SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) will be hosting their 2025 Executive Conference this year in Chicago, and I'm looking forward to speaking in one of their sessions alongside Rob McMillan of Chicago's own Dearborn Denim & Apparel.
Making in America, Part 1 | Building a Brand with Local Roots
Robert McMillan, Dearborn Denim & Apparel
In conversation with Xochil Herrera Scheer, The Chicago Pattern Maker
We’ll be spending a lot of time in Chicago talking about the value of “Made-in-America”. But what does it truly mean to make locally? During this conversation, we’ll highlight a company that isn’t just talking about domestic manufacturing — it’s building its entire business around it.
Robert McMillan, Founder and CEO of Dearborn Denim & Apparel, will join us to share the story behind his Chicago-based, made-to-order brand that has been committed to U.S. production from day one. From an unconventional career pivot into apparel manufacturing to a strategic production shift during the Covid-19 pandemic, McMillan has navigated challenge and change with a firm belief in local resilience. This conversation will explore what it takes to keep a supply chain close to home, and why doing so still matters.
You can see the full conference agenda HERE.
