Bringing American-made apparel to a niche market while empowering workers and reinvigorating our manufacturing sector.

In Partnership With:  IAM

Manufacturing American-made apparel and empowering workers

After repairing and altering leather garments for nine years, in 1992 Ruth Schepp started her own business, Ivory Leathers. The company has evolved into a six-person operation serving North Dakota and the needs of motorcycle and leather enthusiasts across the country. Schepp believes that American consumers will buy American-made products if given the chance, and is committed to helping resurrect U.S. garment manufacturing.

Schepp’s husband, a union machinist for 34 years, helped convince her that a union shop was the right way to conduct business. So in 2008, Ivory Leathers agreed to let its workers join the International Association of Machinists, through the majority-sign up process. “I thought my employees deserved to have a pension, fair wages, safe working conditions, and a good relationship with their boss,” says Schepp. And that’s exactly what they’ve earned. In fact, the company negotiated a contract with its workers in just three hours.

Ivory Leathers’ employees also work in an atmosphere based on mutual trust and respect. According to Barb May, a store employee, “Nobody ever hesitates to ask a question. Ruth Schepp has really created a strong team she knows she can depend on. She’s laid the groundwork so that everyone is on the same level here.”

Schepp has been recognized numerous times for her contributions to the business community, and in 1994, she was one of seven women in North Dakota to be honored with “Businesswoman of the Year” by the state. She is proud of the fact that as both an entrepreneur and a woman, she’s been able to cater to an industry made up predominantly of male motorcycle enthusiasts. And her success and knowledge within the industry gave her the confidence to launch ILI Clothing last year, which manufactures a wide array of apparel and accessories.

Schepp’s positive experience with her workplace’s union inspired her to speak up for the Employee Free Choice Act. “I want my employees to be able to choose to join a union and they already did. But I also want to see other workers have that choice without fear of repercussions,” Schepp proclaims. Writing letters to newspapers throughout North Dakota, participating in numerous conference calls, and joining a national coalition of business leaders supporting the bill, she’s doing her part to give workers what they deserve – a voice at work.