegance, and storytelling. Elise opens up about her journey as a designer, how nature and the Maine coastline inspire her collections, and what it takes to build a thriving creative business in today’s world.

Elise doesn’t just create—she teaches. Through workshops and classes, she shares her craft with others, giving participants a chance to learn jewelry-making techniques, explore their creativity, and leave with something truly handmade. It’s all part of her mission to expand the maker movement and keep the spirit of craftsmanship alive.

You’ll hear about:
✨ Elise’s path from experimenting with design to building her own brand
✨ How sustainability shapes her process and material choices
✨ Why teaching workshops has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey
✨ The challenges and triumphs of being a Maine-based maker
✨ Advice for aspiring artisans and entrepreneurs

Whether you’re an artist, a maker, or someone who simply loves meaningful jewelry, Elise’s story will inspire you to celebrate craftsmanship and support local makers.

Explore Elise Marie Designs: www.elisemariedesigns.com
More episodes of Makers of the USA: www.makersoftheusa.com

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Key Topics Covered:

The Spark Behind Origin USA

Pete talks about how he saw an opportunity—and responsibility—to bring manufacturing back to America, starting with jiu-jitsu gis.

Manufacturing in Maine

The commitment to American supply chains and reviving long-lost skills in the state of Maine.

Resilience & Risk

Why Pete bet everything he had—literally—to get his business off the ground and why he never looked back.

Partnership with Jocko Willink

How teaming up with the Navy SEAL turned podcaster and author helped scale Origin’s mission and visibility.

What "Made in America" Really Means

The difference between a marketing label and a mission-driven movement.

Advice for Makers & Entrepreneurs

Pete shares powerful insight on grit, self-belief, and doing hard things—even when no one else believes in you.

Notable Quotes:

“If you're not willing to put it all on the line, then you're not building something that’s going to last.”

“We don't just manufacture here. We grow our own cotton. We spin our own yarn. We dye, cut, and sew—all in America.”

“You have to live the hard days to earn the good ones.”

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Hats, Hustle, and Heritage: How John Brubaker Wears Every Role with Purpose

In a world where reinvention is often just a buzzword, John Brubaker is living proof that you can evolve without losing the core of who you are. Known to many as Coach Bru, a celebrated author, speaker, and performance coach, Brubaker has turned his passion for leadership into bestselling books and transformative programs. But in a bold pivot, he's added a new title to his resume—master hatmaker and founder of Hats by Bru.

This podcast episode dives into the story behind that transformation, revealing how a deep love for craftsmanship, style, and storytelling led him to create a brand that sits at the intersection of identity and artistry.

From Coaching Greatness to Crafting Crowns

In the episode, Brubaker shares how he went from writing leadership books and speaking on big stages to hand-shaping hats in his workshop in Maine. What started as a personal passion evolved into Hats by Bru, a bespoke hat company rooted in tradition and individual expression.

"Every hat I make is a reflection of someone’s story,” Brubaker says in the episode. “It’s not just an accessory—it’s a statement."

Listeners learn how he immersed himself in the craft, studying under master hatters in Texas and Colorado, and why attention to detail—something he honed as a coach—is now the soul of his business.

Why Hats by Bru is More Than a Brand

Brubaker doesn’t just make hats—he creates an experience. Whether it’s a custom fitting, a storytelling session during the design process, or a community event, Hats by Bru reflects a lifestyle of confidence, authenticity, and legacy.

In the episode, Brubaker talks about how his clients range from country musicians and executives to creatives and everyday folks who want to wear something uniquely theirs. His custom events—private hat parties and pop-ups—turn craftsmanship into connection.

“People light up when they put on the hat that’s made for them. It’s like they’re stepping into who they really are,” he shares.

A Legacy of Leadership

Before hats, Brubaker was (and still is) a powerhouse in performance coaching. With titles like Seeds of Success, The Coach Approach, and Stadium Status, he’s helped leaders unlock potential through mindset shifts and strategic focus. His work has been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, and he’s hosted The Coach Bru Podcast, where leadership and life intersect.

Interestingly, the two worlds—coaching and hat-making—aren’t so different. As he explains in the episode:

“Coaching is about seeing people clearly. So is crafting a hat. Both require listening, understanding, and shaping something with intention.”

Blending Purpose with Practice

The episode touches on the importance of slowing down, working with your hands, and creating something meaningful in a digital-first world. Brubaker reflects on the joy of building with intention and the creative peace he’s found in hat making. It’s a refreshing take on entrepreneurship that values depth over speed and connection over clicks.

He’s also authored a companion guide, The Care and Feeding of Your Hat, which mirrors his leadership ethos: take care of your tools, your story, and yourself.

Final Stitch: What This Episode Teaches Us

This conversation with John Brubaker reminds us that our paths don’t have to be linear. You can write books, lead teams, and shape fedoras—all with the same heart. Whether you're a creative, a leader, or someone in search of a new beginning, Hats by Bru is more than a business—it's a metaphor for reclaiming your identity, one stitch at a time.

Listen to the full episode to hear how Coach Bru weaves storytelling, legacy, and leadership into every brim and every brand he builds.

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Meet Jen Dean: Photographer, dark alchemist, and guide for personal transformation

The healing power of boudoir photography

What is “dark alchemy”? Jen explains the process of facing shadow to reveal the light

Reclaiming identity through vulnerability and embodiment

Jen’s personal journey: how she came to this work and why it matters

The importance of self-love in a culture that profits from insecurity

How her sessions go beyond the photoshoot — creating space for emotional breakthroughs

Advice for women beginning their path of self-exploration

Learn more or book with Jen at JenDean.com

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Episode Title: Building Strength, Inside and Out: The Journey of Evan Amell and EA Fitness

Guest: Evan Amell, Owner of EA Fitness & Performance

Podcast: Makers of the USA

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Makers of the USA, host Evan Amell, the young entrepreneur behind EA Fitness & Performance, shares his remarkable journey from athlete to fitness coach and business owner. From overcoming personal health challenges to building a thriving fitness community, Amell’s story is one of determination, mentorship, and a passion for helping others achieve their best selves—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As a young entrepreneur, Amell discusses how he navigated the challenges of starting his own fitness business, learning from a seasoned mentor in the wellness industry, and creating a supportive community at EA Fitness. He also explains his unique, holistic approach to fitness that goes beyond just physical performance and focuses on mental wellness, personal growth, and building a lasting fitness mindset.

Key Takeaways:

Evan’s Personal Transformation – How Amell’s own fitness journey led him to pursue a career in coaching and eventually open his own fitness business.

The Importance of Mentorship – The crucial role that Amell’s mentor played in his entrepreneurial journey and how guidance from an industry veteran shaped his approach to fitness coaching and business management.

EA Fitness: A Community, Not Just a Gym – How Amell built a community-driven fitness space where clients are supported both physically and mentally, and how that community culture has contributed to the success of EA Fitness.

A Holistic Approach to Fitness – Amell’s philosophy is that true fitness is a combination of physical health, mental resilience, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

Building a Business with Core Values – How Amell’s commitment to authenticity, hard work, and consistency has played a key role in the success and growth of EA Fitness.

Vision for the Future – What’s next for EA Fitness & Performance and how Amell is planning to continue growing his business while staying true to his mission of improving lives through fitness.

Listen to the Full Episode for:

• Insights into what it takes to build a fitness business from the ground up
• How fitness can be more than just physical appearance—it's about mental health too
• The impact of a strong support network and community in reaching your goals
• The power of mentorship in shaping the career of a young entrepreneur

Where to Find Evan Amell and EA Fitness:

• Website: EA Fitness & Performance
• Instagram: @eafitnessandperformance

Episode Resources:

• EA Fitness & Performance Coaching: Coaching Page

Connect with the Podcast:

• Subscribe to Makers of the USA for more interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
• Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay updated on future episodes!

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.

Podcast Notes: Olagunju Busola Dorcas – Fashion, Storytelling, and Community Impact**

Episode Overview:

In this episode, we speak with Olagunju Busola Dorcas, a Maine-based fashion designer originally from Nigeria. Olagunju shares her inspiring journey from studying project management in Maine to following her true passion for fashion. Alongside her design work, she supports refugees as they settle in Maine, weaving together her love for creativity and community.

Key Topics:

1. Background & Journey:

   - Olagunju’s move to Maine to study project management.

   - Despite focusing on a degree in project management, her passion for fashion never faded.

   - How she transitioned from academics to pursuing a full-time career in fashion design.

   - The importance of following one's true passion and making career shifts.

2. Fashion Design & Creative Vision:

   - Her approach to fashion design – blending personal stories with each creation.

   - Custom designs and bespoke dresses tailored to tell a meaningful narrative.

   - Notable figures she’s worked with in Maine, including the owner of Coffee Be Design and USOA Ms. Maine.

3. Fashion as Storytelling:

   - How Olagunju uses fashion to communicate deeper personal stories.

   - The power of design as a tool for self-expression and narrative.

   - Examples of her work and how each piece tells a unique story.

4. Community Impact:

   - Olagunju’s role in supporting refugees in Maine and helping them settle.

   - The intersection of fashion and community engagement in her life and work.

   - How her career enables her to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

5. Advice for Aspiring Designers & Creatives:

   - The importance of persistence and staying true to one's passion.

   - How to balance creative dreams with practical life responsibilities.

   - Tips for anyone looking to start their own business in the fashion industry.

Takeaways:

- The importance of combining passion with purpose, as Olagunju does through both her fashion design and refugee support work.

- Fashion as a means of storytelling and cultural expression.

- How personal experiences can shape creative pursuits and contribute to broader community support.

Listener Action Points:

- Reflect on how creativity and passion can be integrated into your own career.

- Support local designers and businesses in your community.

- Consider how fashion and other creative industries can be used as a platform for social good and storytelling.

Closing Thoughts:

Olagunju’s journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion, the impact of community support, and how creativity can be used to inspire and make a difference in the world. Tune in to hear more about her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.