Our Origin Story
Welcome to Makers Unity!
Hello There!
This is Billy from Makers Unity, and I’m excited to share the story of who we are, how we got started, and the mission driving us forward. It’s a journey that means a lot to us, and I hope you’ll stick around to hear how it all came together.
I’m one of the owners, along with my best friend, Kyle. Our friendship started at 14, and we’ve been inseparable since. We’re lifelong entrepreneurs who’ve tried countless business ventures together. From the triumphs to the failures, we’ve learned invaluable lessons as a team.
How It All Began
In 2014, Kyle and I were inspired to dive into e-commerce, seeing the shift as more people began shopping online. Although we knew little about the industry, we were eager to learn by doing. We started immersing ourselves in everything about selling online, determined to figure it out.
Back then, conventional wisdom pointed to sourcing products from overseas—specifically China—to sell in the U.S. like so many others. Following that path, we found a supplier, tested products, and worked tirelessly to build our business.
Still, something felt off. We grew up in the Detroit suburbs, a community where “Made in the USA” is more than a phrase—it’s a way of life. Around here, even the car in your driveway matters. For us, the idea of selling American-made products wasn’t just appealing; it was personal.
The Search for American-Made Products
We knew we wanted to focus on American-made goods, but it wasn’t easy. Many U.S. manufacturers were set up to handle large corporate orders, not small businesses like ours. Calls went unanswered, and leads fell through.
But we didn’t give up. Instead of targeting large companies, we shifted gears, reaching out to small businesses and individual craftsmen. This approach led us to local trade shows and flea markets, where we connected with people who shared our vision.
Eventually, we found partners willing to take a chance on us. That first partnership sparked something bigger—a realization that this was the path we wanted to follow.
Supporting Small Businesses
As our partnerships grew, so did our pride in helping small businesses thrive. Watching these makers hire more employees, quit their day jobs, and pursue their passions full-time was incredibly rewarding.
This experience inspired us to create Makers Unity, a company built around supporting American makers and providing high-quality, handcrafted products.
Our Mission
Founded in 2018, Makers Unity is dedicated to partnering with small businesses, artisans, and hobbyists to create top-notch, small-batch products. Every item we sell must meet two key criteria:
- Made in America. No exceptions.
- Lifetime quality. We stand behind every product with a lifetime warranty.
Our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience for our customers, from the moment they shop to the lifetime of satisfaction they get from our products.
Our Motto
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “They don’t make them like they used to.” At Makers Unity, our motto is, “We still make them like they used to.”
We’re committed to offering durable, American-made products that stand the test of time—all at a fair price. From customer support to product exchanges, we take pride in ensuring every interaction is seamless and memorable.
Why Buy American-Made?
You might think buying American-made products costs more, but that’s not always the case. For example, we offer belts made in the USA with a lifetime warranty for under $30. Compare that to department store options, which are often pricier without the same quality or guarantees.
By cutting out middlemen and selling exclusively online, we keep prices competitive while delivering unmatched value.
Our Business Model
Makers Unity operates as an online-only business, ensuring cost savings that we pass directly to our customers. This approach allows us to stay affordable without sacrificing quality.
Our customer service is handled by local, stay-at-home parents. This not only provides flexible work opportunities but also ensures that every customer is treated like family.
Join the Movement
At Makers Unity, we’re passionate about creating American-made products and supporting the artisans and small businesses behind them. If you or someone you know values quality craftsmanship, send them our way.
We’re also always looking to collaborate with new makers! If you’re a craftsman, hobbyist, or small manufacturer, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to keep the American dream alive.
Thank you for supporting Makers Unity. If you have any questions or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be delighted to hear from you!