Origin USA

Rebuilding the American Supply Chain: How Pete Roberts and Origin USA Are Reinventing "Made in America"

When you walk into Origin USA's headquarters in the heart of Maine, you're not just entering a manufacturing facility — you're stepping into a revolution. In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen sits down with Pete Roberts, the visionary behind one of the most ambitious “Made in America” movements in modern manufacturing.

What started in a garage with a dream to build jiu-jitsu gear on U.S. soil has transformed into a full-scale operation producing apparel, denim, boots, and nutritional supplements — all made entirely in America, down to the thread. But more than the products, Pete is building something bigger: a movement rooted in heritage, grit, and a bold refusal to rely on overseas production.

The Maker Mindset: From Jiu-Jitsu to Jeans

Pete’s journey is anything but conventional. A designer by trade and martial artist by passion, Pete was originally motivated by a simple goal: to make premium jiu-jitsu gis domestically. But he quickly discovered that the textile industry in America had been hollowed out. No looms. No thread. No infrastructure.

That realization didn’t deter him — it fueled him. In the podcast, Pete explains how he began resurrecting old mills, buying and restoring broken-down machines, and training a new generation of makers from the ground up. "We’re not just making products," Pete says. "We’re rebuilding the infrastructure of an entire industry."

Rural Roots, National Impact

One of the most compelling parts of Pete’s story is the decision to build Origin’s empire not in a major city, but in rural Maine. By doing so, he’s created hundreds of jobs in economically challenged areas and reconnected small-town America with a sense of pride and purpose.

Pete discusses how the company has expanded over the past decade — now operating across multiple facilities, including a boot factory, denim mill, and nutrition lab — all while refusing to compromise on their American-made mission.

Jocko Fuel, Values, and Vision

Listeners also get insight into Origin’s partnership with Jocko Willink, former Navy SEAL and co-founder of Jocko Fuel. Pete and Jocko have fused their values — discipline, integrity, self-reliance — into a brand that doesn’t just talk the talk but walks it with every stitch and supplement.

“American-made” isn’t just a slogan for them — it’s a responsibility, one that Pete passionately believes in. “We didn’t want to build a brand on nostalgia,” Pete says in the episode. “We wanted to build a future.”

A Call to Action for Makers and Consumer

This episode is more than a brand story — it’s a rallying cry. Whether you’re a maker, a business owner, or a conscious consumer, Pete's message is clear: the American dream is still alive — but it’s up to us to build it.

He challenges listeners to reconsider where their products come from, to invest in craftsmanship, and to support companies that are creating real economic impact.

Final Thoughts

Pete Roberts is not just manufacturing goods — he's manufacturing hope, resilience, and a new blueprint for what’s possible when values drive business. His journey with Origin USA proves that with vision, grit, and unwavering belief in people, the maker spirit in America is not only surviving — it’s thriving.

Listen to the full episode now on *Makers of the USA* to hear the full story behind one of America’s most inspiring makers