Kevin McLaughlin is the owner of the beloved New England heritage brand Quaker Marine and the co-founder of J.McLaughlin. He’s a no nonsense New Yorker with an intimate knowledge of the nuts-and-bolts of making clothes. I would have a hard time finding someone more involved in the history of garment manufacturing in New York. It’s a delight to be able to chat and learn from him.

When I meet someone like Kevin, my mind starts to race with questions. He’s seen a lot when it comes to making clothes and manufacturing in America. Every year the footprint of New York clothing-makers continues to shrink as factories close. Even in my short time working in the business things have continued to get noticeably smaller. Conversations with guys like Kevin help to preserve some of the history of the garment industry and give it a place in the dialog of today. These stories are but a small tribute to the hard working people of the trade, past and present. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

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Big thanks to Al James for lending me his music. The song is: Hard Working Dogs by Dolorean.

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