American Built Clothing: Truly An American-Made Original

An unabashedly honest and perpetually fired up Nick Carson started American Built Clothing in 2012 with no business experience and a lot of passion. A Marine veteran, he wants to sell to customers who trust “Made in the USA” products to provide durable materials and quality work.

The reality is that buying American has always been a core cultural and economic value among American customers — and too few clothing manufacturers. To meet these consumer demands, Carson is producing American-made and USA-themed quality jeans, shirts and more.

Nick, who served his country with distinction, lead a recent conversation with the statement that “the words American Built, they meant something to me” explaining that they’d always made him feel he was “part of something greater than myself.” With American Built Clothing, he aims to spread a positive message of “be proud of what you wear, be proud of where you’re from.”

Nick And The Marines

Nick trained to become a Marine sniper. It was his dream since ninth grade. When he finally realized this dream, he was deployed twice to Japan and once to Iraq and was wounded in service. For all of his incredibly brave efforts, he received a Purple Heart.

Nick indicates he was wounded in Iraq on August 11, 2004. He explains that, “Shortly after being wounded, I got word that our battalion was running a Sniper Indoc…. This was going to be my only chance to become a sniper, so I wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass me by. I healed up as best as I could and took the Indoc, and ended up being one of the top seven Marines that went on to sniper school. Out of all the Marines that started the Indoc and went on to sniper school, three of us passed. Between the war in Iraq and the sniper training, the only way I wasn’t going to succeed [was] if I died.”

In spite of his success in the Marines, Nick had trouble adjusting to “normal” life. Discharged from the service — one never leaves the Marines — in 2006, Nick says, “I was living a destructive lifestyle.” He worked odd jobs, but he was drinking heavily and fighting. Nick didn’t care if he lived or died. But, things soon changed when a friend approach him in 2012 with an idea.

A Whole New Mission

Nick’s best friend, Navy veteran KC Kensley, brought him an idea that became American Built Clothing. He and KC had always hated buying things made overseas. After some research, they found they could start an all American-made clothing brand and spread a positive message while doing it.

He had no business experience, let alone experience in owning a clothing brand. Nevertheless, as a veteran, spreading a positive American message seemed like a no-brainer. Because of that, Nick just ran with the words “American Built” and told himself he would learn along the way and solve the problems as they arose. He echoed, “I won’t quit!” And with that, American Built Clothing was born.

American Built Believes American-Made Is The Only Way To Be

When Nick uses the term “truly American-made,” he means it. Unlike some competitors who use the expression as merely a marketing hook, Nick indicates that with American Built Clothing, “The cotton, the making of the shirts, the inks, the equipment we use, and all of us doing the work are all American made. I don’t cut corners to save a buck!”

Along with the commitment to truly American-made products, American Built Clothing is also committed to supporting those who have and continue to serve in the military. In keeping with that idea, he gave us his top tips for those looking to transition into the civilian workforce after military service:

• Go to work immediately. Sitting around doing nothing is unhealthy.
• Build a support system surrounding yourself with family and friends.
• Network with other vets to check on each other.
• Remain positive.
• Stay physically and mentally active to avoid the rabbit holes of depression.
• Value small victories.
• Appreciate what you have and move forward.

As well, he advises veterans and military spouses to “gain as much knowledge and experience as you can in the business you want to be in before starting your own. Work for companies in your same industry before taking off on your own.” Nick also cites business consultant, Steven Kuhn, and Aubrey Marcus’ book, Own the Day, Own Your Life, as influences on his approach.

Throughout Nick Carson’s life his love of country has always been a cornerstone to who he is. And, it’s clear that with American Built Clothing, this love is as strong as ever. When it comes to his business, Nick says, “I started at the bottom with nothing so there is only one way I can go and that is up.” After being wounded in Iraq and honored with a Purple Heart, it would be easy to suggest that Nick’s commitment and determination will virtually ensure nothing will stop him from achieving his goals.