How GRIP6 Began and Why We Exist

in the works - how grip6 began and why we exist

Recently we invited local customers to meet us and take a tour of our facility. Customers were excited and surprised with just how much manufacturing we do right here. They saw skilled people working with lasers, custom machines built by our own engineers, looms, knitting machines, robots, and more. It seemed to strike a chord with people. We realized we do a poor job communicating our purpose and why we work so hard to make things ourselves. This year we’re opening up and talking about our past, our principles, our current struggles, our future products, and what it takes to Manufacture in America. We’d love to have you join us! Happy 2020!

BJ in his basement, melting straps in his homemade, version 1.0 cardboard melting station.

BJ in his basement, melting straps in his homemade, version 1.0 cardboard melting station.

Hi, my name is BJ Minson. I started GRIP6 five years ago with a vision of a company that created things that were simple, functional, long-lasting, made in the USA, and that people loved. We started with a belt.

The Problem

As a father of five young children, I felt like I was throwing out broken toys constantly. I have a low tolerance for waste and it bothered me more and more over time. I began to notice most products, not just toys, were cheap, low quality, and disposable.

I was also dismayed by the lack of products being made domestically. Almost nothing in retail stores had a “Made in the USA” label. Something didn’t feel right. After some research, I discovered that manufacturing is vital to economic strength. Over the last half century, the United States has been slowly losing its manufacturing infrastructure and know-how. Watching the United States slowly and steadily lose that vital competency made me concerned that we weren’t thinking properly about our future. Losing knowledge is losing power.

Doing Something About It

I needed to do something. As an engineering student, I loved product design and manufacturing. So when I designed a unique belt that worked well, I saw an opportunity for a step toward making a difference. At the time, Kickstarter was peaking in popularity. I made a short video of my new belt and 30 days later, with no marketing, I had an order for 10,000 belts.

So I started GRIP6 and was excited to get to work making the new belts. I quickly realized I couldn’t make 10,000 belts by myself. I began looking for domestic factories to weave, cut and sew webbing as well as metal shops to cut and bend the buckles. I was committed to making the belts and sourcing the materials all in the USA. 

Doing Something About It

The original Kickstarter campaign page.

The Obstacles

What came next was... enlightening. The companies I contacted took weeks to respond. When they finally did, their pricing was high and timelines were months long. At their quoted prices, I would lose money making the belt. However, most of the manufacturers gave me another option; they could guide me through the process of using Chinese factories. It was far more affordable and they pushed the option on me as the most desirable. I found it strange they were so willing to give business away to their competition. In other words, even the manufacturers were telling me I couldn’t do it without China. If that was true, my concerns about making things in the USA were right. US manufacturing wasn’t competitive.

I felt I had two options; I could follow my principles and lose money by making it in the USA or make it overseas for a profit. The frustrating thing was that I wanted to give someone my business and they didn’t even want it! Why was it so expensive and slow? The raw materials were a tiny fraction of the price. Even factoring in the labor costs, it didn’t add up. I got the impression they just didn’t want to do it. 

I was struggling - I wanted to make a product and start a business, but I wanted to do it the way I thought was right. I guess I’m stubborn that way. I’d rather have refunded the money to the Kickstarter backers than make a low quality, outsourced product. 

My Moment of Truth

There was one more option. I knew it deep down but it was scary. I could do it myself. In fact, I had planned to do that all along. I specifically designed the belt to be simple enough that I could make it in my garage. But that was when I was planning to sell a few hundred belts, not 10,000. I had no experience as a manufacturer and I had no equipment. And 10,000 belts is a lot! If I could make a belt every 5 minutes, it would take 833 hours of labor. That’s 40 hours per week for 5 months! It was a sobering thought, but it became clear that this was the only way to make these in the USA. I needed an industrial sewing machine and a vibratory tumbler. 

10,000 belts

BJ’s basement during the kickstarter project. A portion of the 10,000 straps organized by size and color.

Fortunately the math worked in my favor. The machines would easily be paid for with this first batch. I began to accept my fate. This would be tough, but I could do it, especially if I could convince some foolish friends to help.

 It’s an understatement to say that the next six months were pure hell. It was literally the hardest thing I had ever done in my life. My friend Winslow (and now co-owner) and I worked a full shift at night after our day jobs. It was tedious manual labor week after week, month after month. Winter set in and the garage was frigid. We were exhausted, but six months later, we delivered our first batch of 10,000 belts. They looked pretty good for being made in a garage. What’s more, the feedback was great. Customers loved them and were asking to buy more. It was a proud moment for us.

Our Progress

As we moved forward with our in-house manufacturing plans, more seasoned “business people” continued telling us it was a losing strategy. We heard over and over, “You’ll never make it” and “it won’t scale”. This of course only made us double down to prove them wrong. It took us a while and we made mistakes along the way, but we figured out a way to manufacture our belts in the USA.

Making the belts ourselves, while challenging, provided some immediate benefits. We had direct control over the quality. We made sure we only produced and sent the best products we could make. Over time, we improved, got faster and reduced mistakes. Our product got better as we made changes based on customer feedback and testing. None of those improvements would have happened if someone else was making our belts. 

What Works For Us

From the very beginning, we learned that purchasing machines and producing as much as we could in-house kept our costs low. Early on, I built custom hand tools that would make us faster. Later, we built custom machines to make our slowest and most tedious processes faster. We expanded from manual machines to more automated ones. Now we have a handful of excellent engineers and a machinist that work together to build our next generation production machines. About once each year we redesign our main production machines and replace them. Each iteration is more automated, takes fewer labor hours and improves the consistency and quality of the product. 

What Works For Us

Our buckles going through the tumbling process.

Whenever possible, we purchase our own machines. In almost all cases, we are able to do it faster, better and for less cost than outside companies. It’s a demanding approach because it forces us to learn completely new things, but it’s rewarding. In the few years we have been in business we have purchased and become proficient using lasers, knitting machines, looms, grainers, tumblers, robots, vision systems, lathes, CNC mills, press brakes, plastic injection mold machines, boarding machines, and clicker presses. Additionally, our engineers have designed and built dozens of manual and automated machines.

Domestic Manufacturing Today

Our motivation to grow American manufacturing isn’t about bringing back jobs that were lost or isolating ourselves from global trade. We enjoy doing it and believe it’s unwise to give up too much manufacturing knowledge and ability. We’re trying to demonstrate that American businesses can be competitive in a high-tech, global economy. We understand successful manufacturing doesn’t look the same as in the past. We believe winning strategies will include modern tools like 3-D printing, robotics, automation, and in-house marketing. Domestic manufacturing is not impossible or impractical. Staying competitive is vital to our economy, our future, our independence and our spirits.

Our Masterplan

At GRIP6 our mission is to create high quality products that last decades and to strengthen domestic manufacturing. What you buy from us with your hard-earned money should be something you love and want to use daily for the rest of your life. We know it’s a lofty goal, but it is something we strive for. This approach has worked for belts and we believe it can be applied to other products. Our intent is to be more than a belt company.

Get to Know Us

I hope you will get to know us better and allow us to earn your trust. I’m excited about this year as we continue stepping outside our comfort zones and introduce new products. Please join us on the journey as we make new products and bring new processes in house. Follow us as we struggle, misstep and learn. We usually get much better as we go along :).

Thanks for your time! Also, we’d love to hear what you think about our products and our approach!

BJ Minson

Next time... We’ll be talking about one of our newest additions to the GRIP6 product family... High Quality Wool Socks! 

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175 comments

Orlando

Orlando

Your story is very inspiring. I have been an avid fan of your product for few years now and I have been very active in showing off this wonderful product “ made in the USA”. So far it has resulted to alot of people I know wanting to have one. I live half way across the globe and I can’t wait to see it sold on retail store here. I don’t mind distributing it. When I believe in a product, I would naturally promote it. It’s true that it would be last belt that you would be buying… except if you want it in all colors and designs. Keep up the great work and you have my support to whatever new products you may develop in the not too distant future.

Cyril Ng

Cyril Ng

Thank you for sharing your story! Much respect to you and keep on doing what you’re doing! 👍

Ronnie

Ronnie

Hi BJ! Thank you for the background story on the humble and inspiring beginnings of your company! I am a proud owner of 3 of your belts, having chucked aside all other belts that I was using before I found Grip6. I bought one for my son last year and he loves it, too! Can’t wait to see your other new product lines when they come out! The best part in reading your story is that I am blessed and encouraged to find that there are still good, honest and hard working people like you succeeding in business today. I have seen and heard enough of unscrupulous individuals who have no business ethics running their companies without any thought of the negative impact they might have on their staff and environment. Hope you and your team will keep up the good work and standard and put these guys to shame!

Adam

Adam

I love the story and the belt I bought. True it was a bit more than my other options, but it also holds more value to me by way of the story, style, and utility of this belt. You are very much on to something and I wish I had been there to help with the first six months. If you need more ambitious people, let me know!

Ken

Ken

I bought my first one a couple of years ago and love it! Never had a better belt and I am 66. I then bought more in different colors. I bought my son one as a Christmas present and then he too bought more. I introduced hem to my friends and my son has done the same. Everyone that we told has bought them and they too love them. Please keep up the great work in producing an A+ product. God bless!

Martin Wijaya

Martin Wijaya

Awesome product! No doubt on the quality and finishing. Too bad that I couldn’t get them cheap enough over to Indonesia. It’s not that the price is expensive, but it’s the CUSTOM and shipping cost that will add on to the belt price making them higher than the belt itself. I’ve been eyeing your belts for over a year now. :)

Rich Melloni

Rich Melloni

I was skeptical at first of the belt but figured …. why not? Give it a shot. I like the idea of a low profile (waist-wise) belt that did not stick out of an untucked shirt. So I ordered your holiday 3 pack. All I can say is that I love them. It has only been about a month but I very much enjoy the look, feel, utility, ease, and overall quality of the product. I am sold and will be purchasing several more of your buckles? and belts for future use!

On a side note…. I love the story behind the belt and I absolutely love the attention to detail and the workmanship behind each product. WELL DONE. I’m a customer for life.

Ryan

Ryan

I have my belts for over 2 years and recommend them to everyone! I’ve never bought another belt nor will I again unless it’s a grip6! I’m excited to see what designs they bring next, maybe some utility attachments!

Dave Mallon

Dave Mallon

G’day from NW Thailand. There’s many very positive feedback comments. My comments are possible avenues for improvement.
1. I’m still waiting for my belts after 2 weeks. As a regular buyer of goods online from the USA, China and Germany, the processing and shipping time is excessive.
2. The Facebook ads are very successful. However, Facebook doesn’t offer any buyer protection in contrast to Alibaba, Amazon, eBay, Lazada (Thai site). There are so many scammers using Facebook and people are wary and reluctant to purchase on FB. Consider consumer protection to increase confidence.
3. The belts are a luxury item, and not a essential product. Compared to competition online, the belts are expensive. I think lowering the price by $3-$5 to $25 would be a deciding factor,. It’s much easier to part with$25 when living from pay cheque to pay cheque.
Congratulations on your successful start-up.

Brad Smith

Brad Smith

It was interesting to read this story of how Grip6 came to be and the trials and successes along the way. Here’s my story. I was looking for something more colourful than leather belts for casual wear and once I started looking online, my social media algorithms eventually got Grip6 onto my newsfeeds. I ignored the ads for a while but then clicked on one one day and I’m glad I did. I like the “infinite” tightening—not limited to holes in a leather belt—the range of colours and styles, the comfort and ease of using of the belt, and the fact that it’s made in house by a small company. And, if I can’t get it Made in Canada, then Made in the USA will do. :) I now own five belts and five buckles and not only do I love them but lots of people who see me wearing them compliment me on them! That never happened with a leather belt!

Rodney

Rodney

First let me say your products and customer service are amazing! Your business plan and tenacity is inspirational and this is why I keep returning. I tell everyone I know about your company and show off your products every chance I get.
A+

David C.K. Wong

David C.K. Wong

2 words : ‘GREAT JOB’
Love the product, love the customer service, love the company with such positive mindset and dedicated owners. KEEP UP WITH THE GREAT WORK.

Lindel Salow

Lindel Salow

While I have only purchased one belt…so far…I must say it is used almost daily and it absolutely does live up to all the hype! I think it’s great that you manufacture here in the US and can keep the price reasonable. Thank you, you rock!

Darcy Roy

Darcy Roy

I enjoyed reading about the company. I am enjoying my first grip6 belt. I found the challenges interesting and like your approach. I appreciate a product being made in North America and hope others follow your lead in doing what’s best and realizing that what’s best isn’t always what’s easy. Good work!

Kerrie Hoover

Kerrie Hoover

Love Love Love my Grip6 belt!
I am a Horticulturist and have my own gardening business. Well lots of bending over requires a belt, a comfortable belt. Most buckles no matter how thin still would pinch. My Grip6 does not pinch, easy to adjust and lies flat not bulky under clothes.

Chad

Chad

I have had leather belts for years, but something caught me about the concept and design of Grip6 belts, so I bought the classic bundle, 3 straps, 3 buckles…and haven’t looked back. Love the product, looking forward to other new innovations!

mike scansaroli

mike scansaroli

love the belt. bought one and then bought one for my son. we both love them. keep up the good work and keep me up to date with your company’s doings. I wish you the best. MADE IN AMERICA.

Danu

Danu

Well…..I think by reading your story from begining until end…it already proves that I love your product already….rarely i do want to know this typical stories….but hey…i am waiting my second order to come …. :)

Nancy Elliott

Nancy Elliott

I absolutely love this belt, I have worn no other belt since I bought it. It is very slim and comfortable, and I will be buying more. I will gladly try any other products you come up with!

Marnie Garbo

Marnie Garbo

The belt was great! I used it everyday replacing my leather belts. The current situation of American industry was a result of Globalization, an economic policy wherein the main objective is to gain more profit by exporting hard labor part of your industry to 3rd world countries or other countries were labor is cheap resulting to mass lay-off of American labor force. I really admire what you have done not just by producing truly high quality American products but most of all by providing jobs for the American labor force. We hope that all labor force in the world will unite and stop the Globalization.

J H Mills

J H Mills

BJ, your story is incredibly inspiring! I hope it gets shared with a large audience of young entrepreneurs who see the possibilities of brining back manufacturing quality products here in the U.S.A. Our dependence on China is economically crippling.
MBA students should study your business plan, your growing pains and ultimate success. We need a new generation of like-minded American entrepreneurs—right now. Our economy needs it, our workers need the jobs. We all want higher quality products proudly made in the U.S.a.
Lead the way, BJ, with your beautiful, unique belts and wallets. Can’t wait to see the socks!
Bravo!

Maja

Maja

Hi there!
Just thought l’d let you know that l ordered 3 of your belts and l love them.
Simple and practical in design, they are great to wear everyday.
I admire the fact that you make your products in your own country – so much hard work and dedication. Thank you for amazing effort!
Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 ☺️👍🏻

Will Power

Will Power

I tell all my friends and coworkers this is the best belt I have ever had. I put my belts to the test with daily holster wearing and they never give me trouble. I also get tons of compliments on my American flag buckle! My favorite! I have several belts and buckles and even my wife bought one and loves hers!!

Harold Lehman

Harold Lehman

I purchased a couple of belts for my wife and myself when your “buffalo” design came out. We are both actively involved with the BSA but the belts that are standard uniform – well, are lacking in quality. Since we have worn your belt to MANY scouting events, we have been questioned about your product as many others feel the same way and wish to purchase. I also purchased a couple for my son who cannot wear most belts because of a nickel allergy. He adores the fit and comfort, and as an engineer himself, loves the simple design. I will keep imploring BSA to partner with you. Keep up the great work.

DK

DK

i was very skeptical at first. back then using canvas belts with metal diamond cut rod keepers for years. they were good but wore out. finally ordered a grip6 classic. one of more to come. for myself and as gifts to others. grip6 belts and buckles do not wear out, extremely durable. before ordering my first i wondered why are some people raving about these belts if i had 1 good belt why would i need more than 1——my reasons why,numbered as they come to mind:
1 they don’t wear out,slip or stretch even under heavy loads and buckle mechanism is easy enough for a child to use.
2 truly infinite adjustment at any time putting on or while wearing.
3 crisp clean(stay clean)refined look, worn with a suit or grunge jeans.
4 comfortable-very comfortable,hug hips right out of box,no break in,no matter waist change,build or added accessories to belt,fit like a glove.
5 no sanitation or mold issues,100% liquid proof(except for extreme chemicals or heat)
6 ultra compact and extreme lightweight.
7 no abrasion to garments cinched over or worn over.
8 love all the optional/interchangeable/add on parts. i own 2 buckle colors and 3 belt colors(interchangeable) to match any clothes i wear.
9 maybe not all components made in usa, but MANUFACTURED IN THE U.S.A.

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