About Made in the USA Matters

Our Mission

Made in the USA Matters connects American consumers with brands and products made in the USA. Our goal is to support domestic manufacturing, create and sustain jobs for Americans, strengthen communities, and champion ethical, sustainable production practices.

The Made in the USA Matters Product Directory is structured like a shopping site, making it easy to browse and find American-made products quickly. From clothing and housewares to tools and essentials, we organize brands and products by category so you can shop American-made without spending hours searching.

Beyond the Directory, we also feature:

In short, we help shoppers make meaningful choices that support their values.

Meet the Editor

The Barto Family

Hi! I’m Michelle, founder and editor of Made in the USA Matters.

I do almost everything here, so if you need to see the manager, I’m your gal. 🙂 My husband, Don, pitches in on categories I’m not as strong in, and our son, aka “tech-support,” helps whenever modern technology outsmarts me.

Most importantly, I’m grateful to all of you. Hundreds of readers leave comments when a brand moves production overseas, a link breaks, or when a fellow shopper needs an answer. This directory is a labor of love and your contributions help keep it accurate and growing.

Our History: From Mental List to Mission

My love for American-made products started early. As a little girl growing up in Toledo, Ohio, and Southeast Michigan, the auto industry was a way of life. My dad had a pickup with “Buy American” bumper stickers, and even though I didn’t fully understand it at the time, I felt the weight of adult concerns and knew it mattered.

By MrJacon000 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108502938

Photo Credit: MrJacon000

As I grew into a young adult and young mother, I gained my own appreciation for American-made products that were long-lasting and durable. The value of buying something once, like my KitchenAid mixer, and having it last became clear when every dollar mattered.

As more brands and products moved overseas, my mental list of products still made in the USA kept growing. Looking back, I honestly don’t know how it took me so long to connect the dots – I’ve been building websites for over 25 years. But when it finally dawned on me, I abandoned my crafts, let my garden get weedy, and reorganized my desk. Then I got to work.

Today, Made in the USA Matters is an ever-expanding resource for anyone who wants to support American workers, our economy, and local communities by buying American.

Our Story

What began as a personal passion, wanting to buy products that reflect my values, has grown into a directory and community resource trusted by thousands of readers every month. This site was built for people like you: families, small business supporters, and everyday shoppers who believe their choices matter.

Our Standards

We carefully evaluate every brand and product before adding it to the site. For details on how we make those decisions, please see our Editorial Policy.

Learn More About Who We Are

To read more about our mission, process, and how Made in the USA Matters helps connect shoppers, brands, and American manufacturing, see Who We Are.

Your Questions Answered

Our FAQ page addresses common questions, including how to get your brand listed on Made in the USA Matters.

Why it Matters

Every time you buy an American-made product, you’re supporting jobs, strengthening local communities, and investing in products built to last.



2022-06-29