Sooner State Craftsmanship

Round House is not merely a clothing brand; it is a historical institution.

Founded in 1903 in Shawnee, Oklahoma, four years before Oklahoma even became a state, Round House is the oldest operating manufacturer in the region.

The name derives from the 'round house' railroad repair station in Shawnee, a critical hub where steam locomotives were serviced.

The company began by producing durable workwear for the thousands of railroad workers who passed through the town daily.

In an era where the vast majority of denim production has moved offshore, Round House produces approximately 1,000 pairs of jeans and overalls every day at its Oklahoma facilities.

While deeply rooted in Oklahoma, Round House has achieved global distribution, exporting to markets in Asia, Europe, and Australia where 'Made in USA' workwear carries a premium status.

The manufacturing process prioritizes durability over fashion trends.

The garments are constructed using heavy-duty American cotton denim.

The 'Fit Best, Wear Longest' philosophy is executed through rigorous construction standards: triple-stitched seams to prevent bursting, bar-tacked strain points (reinforcing areas prone to tearing), and deep, reinforced pockets designed to hold tools without ripping.

Each pair begins as raw denim, cut using patterns that have been refined over decades.

The sewing process uses industrial machines operated by skilled craftspeople who understand that these garments will be worn by workers who depend on them.

Key stress points receive additional reinforcement using traditional bar-tacking techniques.

The final product is a garment built to last, backed by over a century of Oklahoma craftsmanship.

Bedré Fine Chocolate represents a unique intersection of luxury confection and tribal economic sovereignty.

Located in Davis, Oklahoma, the company is owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation.

The name 'Bedré' is derived from the Norwegian word for 'better,' setting a high standard for the brand's output.

Since purchasing the company in 2000, the Chickasaw Nation has invested heavily to transform a small local chocolatier into a nationally recognized brand, using chocolate as a vehicle for economic development and cultural expression.

The 34,600-square-foot facility serves as both a factory and a tourist destination, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowing the public to witness the chocolate-making process firsthand.

This transparency highlights the precision involved in tempering chocolate—the process of heating and cooling it to stabilize the cocoa butter crystals, resulting in a glossy finish and a satisfying 'snap.'.

Bedré uses a proprietary chocolate formula known for its rich, smooth texture.

The production line includes advanced enrobing machines that coat various centers, from potato chips to caramel, in layers of premium chocolate.

The manufacturing process begins with selecting the finest cocoa beans, which are roasted to develop complex flavor profiles.

The beans are then ground into a smooth paste called 'chocolate liquor,' which is mixed with sugar and other ingredients according to carefully guarded recipes.

The critical step is tempering, where the chocolate is heated, cooled, and reheated to specific temperatures to ensure the cocoa butter crystallizes properly.

This process creates the glossy finish and snap that distinguishes quality chocolate.

The Chocolate Crisps—chocolate-covered potato chips—are a standout product, mastering the popular sweet-and-salty flavor profile.

Each piece is hand-inspected before packaging.

Frankoma Pottery is intrinsically linked to the geology of Oklahoma.

Founded in 1933 by John Frank, a ceramics professor at the University of Oklahoma, the company was established to create affordable, beautiful pottery for everyday Americans.

Frankoma is famous for its use of local Oklahoma clay.

Initially using a light-hued clay from Ada, the company switched in 1954 to a brick-red clay from Sapulpa.

This red clay became the brand's signature.

The magic of Frankoma pottery lies in the interaction between the red clay body and the company's unique glazes.

John Frank and his wife, Grace Lee Frank, developed translucent glazes such as Prairie Green and Desert Gold.

When applied to the red clay, these glazes allow the underlying color to show through on the high points and edges of the piece, creating a natural two-tone effect that highlights the texture of the sculpture.

The production begins with preparing the Oklahoma clay, which is mined, processed, and mixed to achieve the perfect consistency for throwing and shaping.

Skilled potters form each piece using a combination of wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques.

The pieces are then dried slowly to prevent cracking and fired in kilns that reach over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The firing process is critical—it transforms the clay into durable stoneware while developing the rich colors that Frankoma is known for.

After the first firing, pieces receive their signature glazes, which are applied by hand using techniques that have been passed down through generations.

The glazing process requires skill and experience to achieve the unique two-tone effect that occurs when the translucent glaze allows the red clay to show through.

A second firing sets the glaze and creates the final finish.

Each piece is then inspected and signed before being carefully packaged for shipment.

Soberdough has disrupted the home baking market by removing the complexity from the process.

Based in Oklahoma, the brand produces artisan 'brew bread' mixes designed to be foolproof.

The concept is simple: combine a bag of pre-measured mix with a bottle of beer (or carbonated water), stir, and bake.

No yeast proofing, no kneading, and no rising time are required.

The science behind Soberdough relies on the carbonation in the beer to act as a leavening agent, reacting with the baking powder in the mix to provide lift.

The alcohol in the beer evaporates during baking, leaving behind a rich, yeasty flavor and a moist crumb, while the sugars in the beer contribute to a crunchy, caramelized crust.

This innovation makes bread baking accessible to everyone, from beginners to experienced bakers looking for a quick homemade loaf.

Soberdough emphasizes clean ingredients, free from preservatives, dairy, and soy.

The mixing process begins with carefully selected flour blends, enhanced with the brand's proprietary ingredients.

Each mix is pre-measured and packaged to ensure consistent results.

The process is beautifully simple: pour the mix into a bowl, add beer, stir until combined, and bake.

The carbonation in the beer interacts with the baking powder to create natural lift, eliminating the need for yeast.

The brand offers a wide spectrum of flavors, from savory options like Cheesy Garlic and Green Chile Cheddar to sweet varieties like Cinnamon Swirl.

Each mix is formulated to work with different beer styles, allowing bakers to experiment with flavor variations.

The packaging is rustic and gift-ready, often bundled with baking accessories.

HIX Design represents the modern face of the American maker movement.

Located in Oklahoma City's Plaza District, the brand was founded by Kyle Hix on a foundation of minimalist design and rugged durability.

The studio combines leather, cloth, and metal to create functional accessories that reject the disposable nature of fast fashion.

HIX Design operates on a 'drop' model for limited releases, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity around its products.

This approach has built a devoted following of customers who appreciate quality construction and timeless design.

The brand's philosophy centers on creating products that improve with age—leather that develops a rich patina, hardware that grows more beautiful with use, and designs that never go out of style.

Each piece is designed to be a long-term companion, not a temporary trend.

The manufacturing process at HIX is proudly analog.

Leather goods are hand-cut using patterns refined through iteration and testing.

The cutting process requires skill to ensure that each piece fits together perfectly and that the grain of the leather is oriented correctly for maximum durability.

Construction often uses hand-stitching, a method that is significantly stronger than machine stitching.

If a machine stitch breaks, the entire thread can unravel; a hand-stitched saddle stitch, however, will hold even if one loop is severed.

HIX uses premium vegetable-tanned leathers that patina over time, darkening and softening with use.

The edge finishing process involves burnishing edges with beeswax to create smooth, durable surfaces that feel good to the touch.

Each piece is assembled by hand, inspected for quality, and stamped with the HIX logo.

U-We Designs illustrates the evolution of a family hobby into a commercial enterprise.

Based in Durant, Oklahoma, the company was founded by Buddy and Stephanie Swicker, who transitioned from a family business to launching their own venture in 2017.

The 'U-We' name reflects their collaborative philosophy: 'Let's you (U) and we (WE) make your visions a reality.' This focus on personalization makes their products highly giftable, particularly for weddings, housewarmings, and anniversaries.

The ability to engrave names, dates, or messages onto high-quality wood transforms a simple cutting board into a cherished keepsake.

Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned them recognition in the 'Made in Oklahoma' program, highlighting their contribution to state-level economic growth and their role in preserving traditional woodworking skills.

The woodworking process begins with selecting the finest hardwoods, including maple, cherry, walnut, and oak.

Each piece of wood is carefully inspected for grain pattern and color before being cut to size.

The joinery is critical—U-We Designs uses traditional techniques like mortise and tenon joints, reinforced with food-safe adhesives.

For cutting boards, the construction often involves end-grain patterns that are both beautiful and functional, providing a self-healing surface that's gentle on knife blades.

The sanding process progresses through multiple grits, from coarse to fine, creating a surface that's smooth to the touch.

Custom engraving is done using laser technology that burns designs into the wood, creating permanent markings that won't fade or wear off.

A food-safe finish of mineral oil and beeswax is applied, penetrating the wood to enhance its natural beauty and provide protection.

Each piece is hand-finished and inspected before being carefully packaged.