Made and sold in the USA

When former Marine Matthew McDaid founded an apparel brand that only sells goods made in the U.S., he turned to Consumers for banking that reflects his values.    

When you talk with Matthew McDaid, two things become evident: his love for the United States and his commitment to service as a citizen and a businessman.

Matthew joined the Marines after graduating high school in 2003. While deployed in Iraq, he was wounded in action, received a Purple Heart in 2004 and continued to serve three more years.

In 2012 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University, he missed the excitement of working oversees. So, he went to work on the security team for the American Embassy in Kabul as a designated defensive marksman.

“No way that was going to stop me”

When he returned home again, Matthew put an idea he had had for a long time into action. He began building an apparel brand that reflects the values of “patriotic, active, and adventuresome people who would rather live their life to the fullest instead of sitting idly by.”

Matthew said, “I had zero background in marketing, business, clothing or making a brand, but there was absolutely no way that was going to stop me.”

It didn’t! Today, Matthew’s thriving business, Section 1776, sells only apparel made in the U.S. Just one glance at the logo, derived from the American flag, and you see that the brand’s patriotism runs deep.

In continuation of his service, a portion of the company’s profits are donated to help others through Team Rubicon. Plus, he organizes Section Collection events that help veterans with food, clothes and household items.

Currently, Matthew does everything to run the business–the packing, shipping, ordering, and website maintenance. Although he does get help from his fiancée, Sarah Herr, who helps at volunteer events and with packing and shipping.

“She’s my best unpaid employee,” he jokes and then adds. “It’s great to work with my best friend.”

Business banking with a community connection

Matthew was already a Consumers member when he founded Section 1776. Becoming a business member where he could get local banking just made sense.

“As soon as I walk in, they know me by name,” Matthew said. “They’re extremely easy to communicate with, and they always do everything they say they’re going to.

“I love how they interact with the community. Plus, Consumers employees are big supporters of my company, too,” Matthew said, explaining how they wear his products and show up to volunteer at his charitable events.

In the summer, that means golf outings and more recently, a Section Collection, where more than 25,000 pounds of food and clothing were collected for veterans!

“Both of our companies are dedicated to serving our local communities well, which makes our partnership such a great fit,” explained Corner@Drake Office Manager Amber Cuvelier. “I am continually touched by the support shown for Section 1776 from the community and Matthew’s passion for raising money for veterans.”

Section 1776, we salute you! We’re proud to have as a part of our Consumers family and our community.

If you want to bank with a team who cares about your business as much as you do, call us at 800-991-2221. We’re here to help you grow!  

Federally insured by NCUA

Pictured: Section 1776 Founder Matthew McDaid with Corner@Drake Manager Amber Cuvelier