SL: There is, at the very least, a growing (perhaps surface) interest in manufacture. The easiest example is probably a selvedge line in denim. Some people caught on to what it was about, while some just bought into a sense of quality in the marketing sense. And those that did get it also seem to understand how production meets cost.

Nathan: Totally.

Ben: And, it goes back to raising awareness. Making people understand the real costs of things whether it’s food or bikes, the real cost of bringing product to market.

SL: What often bothers me is the statement, “That’s very expensive,” because so often if doesn’t come with the secondary thought of “why is it expensive?” This relates to any product, and especially food really.

Ben: The follow up is, “what do you think it should cost?” You think I’m insane for offering a product at x cost, you think it is unreasonable? What do you think it should cost? Then you get, “Well, you can get a X for $500.” Why would I buy heirloom tomatoes when I can buy regular tomatoes at Safeway for fifty cents a pound? Why support your local farmers. Their food is expensive but it’s more expensive to raise. And you think they are ripping you off? Does it look like they’re getting rich?

Nathan: I feel like what we’ve been victim to is that that in America we don’t have anyone helping us to educate about our consumption. We assume the market is taking into account our public safety and best interests. It’s definitely not. Regulation is there, but not from a body simply concerned with well-being. I think it becomes very American-centric that way. We are at a slight disadvantage to the rest of the world that does get the information.

Ben: If people aren’t thinking about where things come from they can have no respect for the items they purchase or the people that make them.

Nathan: We would like to take trade and manufacturing back to what it once was. Show some respect. Our generation can make it possible. But you can’t have it all. It is hard and it comes with a price unfortunately and that can be disappointing. At the end of the day though, we are trying to rebuild something that we want to get back.