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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Next time... We’ll be talking about one of our newest additions to the GRIP6 product family... High Quality Wool Socks!
175 comments
Mark Adamson
Love my belt and waiting for my custom order to arrive. Good luck with the socks, but if you do not provide ‘no shows/ultra low cut’ I will not be interested.
George J. Fajvan
I first learned of Grip6 in 2017 and made my first purchase. I am fully supportive of Made in USA products so when I see a new one, I like to check it out. I really did not need a new belt at the time but this design intrigued me as well as the back story of the company 3 years later and I am the proud owner of 4 buckles and 5 belts. My daughter has a green tree buckle she loves and I got the American flag for my brother in law. Awesome products with simple but truly effective engineering. I wear one of the belts every day and still wearing my reindeer buckle as well. Thanks B.J. for the opportunity to win that! I can see so many opportunities for organizations to get on board with a custom buckle to represent themselves.
Please keep on innovating and I am more than happy to test new products for you out here on the east coast.
David Malcolm
I’m a UK customer and am delighted with my belt. I wear it at work as part of my ambulance service uniform. Just to let you know I would personally prefer to buy something made in the USA than in the far East. I fear that most companies in the UK simply out source all their production and this means that the country loses out on jobs and skills. Well done and I’m looking forward to future products.
John Doty
Ever since I discovered your product online, I cannot stop buying them! I have a minimalist mindset and Grip6 belts are a perfect compliment to my approach. Not only are they light weight, durable, a thin profile, and made with the highest quality, but they are made in the USA as well! As a veteran this is very important to me. I am also an avid second amendment supporter and gun enthusiast. The Grip6 belts are perfect as gun belts too! The webbing is strong and durable, especially the Workbelt line. I look forward to seeing more styles for buckles, and even more color choices for belts. Keep up the good work Grip6 Team!!!!
Alan Face
I love it! Don’t give up; keep at it.
Jordan F
GRIP6, you’ve produced a fantastic product and one that I have worn literally every single day since my May 2018 purchase! The stiffer belt is a big improvement and one that I’d love to see continued as you grow your product line. Next up, what about some classy sock garters or suspenders utilizing a similar design?
Dave D.
Ray Haas
Wow, what an inspiring story! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shown off my Grip6 belt (even though it is kinda strange, at times, when I say, “Hey, check out my new belt!” … I only do that with people I know!). I use the belt as my uniform belt in the Civil Air Patrol. It really presents a nice appearance without the leftover belt hanging out.
One other thing I really like about the belt is that it flexes with me. I have been in a period of gaining and losing weight, which would normally require me to use different belts. I really appreciate being able to use as much belt as I need on any given day, WITHOUT having either huge amounts or tiny amounts of leftover belt hanging out.
Keep up the good work, and I look forward to continuing to hear your story!
Chheng Pech
Great story BJ! You have put a lot of thought and made some very good points in this article. It is no surprise to me because I know who you are. I love what you said about America is not competitive, and I find that true in every sense. I believe it stems from laziness and hopelessness. It is more common these days to see people doing half effort and rather pawning the work off to someone else. For the few who are diligent and hard working, lose hope due to many discouraging advices. But not you my friend, that is what I’ve always admired about you BJ. It’s as if you find strength in acceptance of those challenges when the world says it’s not possible. My only wish is that I was in the right place from day one to show you how much I love and appreciate you BJ. Sincerely, your Cambodian brother Chheng Pech.
Robin Miller
I have 5 belts. I first bought two women’s sizes, but later realized I loved the Width of the larger men’s belt, so I ordered with a note about what I wanted, and you got it right! I love the hanger for them also!
I love your passion for American manufacturing, and enjoyed reading your story. I can’t wait to try the socks. I live in a cold climate at 7,000 foot elevation, so wool is a must!
Congratulations on your success, and thank you for sticking to your values and creating an awesome product!
Filippo Bellisomo
I looked and looked on the internet for the perfect minimalist belt. After quite a long search, I stumbled upon Grip6. It was exactly what I was looking for. I love everything the guys at Grip6 do and I am often compelled to buy something. But I actually take my minimalism pretty seriously, so the one belt I bought moves from trousers to trousers. I bought one for each of my nephews.
My Grip6 belt is still on of the coolest things I possess, and I always feel a fascinating vibe whenever I put it on. Maybe one day Iʼll buy another one so I can discern between normal life and work trousers, since I am always moving my one belt from one to another. But for now the thought of having just the one belt the suits everything is good enough for me. Thank you.
Paul
You have hit the nail on the head. I can’t tell you how many companies that we have loved over the years have given up on America and have partnered with cheap oversees businesses and hand us poor quality for a high price. And what irks me is they feel we need to accept this as the norm. Since purchasing your belts, which I love, I have purchased them for my sons, who also love them. And I have been telling everyone I know about them. I just wish I would have found your company sooner and look forward to new products you offer.
Jason Watson
I heard about you from watching Disc Golfers Jeremy Koling and Nate Sexton. I decided to give them a try, and HOLY COW! Best belts I’ve ever owned and it’s not close. I have 3 belts, and 4 buckles, and will be purchasing more soon to allow more options with my daily wardrobe.
Keep up the great work. You have an amazing product!
Brett Murri
I bought 3 belts/6 buckles last spring and bought 3 more belts (the mid-weight type) in the fall. They’re all great! I do like the mid-weight a little better as they make me a little more confident with concealed carry. I also really like the carbon fiber buckle for going through TSA when I fly. Love your story! Thanks for sharing that as well as for putting out a great product!
Craig H
Thanks for sharing your story, I applaud what you have done and so important to share it with your customers. I love my belts and wear them most days.
CH
Perth
Western Australia
Mike Wukitsch
Great story, BJ. I appreciate your sharing the origins, as well as the trials and tribulations of Grip6. I have two belts and one buckle which gives me some flexibility in wardrobe compatibility. As I mentioned in an earlier review, the ONLY drawback is the belt is so thin and comfortable that it makes carrying concealed IWB difficult…the thin belt tends to not grasp the clips on the holster…however, I’m still trying to work it out.
Greg Schmidt
Thanks for the newsletter BJ! I admire your determination to make your products in the U.S., instead of China; a country that doesn’t value human rights and exploits its people for a profit. There’s always a majority willing to tell you why something can’t be done. I admire the few that don’t listen to that. You’ve come a long way already. I wish you the best. I’m enjoying my Grip 6 belt and plan to add more to my collection.
Greg
Blue Grass, IA
Phillip Sones
Also, I absolutely LOVE my carbon Fiber buckles. I travel a lot and not having to take off my belt in airports throughout the world is GREAT!!!
Gregg Gatewood
Thanks for telling your story. I love the product and recommend it to others. I can do so even more enthusiastically now, knowing the values behind its production.
Aimée Arnold
I really enjoyed your email “In the Works, Episode 1 – GRIP6 Origins and Purpose” as well as all your Kickstarter Campaign email updates for the Grip6 Wallet! As an engineer I find them fascinating and I ultimately enjoy the product I purchase more having read all about it. I strongly support your mission to keep manufacturing knowledge alive in this country and sincerely thank you for your efforts. I am so glad you were inspired to walk down this path. I own both the Men’s and Women’s Classic Pack, seven extra buckles, three additional strap colors, and your newer Workbelt Webbing Strap (which I REALLY like in women’s pants with the higher in back, lower in front, waistlines because it does not bend and flex so much with the curvature of the waistline – it keeps my pants in place better).
Thanks again for all your sharing :-)
Ed Henry
BJ, thanks for taking the time to give us the story (so far) of Grip6.
I’m a late comer to Grip6 having bought a classic 3 pack just prior to Christmas 2019 after discovering the belts on the internet.
Wow! They are awesome, and I can’t wait to put mine on each morning. They are light, comfortable and never slip, yet easy to loosen when needed.
I have since added a two pack including the labyrinth carbon fibre, so I now have 5 belts and 5 buckles to mix ‘n match.
I can’t wait to add some more buckles when the pension allows and look forward to using my labyrinth when I go overseas in a couple of weeks.
Happy “Grip6 family” member from Australia
trent young
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was inspiring and I’m so glad you continued on. It makes me frustrated and sad that American business and manufacturing is not competitive. During the current Corona virus malais we see that we need to be manufacturing in our own country.
Phillip Sones
I love my belts. I have bought my son a bunch of them too and he loves them! It is so refreshing to hear your story and I completely agree. We have turned into a Consumer country that is fine with expensive overpriced junk products. I have been so frustrated for so long about having zero options. You buy this crap product or this crap product that’s it. We are ok with being told “It good enough “. Well it’s time we start telling them NO! IT NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Please keep up the great work. I can’t wait to see the socks.
luigi ponzo
I really love your belts that have been life-changing for me and my friends: Grip6 belts in various “flavors” have been my gift solution for my parents and friend last Christmas and for their birthday and all of them are now enthusiast of their new genial, simple and elegant belt.
I completely agree with your idea to keep everything local and to avoid loosing knowledge and local employment just for a mere economical convenience. I am from Italy and the same scenario applies here, where in most cases we rely on far east manufacturing for something that we could be much better here preserving our heritage, our knowledge and our workforce. My experience is that everything I bought that was really “Made In USA” it was worth every single penny, while I had trouble with almost every “china made” thing I have been dealing with so far. This also occurred with kickstarter where the only really satisfactory projects I backed have been the ones whose project was handled by American people and whose goods were made by American people. So, please go ahead in this way: I will be one of your customer for any new initiative you will carry on. For sure!
Ryan Patnaude
I have two belts so I actually have Four belts. I absolutely love the product and the simplicity of the buckle. My favorite part is it is so slim that I forget that I am wearing a belt. I cannot wait to purchase another one.
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