We recently connected with Milton Putman and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Milton thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you find your key vendor or vendors? Maybe you can share the backstory and share some context and the relevant details to help us understand why you chose them, why they chose you, etc.
Well we are manufacturer of apparel. It’s very important to find a manufacturer that fit your vision and that can bring concept to consumption. The first thing that a designer or brand need to know is their own product. From fabric and size to design. Then you need to know your total cost including shipping. So many brands make so many mistakes, because they don’t count the cost. You can learn this and more by reaching out to Complete Image Manufacturing about our Product Development service. Our Product Development consulting teach you how to partner with the right manufacturer, become retail ready, talk to potential buyers, and more.
Milton, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Founded in 2019 by Milton Putman and Terra Carter, Complete Image Manufacturing www.cimanufacturing.org is the Premier clothing manufacturer located in the City of Detroit. Our product and services are known for their quality. We have been quite successful in satisfying our clients. Our business has received recognition by Motor City Match, Mayor Duggan, Secretary of State Janet Yellen and many others. Impact on cut & Sew Industry Complete Image Manufacturing has the distinct honor of manufacturing clothing for Detroit City Football Club and has a partnership with Motor City Cruise basketball. Complete Image has also formed strategic partnership with several organizations. These organizations include Michigan Works, US Commercial Services, and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
Currently, we employ 10 people and plan to expand operations to at least 50 people.
Mission Statement: The company mission is to expand US manufacturing by providing quality products in a timely manner. We aim to accomplish this by sourcing innovative technology and state-of-the-art machinery.
Complete Image Core Services:
• Apparel Manufacturing • Pattern making • Marker Making • Consulting • Retail Placement
Certifications and Accreditations: Complete Image’s Manufacturing has minority-owned status and certification with the NMSDC, US Commercial Services, National Business League.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Our whole journey is a story of resilience. Getting in the apparel industry is not a small feat. Having a clothing line is challenging in itself and starting a manufacturing company is even more challenging. Our resilience come from knowing that Elohim is on our side and that we are doing this for a much bigger cause than ourselves and getting rich. To know that we are one of the few Black owned apparel and textile design, cutting, and sew manufacturing company, is a challenge and will be challenged. What we are doing is marking history for our people for generations to come. Any time you build something, you have to build it off a WHY, and that Why has to bigger than yourself, money, and your family. Our resilience showed when everybody left us after they thought it was a good idea. We had to go through years sacrificing our family, money, fun time, and even our lively hood for this company. When you can go to lengths for something, without seeing results you know you have a blessing.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson that I had to unlearn is that everybody you want to go with you on your journey will. This is a great lesson because we try to place who we want to be with us as we climb to the top. The funny part is sometimes they geared up for the ride at first. That’s until the work and challenges come. I learned that when I understood that this was my vision that Elohim bless me with and nobody else. When it’s your vision, others can’t see the Glory as you do. They might just see the struggles and that’s ok. What I had to learn is that I have to go forward anyway regardless of who is with me or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cimanufacturing.org
- Instagram: @cimanufacturing and @completedominance
- Facebook: Complete Image Manufacturing and Milton Putman
- Linkedin: Complete Image Manufacturing and Milton Putman
Image Credits
Glory to Elohim