Writing this blog, I’ve had the advantage of hearing all types of amazing start-up stories. My favorites are those where the person or husband and wife wanted to solve a problem because they couldn’t find what they needed Made in the USA — and then realized they could turn the solution into a business.
Such is the case with Brandy and Rick McLain, founders of Modern House Numbers, based in Tucson, AZ.
After renovating their 1960 home, Brandy and Rick tried to buy house numbers but couldn’t find large, modern numbers that matched their mid-century home. Because they were architects, they knew the look they wanted, so they decided to make their own.
“We made three or four different options from aluminum,” says Brandy, “and hung a set on our house. People began knocking on our door to ask, ‘Where did you get them?’ Other designers wanted to know where we had purchased them.”
The kitchen table does double duty
The couple began making numbers for friends and neighbors — and as word grew, they decided, “Let’s do this.” At first, they made everything on the kitchen table at night and on weekends while still working full-time jobs. Rick learned website design and created a website; Brandy learned marketing.
“Since we were in the design field,” says Brandy, “I reached out to the bloggers we were following. We were very lucky to get press for free.”
Business continued to grow. Brandy quit her full-time job to focus on expanding the business — and within a few months, their business had grown even more, necessitating a move to a space they sublet from a design-build colleague.
Today, they’re now in a 3200 square foot commercial building in the heart of Tucson.
I found Modern House Numbers in 2017 after purchasing my Janzer Made in USA mailbox (link to write up below). Like Brandy and Rick, I had gone to the big box store to see what was available but came away very disappointed. It was either plastic or those gold foil things. Yuck!
After some searching, I found their website and ordered the mailbox decals in the Soho font. Installation was super easy; I simply followed the instructions that came with the decals, and viola! I now had the most handsome mailbox on the street. Eight years later, they still look fantastic.
All items designed and manufactured in-house
From the beginning, the couple focused on sustainability. The numbers and plaques are made from recycled 3/8″ aluminum. An environmentally-friendly material, aluminum can be recycled and reused many times. In fact, the sourcing and production of recycled aluminum in the U.S. continues to grow — making it easier for companies to source domestically-produced material.
To cut the numbers, the company uses a water jet machine for its low impact. Each number or plaque is solid aluminum — versus being stamped or hollow. “When you pick them up,” says Rick, “they feel substantial.”
As part of the company’s sustainability focus, in-house designers use software to plan out how the numbers will be placed on a sheet of aluminum before cutting to save material and time.
Numbers that are matte black, dark bronze, white, and matte brass are powder-coated for a long-lasting, durable finish.
“Everything is made right here at our facility in Tucson,” says Brandy, “and we purchase locally as much as possible.”
The company manufactures aluminum house numbers, plaques, mailbox decals, and curb stencils — meaning, you can create stylish house numbers and mailbox decals using the same font and color.
The company also has a thriving commercial business that includes designers, property managers, builders, and a few hardware stores.
According to Brandy, the company has amazing customers. “Our residential customers share their stories on social media, which is how we drive a lot of business,” she says. The company also advertises in Atomic Ranch Magazine, and through Google Ads.
Creating local jobs, supporting the community
When Brandy and Rick started the company in 2008, they offered four fonts and one finish. Today, they can accommodate horizontal and vertical orientation, letters and numbers — and offer seven fonts and five finishes and sizes, plus custom designs.
The number of employees has grown as well, from two employees in the early days to 22 people today. Along the way, Brandy and Rick started a family and now have three children, ages 12, 10, and 5.
When I asked why manufacturing in the United States is important to them, Brandy replied, “People forget that by manufacturing here, we create local jobs and support the neighborhood. We provide opportunities for employment and allow people who live here to work here as well.”
Manufacturing stateside also means they control product quality and oversee everything they make to ensure it meets their exacting standards.
“We’re also reducing our carbon footprint,” she says, “as products aren’t shipped in from overseas. Our process requires aluminum, water, and sand — and aluminum is recyclable.”
She also adds, “We believe that modern details create a more beautiful world. That’s why we’ve created products that empower people to add style and value to their environment, wherever they live.”
Get the Keep It Made USA newsletter.
Twice monthly; zero spam.
Links
Modern House Numbers — The company website; view the gallery for inspiration and order house numbers or mailbox decals.
Still Made in USA — Janzer Mailboxes — A Keep It Made USA write up
Full Disclosure
I’m not paid nor asked to write about products or the companies that make them. All links in this piece are FREE — meaning, they’re not sponsored or paid for.
My mission is to keep manufacturing jobs stateside and this blog is my way of giving back. We like to think a “small” choice, such as purchasing something made in the US, won’t make a difference. It does.
