Why Mike Rowe Supports American Manufacturing Through Walmart Initiative
By Movieguide® Contributor
DIRTY JOBS host Mike Rowe recently opened up about a new initiative he’s part of that celebrates “entrepreneurship, small business, manufacturing, and innovation.”
The initiative? Walmart’s Open Call program. Rowe describes it as “a combination of Shark Tank and QVC, on steroids.”
“Everyone there had a product to pitch that’s made in the USA, and roughly 30% of those pitching leave with a commitment from Walmart to get them on the shelves. It’s kind of mind-boggling, really, and I’m not sure why someone hasn’t made a TV show about it,” he shared.
In 2021, Walmart strengthened its commitment to American manufacturing by “spend[ing] an additional $350 billion on items made, grown or assembled in the U.S. We estimate that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs.”
Through Open Call, the chain is bringing more American-made products into stores.
Rowe explained his connection to the initiative.
“Eight years ago, I narrated a commercial that announced a financial commitment from Walmart to invest $250 billion dollars in US Manufacturing over the next ten years – a pretty bold pledge that I enthusiastically endorsed at the time. In response, I was criticized – rather robustly, as I recall – by people who hate Walmart for a variety of reasons,” he said.
Rowe added that many companies boycotted him because of his connection to Walmart. However, things worked out in his favor.
“Today, I’m happy to report that Walmart met their pledge two years ahead of schedule and has since promised to invest an additional $350 billion in companies that are making products in America,” he continued.
Rowe is passionate about America-made products and jobs, but, he said, “Our country has no hope of reinvigorating our domestic supply chain without robust support from the largest retailer in the country. I’m rooting for them today, just as I did eight years ago, and I’m hopeful that other retailers will make similar investments.”
Many Facebook users commented their support.
“Keep at it, sir! You’re doing great work and you are an American treasure!” one user replied.
“Love hearing/reading this Mike! Keep up the good work you do!” another shared.
At the event, Rowe shared his advice for entrepreneurs:
“Tell the truth, but make sure your plan is fungible and open to change. Don’t get ahead of your skis, and make sure you can service the business you get. I don’t really believe in cookie-cutter advice. It may be the enemy of this country today. This is a marathon, not a sprint. I will say that opportunity in the U.S. is not dead, even if we are told it is. This room is proof of that.”
Rowe frequently celebrates the opportunity America provides. Movieguide® previously reported:
In a recent Facebook post, Mike Rowe celebrated the amount of opportunity available to all Americans after visiting the National Auto Glass Week convention in San Antonio.
“I know I say this a lot, and at the risk of beating a horse long since expired, I can’t leave an event like this and not say it again – the amount of opportunity in this country is truly shocking,” Rowe shared.
However, the DIRTY JOBS alum recognizes Americans’ decreasing interest in blue-collar jobs and work generally. As Movieguide® previously reported, “Much of the struggling work force is due to decades of educators, parents and society pushing students to pursue college after high school instead of apprenticeships or trades, creating a void in these much-needed industries.”
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