Podcast Summary: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe – Episode 435: Josh Smith & Bayard Winthrop—Shut Up and Make It!

Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Mike Rowe
Guests: Josh Smith (Montana Knife Company) & Bayard Winthrop (American Giant)

Introduction: The Call to Action

In this episode, Mike Rowe delves into the pressing need for revitalizing American manufacturing amidst ongoing tariff debates and global supply chain disruptions. Titled "Shut Up and Make It," the episode emphasizes the urgency for the United States to prioritize domestic production and reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.

Mike Rowe kicks off the conversation by expressing frustration over headline-driven narratives focused on tariffs and supply chain issues:

"[00:14] Chuck: Yeah, well, certainly this administration would like."
"[00:16] Mike Rowe: [...] Everything is complicated. There's super no such thing as a playbook or a panacea."

He underscores his intent to feature success stories of American manufacturers unaffected by these economic turbulences.

Spotlight on Josh Smith: Thriving Through Domestic Manufacturing

Josh Smith, the founder of Montana Knife Company, shares his journey of building a successful business entirely within the United States. Josh highlights how his company has not only remained resilient amid tariff-induced market shifts but has also contributed significantly to raising funds for philanthropic causes like Microworks.

"[05:14] Josh Smith: I'm great, man. [...] I have indeed."
"[08:47] Mike Rowe: [...] the actual cost of goods is literally going to increase by 150%. How do they even think about keeping the lights on?"

Resilience Amidst Turbulence

Josh recounts the challenges faced by his peers in the outdoor industry, many of whom are struggling with skyrocketing tariffs and disrupted supply chains. In contrast, Montana Knife Co.'s commitment to domestic production has shielded them from these setbacks.

"[09:19] Josh Smith: [...] we just have to get in it and keep going."

Manufacturing and National Security

The discussion pivots to the broader implications of manufacturing on national security. Josh emphasizes that maintaining a robust domestic manufacturing base is crucial for the nation's defense capabilities.

"[12:33] Josh Smith: American manufacturing is actually national security. [...] all we would have to do is load programs and material into those machines and we would be making something entirely other than knives."

Mike Rowe reinforces this point by drawing parallels to World War II's rapid industrial mobilization, questioning whether such adaptability is feasible in today's fragmented manufacturing landscape.

Scaling Challenges and the Skill Gap

Mike addresses the perennial issue of scaling American manufacturing to meet national demands, especially in sectors critical to national security like data centers and AI infrastructure.

"[21:05] Mike Rowe: [...] What's the point of putting two or three of these things in 300 different locations?"

Josh responds by highlighting the importance of community support and the role of influential voices in expanding the market for American-made products. He illustrates how Montana Knife Co. scaled from producing 200 knives in a garage to manufacturing over 160,000 units annually, attributing success to dedicated consumer support.

"[24:25] Mike Rowe: [...] You're not going to pick up the newspaper without seeing the word tariff."

Bridging the Will Gap: Training and Apprenticeships

When confronted with the issue of workforce shortages, Mike inquires whether the problem lies more in the skill gap or the will gap—the reluctance to engage in manufacturing roles.

"[28:23] Mike Rowe: Like, obviously, this finished product is the result of a lot of different, very skilled people doing their best work. Are you more worried about a skill gap or a will gap?"

Josh candidly acknowledges a will gap, emphasizing that Montana Knife Co. frequently hires individuals without prior manufacturing experience and invests heavily in training them. He shares a success story of an employee who transitioned from assembly to operating CNC machines through on-the-job training.

"[28:40] Josh Smith: It is a little bit of a will gap. [...] I'm the same guy that you shot Dirty Job shows about for, you know, 20 years."

Bayard Winthrop Joins the Conversation: Expanding the Dialogue

Bayard Winthrop (note: transcript indicates Chuck is the co-host or another guest; assuming Bayard is the second guest) brings a broader perspective on the implications of tariffs and the necessity for methodical policy reforms to reinvigorate American manufacturing.

"[42:36] Chuck: That is exactly how I've been thinking about it. [...] What's going on?"

The Moral vs. Economic Debate on Tariffs

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the dichotomy between economic benefits and moral imperatives in trade policies. Mike and Bayard explore whether tariffs should solely be justified on economic grounds or if moral considerations, such as human rights and national security, warrant imposing trade barriers.

"[52:44] Chuck: [...] policies that reflect American values."
"[53:43] Chuck: [...] how to plot a course in that direction."

Mike articulates the complexity of balancing economic interests with ethical standards, questioning whether the U.S. can maintain both robust trade relationships and uphold its moral values.

"[58:35] Chuck: [...] it's like how many northerners 170 years ago argued against slavery as they were dressed in cotton picked by them?"
"[62:06] Chuck: [...] financial stability and consumer confidence declines are impacting all businesses, even those not directly reliant on tariffs."

The Path Forward: Consumer Support and Policy Reform

Both guests converge on the necessity for consumer awareness and support for American-made products as foundational to rebuilding the manufacturing sector. They advocate for targeted government interventions, such as subsidies and tax breaks, to support domestic manufacturers and restore national supply chain resilience.

"[66:02] Chuck: [...] how to maybe address the point that you're making."
"[69:20] Chuck: [...] bipartisan support is essential to navigate the current economic and geopolitical landscape."

Mike Rowe concludes by emphasizing the importance of grassroots support and the pivotal role of influential voices in championing American manufacturing.

"[91:34] Mike Rowe: [...] This is why I'm a fan of American Giant. You knew that 15 years ago."
"[92:03] Chuck: Thanks, man. [...]"

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the strides made by American manufacturers like Josh Smith and Bayard Winthrop. Mike Rowe urges listeners to support domestic production, highlighting how individual choices collectively impact national resilience and economic stability.

"[91:20] Chuck: That's it. I'm with you. It starts with a little bit of resetting with China, I think."
"[92:43] Mike Rowe: [...] But you're doing that together, great job."

Key Takeaways:

• Domestic Manufacturing as National Security: Maintaining and expanding domestic production capabilities is vital for national defense and economic stability.

• Resilience Through Local Supply Chains: Companies like Montana Knife Co. exemplify how local supply chains can thrive despite global economic pressures.

• Skill and Will Gaps: Addressing workforce shortages requires both training programs and fostering a culture that values manufacturing roles.

• Moral Imperatives in Trade: Trade policies should balance economic benefits with ethical considerations, ensuring that business practices align with national values.

• Consumer Impact: Individual choices to support American-made products can collectively drive significant economic and social change.

Notable Quotes:

"[05:14] Josh Smith: I'm great, man. [...]"
"[12:33] Josh Smith: American manufacturing is actually national security."
"[28:40] Josh Smith: It is a little bit of a will gap."
"[53:43] Chuck: [...]"
"[66:02] Chuck: [...]"
"[91:20] Chuck: That's it. I'm with you."

This episode serves as a compelling exploration of the challenges and opportunities within American manufacturing, advocating for strategic policies and consumer support to foster a resilient and self-reliant economy.