Agency emerges to connect US brands and manufacturers

Against a backdrop of tariffs sky-rocketing to over 100% for US fishing tackle suppliers importing goods from China, President Donald Trump is determined to promote home manufacturing as he attempts to ‘Make America Great Again’.

The trade war initiated by the new administration has forced businesses within the US to look further afield for sourcing options, making domestic manufacturing an increasingly viable and attractive proposition.

The scenario has also seen the emergence of 50 Forged, which is a collection of proven business experts with track records of growing meaningful brands and businesses who have come together to support companies who want to prioritise domestic manufacturing as a core value.

50 Forged is offering a comprehensive suite of growth solutions, expert-led workshops and a vibrant community aimed at accelerating the success of businesses committed to American manufacturing and resources.

50 Forged provides members with tailored resources in key areas such as strategy, marketing, manufacturing, finance, e-commerce, supply chain and capital. One of the founders is Ryan Chuckel CEO of PR agency Gunpowder Inc, which lists Pure Fishing – the world’s largest tackle supplier – as one of its clients.

Chuckel (right) said: “Our solutions help businesses overcome the most common challenges affiliated with US manufacturing in a global economy. Members will have access to sought-after experts who have achieved significant success in their respective fields, offering practical support through resources, live talks and workshops.”

“There are real challenges in growing businesses that choose to manufacture here in the US,” said 50 Forged co-founder Jeff Stringer. “We created 50 Forged to give American-made businesses a better chance of success, narrowing the learning curve for everything from manufacturing and sourcing to marketing and sales.”

The fishing tackle industry is among the trades being targeted. Chuckel said: “The industry is built on innovation. A less than diverse supply chain where manufacturing capability is consolidated to a small handful of factories in one country does not enable or encourage true innovation.

“We believe the next generation of American manufacturing will be rooted in building quality products enabled by a trained and capable workforce and continued domestic investment in manufacturing capabilities and capacity.

“If the fishing industry has more options to pursue innovation and bring it to market everyone wins.”

Chuckel added that for companies like those in the fishing industry whose primary market is North America, the ability to avoid freight costs and tariffs and more closely control the supply chain are clear opportunities.

“For the broader industry, increased manufacturing in the US has the ability to create a true eco-system of suppliers and manufacturers who can help emerging companies come to market more quickly in aid of innovation and create more meaningful stable jobs across communities in the US.”

“Made in the USA resonates as a message around product quality and durability,” said Chuckel. “We have been at the helm for a number of brands that have leveraged domestic manufacturing as a key selling point to end users. Typically, we have seen messaging around being made in America perform well in paid marketing channels. And we have seen wholesale partners embrace these brands as well.

“Ultimately, consumers want the best product they can get for the best value. We firmly believe that in many instances, that is fully possible by manufacturing here in the US. The mission of 50 Forged is to help more companies fully embrace that possibility and leverage it to scale their business and provide value to their community.”

50 Forged welcomes businesses ranging from start-ups to billion-dollar companies who share a commitment to building their businesses in the US and utilising American resources. The membership process involves a simple application to demonstrate alignment with the group’s values, followed by an onboarding process to understand the brand’s needs and opportunities. Members are encouraged to actively participate to unlock the full value of the resources and community.

50 Forged is also seeking potential service partners who provide best-in-class solutions and are passionate about supporting American brands. The organisation aims to create mutually beneficial opportunities for its members and partners.