Happy Friday Amigos,

Welcome to the next edition of JM’s Weekly Roundup. A quick hit of what’s new at La Matera and a few things that’ve popped up on my radar lately.

This week feels about as American summer as it gets. The Fourth of July weekend is here, the boys in red, white, and blue have been giving us something to cheer for in the World Cup, and America turns 250 tomorrow.

Around here we’re keeping it pretty simple. A little small-town parade, some time out on the water, and probably more snacks packed for the boat than any reasonable family needs. That’s about perfect in my book.

Happy 250th Birthday, America.

TL;DR:

• La Matera Highlight: A few American-inspired belts for the Fourth, led by El Americano, El Pez Americano, Mendoza, and Corbina Stretch.

• Worth a Cheer: USA in the World Cup, because it’s hard not to get pulled in when the whole country starts watching together.

• Brands I’m Eyeing: Five Made in USA brands I keep coming back to: Rancourt & Co., Chilao, Red Wing Heritage, Imogene + Willie, and Clayton & Crume.

• Worth a Listen: Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, a USA / Fourth of July playlist I’ll be playing on repeat out on the boat tomorrow.

• Weekend Wisdom: Abraham Lincoln on remembering we’re friends, not enemies.

1. La Matera Highlight: Red, white, and blue without overdoing it

For the Fourth, I always like the pieces that nod to the holiday without turning the whole outfit into a costume. A good belt can do that pretty naturally. A little red, white, navy, woven texture, and enough character to make a simple summer uniform feel pulled together.

A few that fit the weekend: El Americano, El Pez Americano, Mendoza, and Corbina Stretch. They work with trunks and a linen shirt, chinos and a polo, or whatever you end up wearing from the parade to the boat to the grill.

Nothing too precious. Just useful summer belts with a little American spirit baked in.

2. Worth a Cheer: USA in the World Cup

I’ll admit, I’m not always locked in on soccer. But when Team USA gets rolling in a World Cup, it’s hard not to get pulled into it. There’s something fun about the whole country suddenly caring about corner kicks, stoppage time, and whether we can survive the last ten minutes without losing our minds.

That’s part of what I love about sports at their best. For a little while, everybody’s watching the same thing and yelling at the same TV. Not a bad backdrop for Fourth of July weekend.

3. Brands I’m Eyeing: Made in the USA favorites

In honor of the Fourth, I’ve been thinking about a few American-made brands I keep coming back to. Some of these have popped up in past Roundups, and all of them have that same thing I admire: a clear point of view, useful products, and a real respect for making things the right way.

• Rancourt & Co. in Lewiston, Maine. Handmade loafers, moccasins, boots, and boat shoes. Quiet, classic, and built by people who know their craft.

• Chilao. Rugged dry goods designed, cut, and sewn in Los Angeles. Canvas bags, shirts, aprons, ponchos, and the kind of useful pieces that feel built for getting out the door.

• Red Wing Heritage. Made in USA leather boots that have earned their place over time. No need to overexplain that one.

• Imogene + Willie. Nashville denim and staples with a strong American point of view. I’ve always liked how personal the brand feels.

• Clayton & Crume. Leather goods handcrafted in Louisville, Kentucky. Belts, wallets, bags, and gifts with that nice mix of polish and utility.

There are a lot of ways to be patriotic. Buying from people still making things here, employing skilled hands here, and caring about the finished product feels like a pretty good one.

4. Worth a Listen: Fourth of July boat playlist

I’m putting together a USA / Fourth of July playlist for the weekend called Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights, and I’ll be playing it on repeat out on the boat tomorrow. Figured I’d share it here too in case you need something for the dock, the grill, the drive, or wherever the weekend takes you.

Listen to Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights

Expect a little country, a little rock, probably some Seger, Petty, Willie, CCR, and whatever else feels right with the sun out and the cooler packed.

5. Weekend Wisdom: Abraham Lincoln

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” - Abraham Lincoln

That one feels right this weekend. The Fourth is flags, fireworks, parades, boats, ballgames, and hot dogs, sure. But underneath all that is the better reminder: we’re lucky to share this place, and it’s worth treating each other like we know it.

Hope y’all have a great Fourth. Stay safe, get outside, and enjoy the weekend.

Appreciate y’all being here.

Cheers,
JM



Jon-Mark Craddock
CEO

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Originally published in JM's Weekly Roundup on 2026-07-03.