We've meet many interesting and great people with our new endeavor with usacraftsman.com while searching out pieces of American history, like the antique coffee mills and restoration service. In these difficult economic times, small business and individuals have been hit hard. As we travel the country, we see the signs of the times with vacate building that were once a thriving business supporting families, streets with rows of houses for sale that were once homes and our country's infrastructure falling apart..And, empty parking lots for manufacturing facilities that produced products that were 'Made in the USA' Time are tough, the Country's shortfalls in the 1990's were caused by greed and short sighted people like; Wall street Financial egotistical self centered people, corrupt politicians, poor business leaders and people excepting hand outs for doing nothing through taxpayer entitlement programs. But, the spirit of our great Country can be and will be regenerated through true Americans. We've meet and talked them great American people along the way.....
What is the make up of great people in my opinion:
1.) Truth and Honesty with integrity
2.) Willing to work hard with pride and quality
3.) Passion for "doing what is right, not what is easy"
4.) People that 'shake our hand' and it has meaning of honor.
5.) Creativity and calculated risk taking
6.) Striving to learn and grow through eduction and life experience
7.) Living within the Laws, Standards and Rules set forth by our Faith and Country
8.) Supporting the Women and Men that serve our Country and Freedoms
9.) Value Diversity with Compassion and Empathy for others
10.) Positive Attitude and the Willingness to try without excuses and willingness to learn from shortfalls
Thankfully there are people that live by, believe in and walk the talk. There is hope for the future. We've had the opportunity to see this first hand. In the past months we've seen the passion within people that is inspiring. We've seen signs posted in people's yard and in the front lawn of businesses stating "Buy American and Made in the USA" .... We've seen small business owners struggling to 'make it through the tough times' by extraordinary efforts to stay in business making scarifies. We've talked to people that are going their part to survive and regain control over their lives without hand outs.. In searching for quality materials & components to restore the antiques and make our products that we produce, listed below are some of the great American small businesses we've came across:
- Armstrong Millworks Inc. in Highland Michigan - hard working people, a quality company that supplies excellent wood materials (specializing in beautiful hardwoods and custom trim work). They'll cut, size and plane wood to meet your requirements, true Customer satisfaction and service.
- The Collector's Corner Antiques and Collectibles in Birch Run Michigan - Patt the owner is a great person and true American. Patt's shop specializes in Black Americana & the Cookie Jars (I have never seen some many cookie jars in by life in one spot...). Patt offered us positive advise with our business. In addition, Patt support our restoration service by allowing us to restore her Rockola Penny Scale, a treasure she found and trusted us with a hand shake to complete the project for her. Patt is a true patriot, good person and has a neat antique store... She also knows a lot about her antiques and has passion.
- Scott Iron Works in Hazel Park Michigan - This is a small business specializing in Doors, Railings, Gates and Fencing hand made with wrought and forged iron. What makes them special, a quick story: Larry and I needed to purchase wrought iron for a stand project with one of our larger Antique Coffee Mills, the supplier we have been doing business with in Texas is not stocking the ornate panels anymore (sign of the times with building construction down), so we needed a new source, so our search began locally in Michigan. Larry found Scoot Iron Works in the yellow pages and we traveled to the shop to see if there was an opportunity. Then we entered the store front, there was a sign stating " we only sell completed work, we do not sell pieces", my first thought was 'let's leave and travel on.." But, we were greeted by a Senior Lady with a warm welcome and told her what we needed, she went out of her way to help us and allowed us to purchase the materials we needed at a fair price. She was sharp as a pin, offered creative ideas and worked hard to assist us. At 85 years young, she had passion for servicing a Customer and a true patriot.
- Bill from Arizona Silhouette, in Arizona - A small business owner for wood turning materials. Bill is helped us with advise on starting up our web-site. Bill took the time to personally call us and share experiences. Bill is a true patriot, a Vet with great pride in our Country. Bill supplies high quality products at fair prices. Bill's website is well worth a visit, take a look at not only his products, but his values in America.. Bill is inspiring and we thank with for who he is.... Check out the website at www.arizonasilhouette.com/
- Mikes Antique & Old Goodies Quality Antique Mall in Millington Michigan (a small town in the center of the Michigan 'thumb' farming community. The own Mike Bott
- In our endeavors to bring back American Manufacturing History with the Antique Coffee Mills, we have came across many true Americans and great people. We joined ACME (Association of Coffee Mill Enthusiasts) www.coffeehouseinc.com/acme.htm. We found many helpful, knowledgeable and passionate people that collect the great prices of American history with the coffee mills and grinders. We've found new friends along with way. One of the most interesting and knowledge people is Fred Schmidt of New York. Fred has true passion not only on the mills, but the history of the companies and how the mills were used. Fred also is a true craftsman taking great pride in each mill he collects and sells. Some many mills are sold on Ebay and Craig's List, many times the mills are missing parts or in bad shape... If you ever see one of Fred's Coffee Mills or parts on Ebay, you can count on it is what he states in the description. Fred is a man of his word and a hand shake with Fred has value. Fred is one of many of the great people we've had contact with through the coffee mill endeavors.
Thanks for your time. There is hope for the future., get involved and "Do what is right" .. And support America by purchasing items 'Made in the USA'
Chuck Kowalski
usacraftsman.com
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