Great Lakes Craftsmanship

Great Lakes Cherry Co.

represents the agricultural tradition that defines northern Michigan.

Founded in 1978 by cherry farmer Bill Anderson, the company began as a small operation drying surplus cherries from his orchard.

Anderson, whose family had been growing cherries in the Traverse City area for three generations, recognized the potential for value-added products that could extend the cherry harvest year-round.

The company's dried cherries quickly gained popularity for their intense flavor and natural sweetness, becoming a favorite among bakers and cooks.

Great Lakes Cherry has expanded to produce cherry juices, dried cherry mixes, and even cherry-infused chocolates.

The company sources cherries from family-owned orchards throughout the region, maintaining close relationships with growers who share their commitment to quality.

Their products are sold nationwide and have become synonymous with Michigan's cherry country.

Great Lakes Cherry Co.'s process begins with careful cherry selection, with fruit picked at peak ripeness for optimal flavor.

The drying process uses controlled warm air to remove moisture while preserving the cherries' natural color and nutrients.

Unlike many commercial operations, Great Lakes Cherry uses no preservatives or added sugars, relying on the fruit's natural sweetness.

The company also produces cherry juice using a slow-press process that maximizes flavor extraction while maintaining nutritional value.

For their value-added products like chocolate-covered cherries, premium ingredients are sourced from Michigan suppliers.

The company's facility operates with food safety certifications while maintaining the quality and attention to detail that characterizes artisanal food production.

Detroit Axe Co.

embodies the craftsmanship tradition that built Detroit's manufacturing reputation.

Founded in 2012 by blacksmith Mike Kowalski, the company began as a small forge creating hand-forged tools for local craftsmen.

Kowalski, a former auto worker who learned traditional blacksmithing as a hobby, saw an opportunity to bring handcrafted quality to a market dominated by mass-produced tools.

The company's axes quickly gained recognition for their durability and balance, becoming favorites among woodworkers, campers, and collectors.

Detroit Axe Co.

operates from a traditional forge in Detroit's historic east side, using techniques that haven't changed for centuries.

Each tool is hand-forged from high-quality steel, heat-treated for optimal hardness and toughness, and finished with hand-carved wooden handles.

The company has become a symbol of Detroit's manufacturing renaissance.

Detroit Axe Co.'s forging process begins with steel selection, with high-carbon steel chosen for its ability to take and hold a sharp edge.

The forging process uses a coal-fired forge to heat steel to forging temperature, then shapes it using traditional hammers and anvils.

Each axe head is hand-forged to final shape, with the eye (handle hole) punched and drifted to precise dimensions.

Heat treatment is critical, with the blade hardened to hold an edge while the head remains tough enough to withstand impacts.

Handles are carved from hardwoods like hickory or ash, with grain orientation chosen for maximum strength.

Each tool is hand-ground and sharpened, then fitted with a leather sheath.

Quality control includes testing each axe to ensure proper balance and edge retention.

Up North Furniture represents the rustic craftsmanship that defines Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Founded in 2005 by furniture maker Sarah Johnson, the company specializes in furniture crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from old log cabins, barns, and industrial buildings throughout the UP.

Johnson, who moved to Marquette for its outdoor recreation opportunities, fell in love with the character of reclaimed wood and its connection to Michigan's history.

The company's furniture combines rustic aesthetics with modern functionality, creating pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Up North Furniture has gained a following among cabin owners, lodge operators, and anyone who appreciates the warmth and character of reclaimed wood.

Each piece tells a story, with nail holes, patina, and grain patterns preserved as part of the design.

Up North Furniture's process begins with sourcing reclaimed wood from demolition projects throughout the Upper Peninsula.

The wood is carefully deconstructed and sorted by species and condition.

Reclaimed lumber is milled to remove defects while preserving character marks that tell the wood's story.

Design emphasizes the natural beauty of the material, with joinery that highlights rather than hides the wood's history.

Traditional mortise and tenon joints are used wherever possible, secured with wooden pegs rather than metal fasteners.

Finishing uses natural oils and waxes that enhance the wood's grain and protect it from moisture.

Each piece is unique, with variations in color and grain that reflect the wood's origin and age.

The company also offers custom work and restoration services.

Ann Arbor Brew Supply represents the homebrewing movement that helped spark Michigan's craft beer revolution.

Founded in 1998 by homebrewer Dave Thompson, the company began by supplying ingredients and equipment to the growing community of homebrewers in Ann Arbor.

Thompson, who started brewing in his basement like many homebrewers, recognized the need for quality ingredients and reliable equipment for aspiring brewers.

The company's initial focus on basic brewing supplies evolved to include custom-designed equipment and innovative products.

Ann Arbor Brew Supply has contributed to the success of Michigan's craft beer scene by providing the tools and knowledge that brewers need to create exceptional beer.

The company ships supplies nationwide and operates a retail store that has become a gathering place for the local brewing community.

Ann Arbor Brew Supply's product development process begins with identifying needs in the homebrewing community.

The company designs and manufactures many of its own products, including fermentation vessels, brewing kettles, and specialized tools.

Manufacturing takes place in Michigan using locally sourced materials wherever possible.

Quality control is rigorous, with each product tested by a team of experienced homebrewers.

The company also formulates and packages brewing ingredients, including malt extracts, hops, and yeast strains.

Ingredient sourcing emphasizes quality and freshness, with hops stored properly to preserve flavor compounds.

The company's retail store offers classes and workshops for aspiring brewers, passing on the knowledge that has made Michigan's craft beer scene successful.

Motor City Leather embodies Detroit's motorcycle culture and manufacturing tradition.

Founded in 2008 by leatherworker Jake Morrison, the company creates handcrafted leather goods including motorcycle jackets, bags, and accessories.

Morrison, a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast and former auto worker, combines traditional leatherworking techniques with designs tailored to riders' needs.

The company's products are known for their durability and attention to detail, with each piece constructed to withstand years of use on the road.

Motor City Leather has gained a following among motorcyclists nationwide who appreciate the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality.

The company's workshop in Detroit's historic Corktown neighborhood has become a destination for custom leatherwork and repairs.

Each piece is hand-cut and sewn, with hardware sourced from American suppliers.

Motor City Leather's process begins with careful hide selection, with full-grain leather chosen for its strength and ability to develop character with age.

Patterns are designed specifically for motorcycle use, with reinforced stress points and protective features.

Cutting is done using traditional knives and modern cutting dies, with each hide inspected for defects.

The company employs both machine and hand-sewing techniques, with critical seams reinforced using saddle stitching.

Hardware is sourced from domestic suppliers, with solid brass buckles and hardware that develops a natural patina over time.

Each piece undergoes burnishing and finishing by hand to create smooth edges that resist wear.

The company also offers custom work and repairs, extending the life of leather goods for decades.

Saugatuck Brewing Co.

represents the craft beer culture that has flourished along Michigan's western shoreline.

Founded in 2005 by brewer Mark Stevens, the company began as a small operation creating beer for local restaurants and bars.

Stevens, who learned to brew while living in Germany, brought European brewing traditions to Michigan's craft beer scene.

The company's beers reflect the lakeshore lifestyle, with styles designed for relaxation after a day on the water.

Saugatuck Brewing has gained recognition for innovative brews that showcase local ingredients, including fruit beers made with Michigan-grown fruit and seasonal offerings inspired by the lakeshore environment.

The company operates a taproom and restaurant in Douglas that has become a destination for beer tourists.

Their canned and bottled beers are distributed throughout Michigan and neighboring states.

Saugatuck Brewing's brewing process begins with careful ingredient selection, with malt sourced from Midwestern suppliers and hops chosen for quality and freshness.

Water is treated to achieve the ideal mineral profile for brewing, mimicking the soft water that produces excellent beer.

Fermentation uses both traditional ale yeasts and innovative strains selected for flavor and aroma characteristics.

The company produces a variety of beer styles, from light lagers to heavy stouts, with each style crafted to showcase specific ingredients and techniques.

Packaging emphasizes freshness, with cans and bottles filled and sealed on-site.

The company also operates a pilot brewing system for experimental beers and limited releases.

Quality control includes testing at each stage of production to ensure consistency and quality.