A little acknowledgment to ACL’s second full year of holding down this corner of the internets. The past year has been some of the best of times and some of the worst. Of amazing opportunities and of difficult challenges. Things will never be the same for me as a person after these past 12 months – it has been a year of learning and self assessment, a time forged of realigned priorities and hope for new possibilities. I’m happy to have come out of it with both feet firmly planted on the ground. In my everyday life I tend to consciously or subconsciously use a lot of my father’s sayings (something our family has come to know as “CJisms”) and one of them came up more than the others in 2009. With business being tough, everyone would ask how I was doing (not really about ACL, about my “day Job”) and I would always reply with a CJism via Benjamin Franklin. I would say: “I wake up everyday and check the obituaries, as long as I’m not listed it is a good day.” That’s how I felt for most of the year.
That’s not to say good things haven’t happened or it wasn’t a good year, it was just tough. I’m happy with what ACL has become and I am still excited to post and share things with everyone everyday. I’m also happy people support the little companies on The American List. Every once in a while I get an email from people at the companies listed, they are always gracious and appreciative of the list. I treasure those emails, and the thought that collectively we are making a difference. More than anything, I’m grateful that you guys choose to spend part of your day with me. I’ve learned to take things less personally and to roll with all of the BS that comes with something like ACL.
At the end of the day (or year as it may be), I’m happy for the friendships ACL has brought me – and you guys know who you are. I want to specifically thank the fellas at GQ for the support and for taking a chance on an unknown kid. Andrew Comer, Adam Rapoport and Michael Hainey – thank you. Bobby Solomon for all of your hard work in making ACL look and work great – I owe you one (or ten). I also specifically want to mention a few people that really mean a lot to me and have been unwavering supporters both personally and professionally: Sean Sullivan, Randy Goldberg, David Coggins, Nick Maggio, Mordechai Rubinstein, Josh Moore, Jason Ross, Nick Schonberger, Mark McNairy, Aaron Levine, Brian Awitan and Paul Witt. Much respect and thanks for everything. Look forward to more in 2010.
-MW
Related: ACL | One in the Books
Congrats on 2.
Congratulations! The Franklin quote is so apt (not just for you…) Here’s to more success in 2010!
Congrats from Inventory –
Looking forward to another year of ACL.
Loved or hated, but never ignored that’s for damn sure.
I’d like to thank you and ACL for being a continual inspiration on a daily basis. I know 2009 was a trying year for myself as well and I personally wouldn’t have it any other way. Cheers to all the good things 2010 is surely bringing for everyone.
I’m just a guy who checks in to ACL every other day or so, and who enjoys very much what you’re doing here. Keep it up!
Here’s to 2010. Cheers!
Congrats!
I have received much compliments over the last few days for the ACL 8 pocket cargo pants I wore, even from people who don’t pay attention to clothes. It was really a great product and I love the silhouette. But I do have a gripe against the workmanship though, the button fell out after third use. No heavy use or handling, it just fell off by itself. Sew it back myself with double stitch. No regrets buying it though cos it’s still great product considering the design and shape.
Have a greater year ahead. God bless.
It has been a weird year, but in some ways I think that’s made ACL’s appeal even stronger. I always enjoy the reads. Good luck and more to come.
You said “internets! Thank you.
–GWB
Michael-thank you for this last post. 2009 was not one for the books, but I believe 2010 will be an epic year we will all look back on with pride. ACL along with many other sites that focus on men’s fashion, culture, and all things “guy” have started a movement that I believe will only continue to gain momentum. It is a movement that appreciates things made with time and care and things that are built to last. Perhaps it is a deep longing to invest in well made genuine things in what has largely become a dispossable culture. Hopefully this stems from a need for community.
Either way ACL is a gem.
Thank you indeed. ACL has been a daily visit for me, starting in the latter half of 2009, and I share the same sentiments as Eli (commenter above). Over the last year, I have been following with great interest the resurgence of all things Americana, particularly those in music and menswear.
I do believe there is a movement taking place – ultimately rooted in a desire for community and authenticity. As shallow pop glamour and the cheap and disposable is what most dominates our media and daily lives, people are taking to history to find truth in art, beauty, design, craftsmanship. They have a sense that what is old and still remains has a time-tested realness to it – something they can trust. In that sense, it is more “true”.
It is greatly encouraging to see this movement come about. I can only hope that it grows and has a real and lasting impact in our culture.
We wish you the BEST for 2010 and Beyond….ACL is our morning cup of Joe!
Now go get your signage…..hehehehehehe!
Kenyan/Grace
Congratulations, Michael!
Lu
Congrats Michael. I wish you much continued success. What’s good Kenyan?
those flea market things looked fun as hell… still pissed. more factory visits, more archives, more acl-shopping, more high life?? whichever way, looking forward to 2010. maybe more posts though… quit the day job?? def’ need some big ACL diecuts for the wintercrowd to sticker up their rigs… big. bold, orange… best james/10e
Congratulations, Michael. Bring on 2010.
Thanks for the inspriration. Your site is great. Keep it up.
Brian
Congratulations, Michael. Here’s hoping 2010 is a banner year for all.
MW–
You’re the reason I’m here at all, man.
Thank you,
JP
I enjoy your blog very much and congratulate you on its success. Like you, I have an appreciation for quality craftsmanship, hard-working people and the past. I offer the following article that sheds some light into the lives of the people who used to be required to utilize some of the products/clothing this blog appreciates.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/16/AR2009121604244.html
Well, thanks for what you do. You have helped me discover (and rediscover) material objects made with integrity and authenticity.
Good on you, mate. Keep up the good work. And Happy New Year.
The biggest risk in life is not taking one. Congrats Buffalo Check on 2 years of rock solid content.
I’ll take #3 in 2010 as a promise.
Incredible work, no fillers.
Thanks for all the inspiration!
/Jocke
onward and upward michael. congrats and happy new year!
Congrats, Mike!