Makers of the USA

We’re kicking off 2026 with intention, momentum, and a whole lot of truth. In this episode of Makers of the USA, I sit down with Josh Cary, host of The Hidden Entrepreneur, to talk about the stories we hide, the fear that holds us back, and what it really takes to show up as your full self—especially as a creator, entrepreneur, or business leader. Josh spent decades wearing masks, chasing approval, and ignoring his true potential. Today, he helps leaders and founders uncover the core beliefs that shape their decisions, their businesses, and their lives. Together, we unpack fear, identity, authenticity, and how storytelling—done right—can become one of the most powerful tools in your personal brand and business growth. As we step into the Year of the Horse, a symbol of momentum, endurance, and forward motion, this conversation is a reminder that clarity comes from within—and movement follows courage. If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck, or unsure of your next step, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen sits down with Elise Marie Designs, a Maine-based jewelry brand known for blending artistry, sustainability, and timeless style. From her workshop in Maine, Elise shares how her journey as a designer began, the inspirations behind her collections, and how she incorporates natural textures, coastal elements, and modern elegance into every handcrafted piece. Elise opens up about the challenges and rewards of running a small creative business in Maine, what it means to be part of the maker movement, and why supporting local artisans is more important than ever. She also talks about her commitment to sustainability, sourcing materials responsibly, and ensuring every piece tells a story of connection and authenticity. Listeners will gain insight into Elise’s creative process, her advice for aspiring makers, and how she’s built a brand that resonates not only with her Maine community but also with customers nationwide. Tune in to celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and the power of supporting local makers. Learn more about Elise Marie Designs: www.elisemariedesigns.com

In this episode, we sit down with John, the visionary founder behind Hats by Bru, a fashion brand that fuses country western heritage with bold, modern design. Bru shares how personal identity, cultural pride, and creativity shape every hat he crafts. From humble beginnings to building a purpose-driven brand, Bru talks about the challenges, inspirations, and meaningful connections he's made through his work—proving that his hats are more than accessories; they’re statements of self-expression and cultural celebration.

The Makers of the USA podcast interview with Evan Amell, owner of EA Fitness & Performance, sheds light on his journey from sports and physical training to building his own fitness business. With a background in Physical Education and Kinesiology, combined with certifications in fitness nutrition and performance coaching, Evan shares how fitness became his passion. He reflects on a transformative moment post-college, when he decided to prioritize his health, leading to a significant physical and mental change. This experience fueled his desire to help others achieve similar improvements. Through EA Fitness, he has guided hundreds of people toward better health, weight loss, muscle gain, and overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of consistent training, mental resilience, and a balanced approach to fitness.

Bobby Miller, owner of Asset Development, a Maine-based real estate development company, appeared on the "Makers of the USA" episode to discuss his efforts in addressing Maine's housing shortage. With over 25 years of experience, Asset Development has built hundreds of homes across the state. citeturn0search1 In the interview, Miller highlighted the challenges of increasing housing inventory in Maine, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for homes. He discussed various development projects aimed at providing affordable housing options and the importance of collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to achieve these goals. Miller's insights shed light on the complexities of the housing market in Maine and the proactive steps being taken to ensure that more residents have access to quality housing.

Kristan Vermeulen has picked back up the microphone to speak to makers and small business owners who have supported her through her pageant journey. She is now titled your USOA Ms. Maine 2025. One maker that has supported her is Rogue Life Maine which focuses on creating high-quality, performance-driven everyday apparel and for outdoor enthusiasts. The Rogue Life Maine concept highlights the connection between the brand’s strong foundation in the state of Maine and they're growing nationally as well. The Rogue Life Maine initiative also fosters a sense of local pride, celebrating the hardworking, passionate individuals involved in the brand’s operations in Maine. This could involve partnerships with local organizations, events, and collaborations that highlight the Maine community. Rogue Life Maine promotes a lifestyle rooted in hard work, dedication, and a commitment to fitness and personal improvement. It resonates with people who value integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic, characteristics that are often associated with both Maine’s culture. Reflecting the rugged, durable nature of the region, the apparel tied to this concept might include designs that evoke Maine’s outdoor culture, landscapes, and the strength required to thrive in such a setting. Tune into this episode to learn more about Mark Rodrigue and his story of owning and operating Rogue Life Maine.

Kristan Vermeulen speaks with Martin Pasi, an organ builder who shares his journey and love for this unique craft. Martin discovered his interest in organ building at a young age when he was a part of a boys choir. The music director recognized his fascination and allowed him to look inside an organ, which left a lasting impression on him. From that moment on, Martin knew that organ building was what he wanted to pursue. Tune in to learn more about the craft of organ building, Martin Pasi's journey in the craft and what he plans to do in the future.

In this episode of Makers of the USA, host Kristan Vermeulen interviews David Syre, a unique artist based in Bellingham. Formerly in business development, Syre has always had an artistic side, creating acrylic paintings, drawings, and watercolors inspired by the subconscious, nature, and travel. Having traveled the world to study different forms of religion, spiritual practices, and indigenous cultures, Syre's work has been showcased at galleries worldwide and even at Burning Man. Join Kristan as she takes a tour of Syre's creative paradise.

As a young musician, Kristan had always dreamed of recording in a professional studio. So when Kristan heard about the legendary London Bridge Studio in Seattle, she knew she had to check it out. Upon arrival, she was immediately struck by the history and atmosphere of the place. The walls were adorned with platinum records and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in rock and roll. It was clear that this was a place where magic had been made. As Kristan set up her gear and prepared to interview, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and excitement. This was a studio that had produced some of the most iconic albums of all time, and she was about to tell the story of its legacy. Eric Liliavois, co-owner of the studio, tells me about the intense and exhilarating recording process produced at his studio. There is a reason why Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, and other grunge-inspired musicians have recorded here. The engineers at London Bridge are true professionals, and their expertise and attention to detail helped them achieve the sound they had been striving for. The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and acoustics made every note sound crisp and clear, and those musicians knew that their music was in good hands. Tune in to the episode to learn more about the London Bridge Studio experience and how it shaped musicians who have recorded out of their space and helped them realize the true power of music to connect, inspire, and transform.

On the next episode of the Becoming A Maker mini-series, we have CHART Metalworks. Founded in 2008 CHART Metalworks has been capturing memories and beautiful moments through charts and maps, or really any design you're envisioning through jewelry, home decor, and much more. Each piece is individually designed and made to order in their workshop located in the heart of downtown Portland. Their workshop flows with hands-on artistry at every step of their process. From the design to poor to engraving to polish, the team of four makes sure each step and each piece is as unique as their customer. Kristan got to speak with Janice Sears who is the owner of the small business and not only has she continued the growth of it, but also made some new and fun changes to grow it even further. Tune in to learn more about where CHART Metalworks is today under Janice's direction, what new products they have lined up, and much more.

Have you ever heard of the term hand hewn? Kristan had no idea what it was until she met this lovely gentleman who lives a town over from her. She always passed by his house and saw the Renaissance Timber sign hung in his front yard and was always curious about what was going on there. Come to find out Steve was turning a round tree into a square beam using only hand tools. While water-powered sawmills existed in New England as early as 1630, hand-hewing large beams was a technique favored by many American craftsmen to frame out barns and buildings: structures that have stood the test of time and borne patiently the worst of summer's blistering heat and New England's unkind winters. Today, Steve uses exactly the same tools and techniques as 17th- and 18th-century Maine craftsmen to create classic beams and mantels: timbers that will transform your family's favorite space into a showcase for generations to come. Tune in to learn more about Steve's past prior to getting into hewing beams, the process behind hand hewing beams, and much more. Also, stay tuned till the end to listen to a track from local Maine musician King Kyote.

Philip Costello creates sculptures and carvings that call forth the wonder and beauty of nature in wood. Last summer Kristan had the privilege of interviewing him at the Cliff House Resort in Ogunquit, Maine. The Cliff House invited Phil to carve right there on their property and sell his work. Some of his work is featured in the hotel and one piece that comes to mind that I have seen at the hotel is in their conference room, a beautiful mermaid which Kristan talks about with Phil during the interview. They talked about the intricacies of woodcarving, detail, and design. Through careful honing of technique and process, Phil has carved a place for himself among the finest artisans and depths of the woods sculpting craft from a studio in Southern Maine and southwest Florida. He is surrounded by the beauty in and around the ocean and is inspired to duplicate these nautical pieces in detail with masterful skill. His vision for design and the careful planning of each piece along with the type of wood used allows for the efficient, flawless execution of realistic sculptures. New and novel sculpture requests keep Phil in a continual state of artistic development and he readily enjoys the challenge of creating custom commission works. Tune in to learn more about Phil and his craft of wood carving -- a rare craft you don't find too often.