For nearly 160 years, Faribault Mill has stood as a symbol of American craftsmanship—weaving blankets, throws, and accessories in Minnesota and Maine that are designed to last for generations. But longevity like that doesn’t happen by accident. It’s earned.
For CEO Ross Widmoyer, one of the company’s most defining challenges has been proving that heritage and modern success are not mutually exclusive.
“One of the most defining challenges for Faribault Mill—a challenge we still face today—is proving that a 160-year-old American manufacturer can compete and win in a world of cheap imports and fast fashion,” he explained.
In an era dominated by mass production and fleeting trends, staying true to craftsmanship demands unwavering dedication. It also demands difficult choices.
“It has required real discipline: tightening operations, protecting quality, and saying no to opportunities that don’t fit our brand. We’ve had to balance honoring our heritage with making tough, modern business decisions,” said Widmoyer.
The balancing act—between history and innovation, tradition and transformation—has become a source of strength rather than strain.
The most important lesson Faribault Mill has learned over the past 100 years is that quality and integrity never go out of style.Ross Widmoyer, CEO of Faribault Mill
According to Widmoyer, that tension has forced him to build a company that respects its past but is now unapologetically focused on long-term sustainability.
His lesson isn’t just about textiles. It’s about entrepreneurship itself.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing hype—it’s about building something real that deserves to exist. Focus on product, customers, and brand first; growth follows. And play the long game as resilience and integrity do compound over time,” he said.
Few companies understand the power of the long game better than Faribault Mill. Over the past century, the business has weathered wars, recessions, and even a two-year closure—yet it endures.
Widmoyer believes the reason is simple.
“The most important lesson Faribault Mill has learned over the past 100 years is that quality and integrity never go out of style. Markets shift, trends come and go, but if you stay committed to craftsmanship and doing business the right way, you endure,” explained Widmoyer.
Trust, he says, is built thread by thread.
“Longevity isn’t luck—it’s the result of consistency and resilience over time,” added Widmoyer.
Amid a marketplace obsessed with speed, Faribault Mill demonstrates that lasting success comes from heritage, conviction, and a willingness to keep evolving—even after 160 years.
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