How a Minnesota Startup Scaled to $40 Million Selling U.S.-Made Apparel

A Forbes feature traces how Minnesota-based Love Your Melon grew from a college project into a $40 million brand while keeping its production rooted in U.S. manufacturing.

Founded in 2012 by Zachary Quinn and Brian Keller, Love Your Melon began with a mission to support children battling cancer—donating a hat for every one sold. The company quickly gained traction through social media, turning its online community into a powerful engine for both sales and advocacy.

To meet skyrocketing demand while maintaining quality, Love Your Melon partnered with Minneapolis-based Softline Brand Partners and other domestic suppliers to produce apparel and accessories. This collaboration allowed the company to scale efficiently without compromising its commitment to American-made craftsmanship.

Adam Blitzer, owner of Softline Brand Partners, continues to support brands like Love Your Melon in achieving sustainable, scalable U.S. production—blending modern efficiency with the authenticity consumers value.

Read the full article at Forbes.