Here lately, the phrase “Made in the USA” is at a high point, especially when President Trump vows to pull jobs back onto American soil.
One Texas ranching couple who is taking keep it in America seriously is Glenn and Kristal Spenrath of Goldthwaite who own a mohair/wool sock business.
In recent years, the couple ventured out and formed the business. They raise the wool and mohair that goes into their socks at their Texas ranch. But they also learned how to oversee the development and marketing.
“Raising goats is what I’m good at, but taking it a step farther has been a big venture, but it’s all working out,” Glenn Spenrath said.
Their product is called Krazy Goat Socks and they are conducting business at the Fort Worth Stock Show Rodeo. Their booth is in the Brown-Lupton Exhibits Center near the John Justin Arena.
Glenn Spenrath said they began research and development in 2009. They rolled out their first batch of socks in 2013.
“It’s been a roller coaster ride the whole way,” he said.
First, the Spenraths shear the sheep and goats and wash the wool and mohair. Second, they ship it to a business in Maine where it’s spun into yarn. Third, the product goes to a North Carolina firm to be knitted. At that point, it’s a packaged pair of socks that’s ready to be hung up in an exhibit booth and sold.
“There’s a lot of good wool out there, but mohair, there’s not that many,” Spenrath said. “When you take that strong mohair and mix it in with good wool, it makes for a long lasting and durable sock.”
The socks are carefully made to provide great cushion, depending on preference. The crew and mid-calf socks go for $25. The over-the-calf boot sock is $28.
“It’s been a great learning experience and I’m having a good time,” Spenrath said. “I’m actually making a little money.”
http://crazygoatsocks.com/index.html