In the Marketplace: Why ‘American Made’ Matters (Part 2 of 5)

Editor’s note: This article was written by Colin Balfe, director of The Marketplace by TheBlaze, and is part of a series of stories highlighting businesses in TheBlaze’s eCommerce channel.

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In this five-part series on "American Made" small businesses, we learn about the people behind the shops in The Marketplace by TheBlaze. To read the first part of this series, click here.

The small business owners who create American-made products for The Marketplace are extraordinary people, crafting exceptional products while working tirelessly to earn your trust. Beyond their warmth is a passionate desire to fulfill their own version of the American dream. If you haven’t already explored The Marketplace, you might not realize what incredible shop owners have joined us as partners. In this second segment of our five-part "American Made" series, we’re introducing four more shops that demonstrate the impact that comes from producing in America.

Bearcreek Billiards

As the owner and master craftsman behind Bearcreek Billiards, Jason Saunders creates pool tables that are true works of art and deserve a place among the finest antiques and high-end furniture in any home.

When you ask Jason what he does, he casually says, “I build pool tables … build them out of pine, juniper, cedar, aspen and barn wood.” What makes his tables extra-special is that all of the timeless, beautiful wood Jason uses originates from the soil of Montana.

Jason’s innovative passion for creating ruggedly beautiful pool tables, plus his work ethic and care for customers is what helps him succeed. “I’ve designed and built close to 400 tables and never had a complaint or had someone not be happy with what I made for them,” Jason says.

Bearcreek Billiards embodies the American-made movement: Beautiful wood sourced from Montana, tables constructed by hand and a relentless drive to produce a gorgeous heirloom.

Sweet Vintage Wrapping Paper

Raised in a part of Omaha, Neb., that was originally settled by immigrants a century ago, Kim Brokke has the immigrant drive for the American dream running through her veins.

It’s this drive that nudged her to launch her own small business, Sweet Vintage Wrapping Paper, to provide unique and timeless wrapping paper from days past. As a full-time mom of five who plays the harp and sings the National Anthem at local events, Kim’s faith and love of country coalesce into her inspiration to continue her business.

As Kim puts it, “Our history needs to be told, embraced and celebrated, and I think my papers and cards do just that!” Since creating her first vintage gift wraps for a fundraiser at her parish school, Kim’s gift wraps and gift tags have all been locally made in Omaha.

ChristWreath

As we approach the holiday season, The Marketplace is proud to be joined by ChristWreath, a growing business dedicated to empowering Christians to proudly display symbols that represent the true meaning of Christmas.

Since its beginnings, ChristWreath has been committed to upholding the freedom of religion as expressed in the First Amendment to the Constitution.

This fresh wreath is the perfect symbol to put Christ back in Christmas. Take a look at these beautiful, inspiring symbols to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate the freedoms we enjoy.

Buffalo Billfolds and Belts

Since 1991, Buffalo Billfolds and Belts has been making and selling some of the finest belts and wallets available, and all of them are made right here in the USA.

The quality of their products starts with the values lived by the company’s employees. Owner Ron Snider says, “We try to operate on biblical principles, be honest … do what we say we’re going to do and provide good service and a good product to our customers.”

On top of that, Ron is committed to countering the throw-away mentality by creating products that will last for years. Buffalo Billfolds and Belts are always made of 100 percent pure American cowhide, the kind you can’t get overseas. In addition to making some of the best American-made belts and wallets money can buy, they also sell tack, Western silver jewelry and custom trophy buckles.

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At The Marketplace, we celebrate small business owners who overcome hardship, conquer adversity and sift through failure to come out triumphant, ready to wow the world. We hope you’ll consider The Marketplace to be like Main Street in your own hometown—a place where honesty and integrity are just as important as revenue and profit.

Step into The Marketplace and meet these amazing Americans. Learn their struggles, celebrate their triumphs and share in their dream of rebuilding America. Thank you for supporting these small businesses and helping to uphold our nation.

Keep learning why "American Made" matters as we continue this series, featuring our incredible partners at The Marketplace. If you haven’t already, please read our first segment on Why ‘American Made’ Matters (Part 1 of 5).