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Carhartt got its start in Michigan, and stayed in Michigan

Michigan Public | By Stateside Staff

Published April 9, 2014 at 8:45 AM EDT

Carhartt got its start in southern Michigan when the company's founder, Hamilton Carhartt, set out to make the best pair of overalls he could for railroad workers.

The company is still family owned and remains in Michigan.

We spoke with the company's current CEO, Mark Valade. He's Hamilton Carhartt's great-grandson.

Listen to our interview with him above.

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