"The Made in America Hour" podcast, presented by America's Inventor Lady and HomeTalk USA

"The Made in America Hour" podcast, presented by America's Inventor Lady and HomeTalk USA

By America's Inventor Lady and HomeTalk USABusinessEntrepreneurship
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"The Made in America Hour" podcast, presented by America's Inventor Lady and HomeTalk USA episodes

  • Episode 18: From 10 Hours to 15 Minutes: How Green Tech Tools Revolutionized Demolition & Returned to US Manufacturing

    In this episode of "Made in America," we sit down with Ben Weinreich, the founder of Green Tech Tools, to discuss how a brutal 10-hour deck demolition job inspired a revolutionary line of tools. Ben shares his journey from being a licensed contractor to an inventor, solving back-breaking problems for DIYers and pros alike.


    We also dive deep into the reality of manufacturing. Ben reveals why he stopped importing from overseas—citing 500% material cost hikes and logistical nightmares—and moved production to Ohio and Maryland to regain control and quality.


    Timestamps:

    • 0:00 - Intro: Green Tech Tools

    • 04:58 - The "Goliath" Story: Why the old way of demo failed.

    • 07:11 - The Science of Leverage: Twisting vs. Prying.

    • 15:26 - The Nightmare of Importing: Why they reshored to the USA.

    • 27:54 - New Products: Dead Blow Hammers & Hardwood Removal.


    #MadeInAmerica #GreenTechTools #Construction #DIY #USManufacturing #SmallBusiness


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    38 min
  • Episode 17, 11/15/2025 - Mom's Inventing America

    "If you build it, they will come" is a myth. Discover the brutal truth about shifting from inventor to marketer in this episode of Invent America. Join hosts Michael King and Rita Crompton (The Inventor Lady) as they peel back the curtain on the independent inventor's journey. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about navigating the treacherous waters of patents, big-box retail compliance, and finding the right distribution partners.


    In this episode, we feature two inventors who refused to let their prototypes gather dust: Russell Kramer, creator of the TruView blind spot mirror, and Dave Fiegel, the mind behind Seal-It paint can solutions.


    Key Discussion Points:


    -- The Marketing Pivot: Russell Kramer shares a hard lesson: you have to take off your "inventor shoes" and put on your "marketing shoes." Learn why established companies often reject superior technology simply because they are vested in selling their old inventory.


    -- The Retail Gauntlet: Dave Fiegel exposes the reality of dealing with major retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware. He explains why these giants act more like "consignment shops" and how a single barcode error can cost you a paycheck.


    -- The "Gross Sales" Conflict: A fascinating look at why some industries resist efficiency products (like paint savers) because they actually reduce the volume of product consumers need to buy.


    Innovation in Action: We showcase TruView, a distortion-free mirror that eliminates the "knee-jerk" reaction in traffic, and Seal-It, a vacuum-seal ring that saves homeowners from wasted paint and rusted cans. Whether you have a sketch on a napkin or a prototype in the garage, this conversation proves that persistence—and finding the right partners—is the difference between a hobby and a business.


    #InventAmerica #ProductDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #MadeInUSA #innovation


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    41 min
  • Episode 16, 10:25:2025: Turning Problems into Solutions

    Session 1: Michael and Rita discuss turning Problems Turned to Solutions!


    Session 2: Guest: Jeshaiah Eggers, CEO and Founder Company Sewing Solutions 4U LLC Phone: (740) 407-7481 Email: [email protected] Website: sewingsolutions4u.com


    The Story that Comes to Life At Sewing Solutions 4U, we are committed to providing high-quality products, with reasonable lead times and Minimum order quantities. Sewing Solutions 4U was created by a former Nurse, whose passion for technique and precision crossed paths with the textile industry. This created the drive to learn and excel in product processes, allowing a smaller scale manufacturer to be born. Our commitment to excel in product manufacturing, has allowed for many clients to sustain and grow their operations.


    AND


    Kevin Cody Founder and CEO: FLI Products Phone: 630 240 0819 Email: [email protected]


    Bio: As the founder of First Light, Inc. and FLI Products, I’ve spent over 20 years bringing Made-in-USA products to life—from concept to national retail placement. Our product line, including Blade Guard®, Flex Strainer™, Tomato Crater™, Cordsafe®, and more, has appeared on shelves at Walmart, Menards, and Scheels, helping homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts solve everyday challenges. After 20 years in manufacturing, distribution, and retail In 2003, Kevin sought to use his combined expertise to assist new manufacturers interested in a quickly growing B2B and DTC business thru product development, marketing, packaging, and distribution, with a focus on the Hardware and Home Products channels. Since then he has grown multiple companies, generating $100+ million in new business and employing a team developing, packaging, marketing and distributing new products.


    Kevin is a true Merchant at heart, building relationships, collaborating with manufacturers and retailers by creating compelling assortments with innovation and value, from concept to shelf. He has a rich experience in lighting, home and housewares, hand tools and seasonal categories across multiple retail and online channels, nationally. He is a real leader with transcendent values and a global vision to bring light into the unlit world, with a passion for the disadvantaged.


    My passion is guiding inventors, manufacturers, and retail buyers to create win-win opportunities, whether through product launches, consulting, or strategic partnerships.


    Questions:

    1. Jeshaiah, what makes Sewing Solutions 4U unique?

    2. What was the inspiration for Sewing Solutions 4U?

    3. How long has the company been manufacturing?

    4. What are some of the different products you manufacture?


    Session 3

    1. Kevin, what do you do?

    2. Jeshaiah, How do you and Kevin work together?

    3. Jeshaiah, how do you grow?


    Session 4:

    1. Kevin, what types of products do you carry?

    2. How do you see products changing and growing?


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    41 min
  • Episode 15: Making Mountains in America - The Genius of Al Mango

    In a series of engaging sessions, Michael and Rita delve into American creativity, focusing on the remarkable inventor and entrepreneur, Al Mango.

    Session 1:
    Michael and Rita explore the essence of American ingenuity, celebrating the brilliance of inventors and entrepreneurs in the country.

    Session 2:
    Introducing Al Mango and his revolutionary product, Mango Rock, a unique creation that has captivated auto dealers nationwide. These faux mountains have become a symbol of strength and ruggedness, particularly favored by those in the sport utility vehicle industry.

    Transforming spaces since 1997 with custom faux rock displays, Mango Rock offers innovative designs for various settings, including vehicles, parks, playgrounds, and commercial areas globally. These lightweight yet durable creations can support impressive weights, up to 50,000 pounds.

    Session 3:
    Rita engages Al Mango in a discussion about the origins and vision behind Mango Rock, shedding light on the inspiration driving this innovative venture.

    Session 4:
    Continuing their insightful conversation, Rita and Al Mango delve into the evolution of Mango Rock over the past three decades. They explore the manufacturing process, the expansion beyond the US borders, and the exciting prospects for the future of Mango Rock.

    Join us as we uncover the journey of Mango Rock, a testament to creativity, innovation, and the enduring spirit of American entrepreneurship.

    Connect with Al Mango:
    📞 727-692-8207
    ✉️ [email protected]
    🌐 Website: https://mangorock.com/

    hashtag#AmericanInnovation hashtag#Entrepreneurship hashtag#MangoRock hashtag#BusinessEvolution


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    35 min
  • Episode 14: Turning Problems into Solutions

    Turning Problems into Solutions!


    Introducing the American-made product "PineRite"!


    Meet Andre Roy from PineRite 📞 970-484-8017 📧 [email protected] Since 2013, PineRite, a Colorado-based heavy-duty hand soap manufacturer, has been redefining solutions with innovation. Our unique process blends pine tree powder and natural elements to create a premium hand cleansing experience. 🌲 Sustainability at the Core: We prioritize responsible pine sourcing, selecting from forests with mature trees or reclaimed branches after fire mitigation activities. 🌱 Nature's Gift, Transformed: Join Andre and Sybil to learn how PineRite converts pine debris into a powerful powder in an interactive session. Experience Growth and Skin Wellness: Over the past 15 years, PineRite has expanded globally, offering a soap that not only cleans but also nourishes your skin.


    Meet Industry Expert Sybil Bailey from Arvo Tech Clarus R+D 🌐 arvotech.com clarusrd.com ☎️ (614) 506-4237 📧 [email protected] 👩‍🔬 Sybil's Expertise: With a strong background from Michigan State University, Sybil has excelled as a Partner Account Executive at Clarus R+D for over four years. Unlocking R&D Tax Credits: Sybil enlightens companies on the benefits of R&D tax credits for product development, guiding them to maximize this valuable resource. 🌟 Embracing American Manufacturing Excellence: Discover the strategic edge of manufacturing in America for companies striving to stand out in today's competitive landscape.


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    37 min
  • Episode 13, 9:20:2025 - In this episode, Michael King and Rita Crompton discuss the issues impacting American-made products ...

    In this episode, in the first two segments Michael King and Rita Crompton discuss the important issues impacting American-made products. In the third and fourth segments, Michael King interviews Zach Mottl, President and CEO and 4th Generation owner of Atlas Tools who is also Chairman of the Coalition for a Prosperous America about how Zach's family managed to keep the family business in the family through depressions, wars and sibling battles.


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    37 min
  • Episode 12, 9:13:2025 - Rita Discusses the Secrets of Being Able to Make Products in America with Leo York and Rick Kellow

    Rita Discusses the Secrets of Being Able to Make Products in America with Leo York, a commercial copywriter and advisor to inventors in Kentucky, and Rick Kellow, a co-inventor along with his wife, Beth Kuehl, of the Original Great Plate.


    Leo is a copywriter from Corbin KY. He writes commercial screenplays, and also writes all manner of narrative fiction, including the wonderful "Quilting Kentucky's Stories: The Fairy Tree by Leo York". Leo also helps advise inventors and entrepreneurs at Inventors Network KY. He is also cohost of the popular paranormal podcast, The 13th Floor. 


    The husband and wife team of Rick Kellow and Beth Kuehl invented The Original Great Plate, a combination plate and drink holder that allows someone to contain both beverage and food in a single container. As Rick and Beth tell their story:


    “Necessity is the mother of invention. And when you have six kids and a rec room, a solution to clutter and messes was necessary.  We didn’t set out to invent The GreatPlate™, but unable to find a plate that kept our drinks from tipping, we simply had to! Our commitment to manufacturing here in the USA has helped create jobs and grow our local economy. Services such as design, engineering, manufacturing, graphic/web design, marketing, packaging, and logistics are all sourced from local Wisconsin companies. In total, we touch over 50 companies, all located in the U.S., from start to finish. GreatPlate™ has touched our families’ lives in many ways; we are excited to share our line of innovative products that help make social situations more enjoyable."


    The GreatPlate™ is about food, family, friends, and fun, not about spills and lost drinks.  The GreatPlate™ has quickly taken off to become an American staple in homes as a plate for everyday and everywhere.  We have been featured on the QVC, the Food Network, The Today Show and in many more places because people just know it truly is The GreatPlate™.


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    33 min
  • Episode 11, 9:6:2025 - The Chairman's Countdown

    This episode of The Made in America Hour is brought to you byAmerica's Inventor Lady and Home Talk USA. Home Talk is a proud member of theKing's Broadcasting Network, which has been bringing you the best in home-basedinnovation since 1998.

     

    Hi everyone. Thank you so much for being with us for thisepisode of The Made in America Hour. This episode of The Made in America Hourfeatures "The Chairman's Countdown with Zach Mottl".

     

    In the episode, Zach, along with his special guests, JonToomey and Charles Benoit, focuses on the resurgence of American manufacturingand the role of trade policies, particularly tariffs, in supporting domesticindustries. The hosts and their guests, John Toomey and Charles Benoit from theCoalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), discuss several key topics:

     

    • Guardian Bikes: Asuccess story of American manufacturing, Guardian Bikes, a

    company in Seymour, Indiana, that makes bicycles in the US,opened a new factory. The company, a winner on Shark Tank, is fully integrated,producing all components and employing over 250 people. The discussionhighlights how Guardian Bikes is a model for reshoring jobs and revitalizinglocal economies. Mark Cuban, an early investor, was present at the factoryopening and expressed his support for American manufacturing. The hosts notethat bringing manufacturing back doesn't necessarily raise consumer prices; infact, historically, American-made bikes were more affordable.

     

    • Steel Tariffs (Section232): The hosts and guests discuss the recent expansion of

    the Section 232 steel tariffs to include over 250 newproducts, a move that benefits domestic producers and downstream manufacturers.One example is Sherrill Manufacturing, America's last flatware maker, which nowhas an additional 50% tariff on imported cutlery. The tariffs aim to increasethe volume of American manufacturing, allowing steel mills to operate at highercapacity and potentially lower prices, ultimately benefiting consumers.

     

    • The Secure Trade Act:This new bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives

    Jared Golden and Greg Stuby, is a major focus. The bill wouldcodify a 10% universal tariff and repeal China's "most favorednation" trade status. According to the guests, this is crucial becausepresidential tariff orders face legal challenges, and codifying them wouldprovide stability and a steady revenue stream for the government. Theyhighlight that since 2001, when China received its "most favorednation" status, the US has lost 3.4 million manufacturing jobs.

     

    • The De MinimisLoophole: The hosts express relief that this loophole, which

    allowed foreign vendors to ship products valued at less than$800 to the US duty and tax-free, is finally being closed. They state that thisloophole not only undercut American businesses but also allowed unsafe,uninspected goods and counterfeit products to enter the country.

     

    • Acquisition of aGeneric Drug Company: The final topic is a potential acquisition in

    the Czech Republic. An Indian generic drug company, Orbi, isattempting to take over a Czech company. The guests express concern, citingOrbi's history of violations and its ties to Chinese suppliers. This highlightsthe importance of national security and ensuring a safe, reliable supply ofessential medicines, which the hosts argue should be produced domestically.

     



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    38 min
  • A Special Message for Anyone Who Loves America and American-Made Products

    Hello and Welcome to Made in America.My name is Ray Burrasca, and I'm here to talk to you about a unique opportunity to partner with a radio show, a podcast and a television channel, all three at once, that's more than just a collection of media outlets. It's a movement. We're not just showcasing products. We're telling the stories of the people behind them, the innovators, the craftsmen, the small business owners, the heart and soul of American industry. We celebrate the quality, the resilience and the sheer pride of goods stamped with the label, Made in America.Our audience isn't just looking to buy. They're looking to connect. They are passionate consumers who actively seek out American made goods. They are brand loyal, community focused, and they trust our recommendations, because they know we share their values. When we feature a product or a store, is a direct endorsement to a dedicated, engaged community. A sponsorship with Made in America is more than just an ad spot; it's a partnership. We offer authentic, integrated content that feels natural to our viewers. This could be a segment on your manufacturing process, a tour of your factory, or a fun, engaging product challenge, like our Made in America playoff contest. Imagine the story of your brand woven into the fabric of our content, not just slapped on the side of it. This is an opportunity to tell your story to an audience that genuinely cares about where the products they buy come from.We have a powerful platform with a growing community, and we believe that your brand aligns perfectly with our mission to support American innovation.Let's create something special together. Let's help more Americans discover the quality and craftsmanship you put into your products. Contact us at:[email protected] call us at (303)910-2344,to start a conversation about how we can build a lasting partnership together. Thank you for your time, and we look forward to meeting you and your American-made products In the future and making something great together. Thank you.


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    4 min
  • Episode 10, 8:30:2025 - The Made in America Hour with your Hosts Zach Mottl and Michael King

    This episode of "The Chairman's Countdown with Zach Mottl" is a program on The Made in America Hour that featured a conversation with Charles Benoit, Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA)'s own trade counsel and a nationally recognized leader on trade policy.


    The show opens with a welcome and a brief teaser of the day's topics, including the latest on Section 232 investigations, the President's new manufacturing policy signals, and the hundreds of billions of dollars pledged by U.S. allies. The discussion also touched upon India's emergence as a major trade competitor and featured a special segment with Charles Benoit on specific tariffs and his recent op-ed in The American Conservative.


    The first major segment of the show focused on updates regarding Section 232 investigations by the Department of Commerce. On the topic of chips, the discussion centered on potential semiconductor safeguard measures and supply chain security. For pharmaceuticals, with insights from Jon Toomey, President of the CPA, the show covered the status of critical medicines investigations and the growing momentum for reshoring. The hosts also provided an update on steel, noting that a new update was expected soon in the Federal Register. They revealed that 50 inclusion requests and decision memos would be posted on regulations.gov shortly, which will have significant implications for both steelmakers and downstream manufacturers.

    Zach Mottl added his commentary on how the timing and scope of these decisions will shape the strategies of manufacturers.The program then provided a teaser for an upcoming deep dive into specific tariffs with Charles Benoit, highlighting his June op-ed in The American Conservative. Benoit's insights covered the role of targeted, specific tariffs in leveling the playing field and what to expect in the next round of tariff announcements. This segment also previewed a discussion on presidential signals regarding industrial policy and trade, including a recap of the President's recent comments and expectations for announcements in the late summer and fall, as well as potential year-end moves.

    Zach Mottl shared his perspective on these commitments and what to anticipate over the next twelve months. The show also offered an overview of the hundreds of billions pledged by the European Union and other allies in exchange for managed trade arrangements. These funds are projected to be allocated to domestic production, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing, though the hosts noted the risks and accountability challenges of ensuring these pledges become real investments, citing Japan as a prime example.


    The core of the show was a segment featuring an interview with Charles Benoit and Zach Mottl. The two made a case for specific tariffs over percentage-based measures, discussing potential upcoming tariff targets and timing. They explored how these tools could be applied to industries like steel and pharmaceuticals, referencing key points from Benoit’s June op-ed. A separate segment was dedicated to examining India as a major trade competitor. The hosts highlighted India's rising tariffs and its history of what they called "trade cheating," using the example of generic pharmaceuticals and their impact on domestic manufacturers. They drew parallels between India's state-driven policies and China's trade circumvention tactics, emphasizing why India should be watched as a significant competitor and "rule-bender."




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    38 min

About "The Made in America Hour" podcast, presented by America's Inventor Lady and HomeTalk USA

From the publisher's feed

"The Made in America Hour" podcast is a show about all things made in America, whether it's an "idea" (i.e., invented in the USA), the development of a new product from an original idea, products manufactured in America or even products sold in America after being assembled in the USA. We'll also talk about the problems that American-made products have in overcoming the resistance that so many nations have to having American products compete with products in their own domestic markets.