How Hard Could It Be?

Josh & Mike
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Hosted by Mike McLachlan, founder of Manresa brand and factory, and Josh York, founder of Soft Goods, a Detroit knitwear brand and factory, this podcast dives into the unpolished, real-world work of building something in America. Both come from blue collar backgrounds and bring the values of their hometowns — gritty, honest, regional pride — into every conversation. Josh York of Soft Goods - https://softgoodsmfg.com/ Mike McLachlan of Manresa - https://manresaclothing.com/

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Unlocking American Manufacturing - Strategies and Industry Insights

    Analysis Unlocking American Manufacturing: Strategies and Industry Insights In this episode, industry insiders discuss the current state of small-scale American manufacturing, hurdles faced by brands, and innovative solutions for scaling production locally. A candid look at how brands are navigating supply chain issues and rebuilding domestic industry. Main Topics Covered: The impact of factory capacity and sourcing bottlenecks on small brands Innovative approaches to production: batch runs, multi-color manufacturing, and outsourcing How partnerships across factories and supply chains can drive growth The importance of storytelling and brand heritage in premium pricing The broader economic implications of bringing manufacturing back to the U. S. Opportunities for entrepreneurs in local textile and apparel industries Challenges with logistics, shipping costs, and industry infrastructure The future of American-made goods and the cultural shift toward local goods Timestamps: (00:00) - Introduction and birthday plans amidst busy production issues (01:00) - Charlie’s return and current stock challenges (01:30) - Staff shortages and vacation effects on capacity (02:47) - New manufacturing strategies: batch running multiple collections (04:23) - Increasing efficiency through synchronized production runs (05:22) - Future product planning: nylon shorts in multiple colors (08:47) - Insights into larger brands' planning and capacity management (09:34) - Challenges of balancing collection timing and factory capacity (10:32) - The economic value of local manufacturing rooted in brand heritage (11:02) - Outsourcing knitwear and reordering fast-selling basics (12:24) - The excitement of new product arrivals and custom dyeing (13:21) - Emphasis on made-in-USA branding and storytelling importance (14:03) - Collaborations with factories that align with brand values (15:11) - Scaling production with strategic partnerships (16:38) - Reflection on the personal passion versus entrepreneurial identity (17:34) - The need for industry-wide infrastructure rebuilding (20:45) - The importance of skilled artisans and factory automation (22:13) - Sourcing American yarn and the challenges of logistics (24:55) - A yarn mill liquidation and unique sourcing opportunity (26:23) - The 'heist' experience of sourcing local yarns (29:38) - Discussing old machinery and potential factory setups (31:49) - Building a community of textile and manufacturing specialists (33:45) - The role of large brands in supporting local industry (35:40) - Elevating American apparel through storytelling and quality (38:30) - Cost comparisons and the value of high-quality, domestic production (41:22) - The cultural and economic benefits of localized manufacturing (43:12) - The importance of honesty and brand narrative in consumer loyalty (46:48) - The potential economic uplift from rethinking supply chains (49:23) - The market’s shifting values towards made-in-USA goods (50:30) - Closing thoughts and future outlook Resources & Links: Empire Knitting Mills Custom yarn sourcing & knitting factories The Future of US Manufacturing (industry report) Connect with the Hosts: Mike McLachlan of Manresa - LinkedIn | Twitter Josh York of Soft Goods - Instagram

    44 min

  2. 15 MAY

    Building a Business From Sewing Machines to Scaling Operations

    In this episode, Michael Strickland shares his journey from handmade leather goods to managing a growing apparel brand, highlighting the technical challenges and strategies behind scaling production, managing sizing issues, and building a trustworthy team. Whether you're running a small shop or planning to grow, you'll find practical insights on automation, quality control, and company culture. Main topics covered: Transitioning from outsourcing to in-house manufacturing and the importance of machinery familiarity Strategies for controlling sizing and fit to reduce returns Managing inventory and production schedules without overextending financial resources Building and trusting a team to maintain quality and growth Navigating market experiments with colors, fabrics, and product styles The evolving role of data analysis in predicting demand and optimizing inventory Resources & Links: Michael Strickland of Loyal Strickland https://loyalstricklin.com/ Josh York of Soft Goods softgoodsmfg.com Mike McLachlan of Manresa Manresa.com Participants share candid insights into the realities of production, quality control, and scaling, emphasizing that attention to detail and team trust are essential to a successful apparel brand. The episode is a treasure trove for makers contemplating expansion or facing manufacturing headaches.

    1hr 23min

  3. 5 MAY

    Overcoming Manufacturing Challenges and Building a Brand

    Mike McLachlan of Manresa Clothing and Josh York of Soft Goods Manufacturing. In this episode, two industry insiders discuss the realities of manufacturing clothing, building brand presence, and the importance of product quality. They share practical stories about fixing machinery, navigating factory setup, and strategies for proving your brand in a crowded market. In this episode: The struggles and solutions around fixing vintage and modern sewing machines The importance of quality and patience in product development How storytelling and marketing differentiate successful brands Practical tips for starting and scaling a manufacturing operation The role of community, experience, and resourcefulness in building a factory Common pitfalls of setting up apparel production without guidance The value of focusing on a great product to naturally attract customers The significance of team experience versus self-taught approaches How innovation in machine setup can improve efficiency and quality Personal reflections on managing stress and growth in apparel manufacturing Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Overcoming tech issues and next guest sneak peek 01:09 - Internet struggles in manufacturing settings in Detroit and Bridgeport 02:00 - Behind the scenes of sewing machine setup: digitized and programmable Bartek machines 03:18 - Fixing a vintage machine with hidden metal wires and custom programs 04:27 - Essential lubrication issues and maintenance tips for industrial sewing machines 05:35 - Adjusting clamp mechanisms to improve button sewing quality 06:39 - Completing shirt buttons and preparing for bulk orders 07:15 - Going viral: The importance of social media and storytelling 08:13 - Nick’s thorough content creation and the value of genuine research 09:37 - The challenge and art of storytelling in manufacturing and branding 10:01 - Documenting the process: What gets lost without proper editing 11:37 - In-house video production: Editing with Premiere Pro for brand content 12:00 - Balancing manufacturing and marketing in apparel brands 15:01 - The power of marketing and branding—building from authenticity 15:39 - The romantic notion of marketing as an artistic craft 16:45 - Comparing in-house efforts with professional videographers and crews 17:30 - The tension of striving for high-quality content and visuals 18:43 - The journey of scaling a factory from scratch—lessons learned 19:54 - Achieving the right balance of quality, efficiency, and profitability 20:21 - The financial realities of starting a clothing factory without external funding 21:10 - The challenges with developing tailored products like jeans and salvage denim 22:39 - Pattern adjustments, grading difficulties, and technical manufacturing nuances 24:14 - Mastering clean finishing and quality control in production 26:17 - The evolution of seam finishing and factory-wide quality standards 27:26 - The role of experienced team members in complex manufacturing processes 28:48 - Financial considerations: capital, loans, and planning for new factories 30:33 - Common mistakes and lessons learned in starting manufacturing operations 32:23 - The importance of product quality over spendings on marketing 33:22 - Key advice: focus on the product, patience, and long-term vision 34:36 - Yvon Chouinard’s advice on maintaining product integrity during tough times 35:08 - The importance of quality as the foundation of sustainable growth 36:15 - The limitations of advertising without a good product 42:45 - Focusing on product excellence to organically attract loyal customers 44:03 - Preference for meticulous research and quality over impulsive buying, especially in menswear 45:16 - Closing thoughts on better internet solutions for manufacturing settings Resources & Links: Mad Men - Artistic approach to marketing Adobe Premiere Pro - Video editing software used for content creation Antonio - 18 East - Expert on branding and patience in product develo

    33 min

  4. 15 APR

    A true category leader: Brett Mikoll of Oxford Pennant

    In this engaging interview, Brett Mikoll shares the journey of Oxford Pennant, insights into manufacturing, scaling challenges, and the importance of quality and authenticity in building a successful brand. Discover practical tips on setting up a factory, maintaining brand integrity, and navigating the complexities of growth. Oxford Pennant - https://oxfordpennant.com Brett Mikoll on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oxfordpennant/ Josh York of Soft Goods- softgoodsmfg.com

    1hr 3min

  5. 25 MAR

    Wholesale: The Big Question for Small Brands

    In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of running a small American apparel brand, touching on everything from design decisions, manufacturing challenges, to retail and wholesale strategies. Our conversations reveal valuable insights for emerging brands looking to scale thoughtfully without sacrificing authenticity. Key Topics Covered: The evolution of garment design, including technical details like articulated knees and gusset construction Challenges and solutions in working with vintage and local fabric mills for limited runs The importance of detailed garment assembly, needle selection, and machinery maintenance Strategies for entering wholesale markets, including choosing human-scale retailers over large, corporate buyers Managing production timelines, logistics, and the leap from DTC to wholesale Seasonal planning and timing in retail, dealing with industry calendar shifts Building authentic collaborations with boutique stores and maintaining brand integrity Lessons learned from past wholesale experiences with big retailers and how to avoid pitfalls Future plans for collections, trade shows, and expanding into new markets Resources & Links: Outpost Show Chicago – Curated trade show close to Midwest roots Collective Chicago – Smaller fashion trade show, ideal for emerging brands Man Fashion Trade Show NY – Premier NYC event for brands in menswear Welcome Edition – Another NYC-based trade platform for up-and-coming brands Connect with the Guests: Mike of Manresa: Instagram Josh of Soft Goods: LinkedIn

    38 min

  6. 14 JAN

    Finding Focus with Jacob Hurwitz from American Trench

    In this conversation, Mike McLachlan and Soft Goods engage with Jacob Hurwitz of American Trench, discussing the journey of building a brand focused on American manufacturing. They explore the challenges of finding reliable factories, the importance of communication, and the balance between creativity and market demand. Jacob shares insights on product development, the significance of community, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the clothing industry. The discussion emphasizes the need for focus in product offerings and the value of collaborations to expand brand horizons. Josh York of Soft Goods - ⁠https://softgoodsmfg.com/⁠ ⁠Mike⁠ McLachlan of Manresa - ⁠https://manresaclothing.com⁠ Jacob Hurwitz of American Trench - https://americantrench.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19770867759&gbraid=0AAAAADsMXpliaKQek0-Fsb2lxEVChEUyg&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1JLLBhCDARIsAAVfy7j5MvcvlStV4IbVVpg5lR8juKgF5iiCs1ZJwx0TjF2M02WYbOTAg94aAhXmEALw_wcB

    57 min

  7. 19/12/2025

    How many is too many? Sewing Machine Talk

    Summary In this conversation, Mike McLachlan and Soft Goods discuss their experiences in the production and manufacturing industry, focusing on the challenges and learning curves associated with sourcing machines, optimizing production efficiency, and navigating the complexities of running a business in the garment sector. They share personal updates, insights on machine selection, the importance of automation, and the balance between technology and human touch in production. The discussion also touches on future collaborations and the potential for sourcing American-made fabrics. Josh York of Soft Goods - ⁠https://softgoodsmfg.com/⁠Mike McLachlan of Manresa - ⁠https://manresaclothing.com/⁠Special Guest: Charlie McGill 00:00Technical Difficulties and Catching Up12:19Learning and Growth in Production14:45Machines: Sourcing and Setup15:17Reinventing the Wheel: Machine Selection22:35Efficiency in Production: The Right Machines32:58Navigating Challenges in Machine Maintenance37:09Reviving Vintage Machines40:54The Evolution of Automation in Sewing43:51Balancing Automation and Human Touch46:47Navigating the Manufacturing Landscape50:41Strategizing for Sustainable Growth54:54Exploring Fabric Production Opportunities01:00:00Choosing the Right Sewing Machines

    54 min

  8. 26/11/2025

    Mike Does Math

    In this conversation, Mike and Soft Goods discuss the intricacies of running a small apparel brand, including the challenges of production, machine troubleshooting, and the importance of sustainability. They share insights on their backgrounds in the industry, the dynamics of their team, and the strategies they employ to navigate market trends and consumer expectations. The discussion also touches on their future plans for the brand and the ethical considerations of manufacturing in today's market. Josh York of Soft Goods - https://softgoodsmfg.com/ Mike McLachlan of Manresa - https://manresaclothing.com/ Special Guest: Charlie McGill Chapters 00:00 Technical Setup and Initial Thoughts 02:10 Podcast Growth and Subscriber Insights 04:42 Challenges with Vintage Sewing Machines 07:54 Learning and Adapting in Production 10:29 Introducing Charlie and His Background 13:16 Transitioning from Corporate to Small Factory 16:22 Collaboration and Team Dynamics 19:04 Negotiation and Production Challenges 21:58 Manufacturing Realities in America 24:57 Investing in Automation and Technology 27:54 Optimizing Production Processes 30:08 Navigating Production Challenges 32:36 Learning Through Labor 34:40 Strategic Planning for Future Collections 37:07 Balancing Variety and Customer Engagement 39:25 Building a Sustainable Brand Model 43:05 Market Trends and Consumer Expectations 47:13 The Value of Quality Over Quantity 51:47 Inventory Management and Sustainability 59:16 Long-Term Vision and Business Strategy

    57 min

  9. 19/11/2025

    We Made a Terrible Mistake

    Summary In this conversation, Mike and Josh discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing work and family life while running their respective manufacturing businesses. They delve into the intricacies of garment dyeing, production techniques, and the importance of quality control. The discussion highlights the evolution of American manufacturing, the significance of sustainable practices, and the craftsmanship behind their garments. They also touch on the technological barriers they face and the importance of building a brand with integrity, emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in the industry. Josh York of Soft Goods - https://softgoodsmfg.com/Mike McLachlan of Manresa - https://manresaclothing.com/Chapters00:00 Balancing Work and Family Life02:43 The Journey of Manufacturing05:47 Challenges in Garment Dyeing08:39 Innovations in Production Techniques11:54 The Importance of Quality Control14:48 The Evolution of American Manufacturing17:55 The Future of Sustainable Practices20:42 Designing with Purpose23:44 Navigating Technological Barriers26:39 The Craftsmanship Behind Garments29:37 Building a Brand with Integrity32:38 The Art of Collaboration35:39 Looking Ahead: The Next Steps

    41 min

  10. 12/11/2025

    Cap the Sharpie! Balancing work and family life as a small business owner

    In this conversation, Mike and Josh discuss the challenges and rewards of balancing work and family life while running their respective manufacturing businesses. They delve into the intricacies of garment dyeing, the importance of fabric quality, and the innovations in production techniques that can streamline processes. The discussion also touches on the evolution of American manufacturing, the significance of sustainable practices, and the value of local production. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of craftsmanship and integrity in building a brand that resonates with consumers. Chapters 00:00 Balancing Work and Family Life 02:32 The Journey of Manufacturing 05:15 Challenges in Garment Dyeing 07:56 Navigating Fabric Supply Issues 11:04 The Learning Curve in Production 13:43 Innovations in Manufacturing Processes 16:34 The Future of American Manufacturing 22:45 Navigating Technical Challenges in Fashion Design 25:04 Perfecting the Fit: Sampling and Production 28:14 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Adjustments 30:19 Building a Foundation: Creating a Block for Future Designs 31:50 The Evolution of Manufacturing: A Return to Craftsmanship 36:10 The Value of Quality: A Comparison of Modern and Vintage Garments 39:40 The Future of American Manufacturing: A Personal Journey 41:41 Craftsmanship Over Marketing: The True Value of Products

    46 min

  11. 03/11/2025

    Come Home Johnny - Why we're doing this

    Summary In this podcast episode, Josh and Mike discuss their experiences in the fashion industry, focusing on the importance of manufacturing in America, the challenges of in-house production, and the learning curve associated with garment production. They share personal stories, insights on technology's role in modern manufacturing, and the balance between quality and efficiency. The conversation also touches on building a strong team and company culture, as well as future aspirations in the industry.

    1hr 1min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Hosted by Mike McLachlan, founder of Manresa brand and factory, and Josh York, founder of Soft Goods, a Detroit knitwear brand and factory, this podcast dives into the unpolished, real-world work of building something in America. Both come from blue collar backgrounds and bring the values of their hometowns — gritty, honest, regional pride — into every conversation. Josh York of Soft Goods - https://softgoodsmfg.com/ Mike McLachlan of Manresa - https://manresaclothing.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Josh & Mike
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit

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