Kansas City, Missouri, August 10, 2025
Sandlot Goods
Sandlot Goods is Kansas City’s sole hat manufacturer, committed to producing high-quality, locally-made hats with a focus on community support and domestic labor. Established in Kansas City, Missouri, the company has grown significantly, gaining national recognition through features on ABC World News Tonight and Good Morning America. These media appearances have boosted brand awareness, increased orders, and attracted potential partnerships. The company’s founder, Chad Hickman, and CEO, Thomas McIntyre, prioritize quality and efficiency in production, which currently stands at approximately 400 hats daily for distribution across the U.S. and internationally. Sandlot also launched the HelpingHats initiative to support nonprofits and has celebrated its milestone with a community-centered anniversary collaboration. Looking ahead, the company aims to expand through licensing agreements with sports teams and strategic partnerships to enhance its national presence.
News Summary
Kansas City’s Sandlot Goods, the only local hat manufacturer, is receiving national attention after features on major TV segments like ABC World News Tonight. This visibility has significantly increased customer engagement and interest in the brand, leading to a surge in orders. CEO Thomas McIntyre highlighted the challenges and opportunities that arose from this exposure, including potential partnerships and a focus on community support through initiatives such as HelpingHats. Sandlot Goods continues to prioritize quality and aims for further brand expansion beyond the Midwest.
Kansas City
Sandlot Goods, the only hat manufacturer based in Kansas City, has gained significant national recognition with recent features on popular television segments. This media exposure is positioning the company as a prospective national brand, enhancing its visibility and customer engagement.
The company was prominently featured on ABC World News Tonight‘s “Made In America Christmas” segment as well as on Good Morning America’s popular “Steals and Deals.” These appearances have sparked a surge in interest and orders, pushing Sandlot Goods further into the national limelight.
Thomas McIntyre, the CEO of Sandlot Goods, expressed that the media exposure is generating momentum for the brand and increasing recognition among consumers. Following a personal purchase of a hat by Tory Johnson, a Good Morning America contributor for her husband, Johnson reached out to Sandlot, leading to the feature that has assisted in boosting sales.
The decision to collaborate with Good Morning America was not without its challenges. Sandlot faced high inventory demands that impacted profit margins. However, it was deemed worthwhile for the brand exposure. To meet the sudden influx in customer demand resulting from the television feature, Chad Hickman, the founder of Sandlot Goods, traveled to New York to promote the dad hat segment on Good Morning America.
After the television appearances, multiple companies approached Sandlot Goods, expressing interest in partnerships for hat manufacturing, further expanding the company’s potential customer base. Sandlot also received casual exposure when actress Juno Temple was seen wearing one of their hats during the filming of the “Ted Lasso” series in Kansas City.
Post-pandemic, the Sandlot team remains focused on upholding quality and enhancing production efficiency. With the production capability of around 400 hats daily, the brand’s hats are shipped across the United States and internationally. The company proudly embraces domestic labor and limits imports, which has made it resilient to international tariffs.
Future endeavors for Sandlot Goods include strategic licensing agreements with sports teams beyond the Midwest, aiming to increase brand recognition on a broader scale. The company has also launched the HelpingHats initiative, granting nonprofits a fundraising avenue through high-quality custom apparel without any upfront costs, promoting local manufacturing.
Sandlot Goods has partnered with Made in KC to celebrate its 10th anniversary by creating a commemorative hat, with proceeds going to support Kansas City G.I.F.T. This move underscores the brand’s commitment to community support while enhancing their visibility in the market.
Quality assurance remains a cornerstone of Sandlot Goods’ production process, maintained through the detailed oversight of the team members. CEO Thomas McIntyre emphasized the importance of proper cash flow for small nonprofits, recognizing the critical need for prompt financial support through apparel sales.
The Kansas City community continues to show tremendous support for local businesses like Sandlot Goods, contributing significantly to the brand’s growth and market visibility.
FAQ Section
What is Sandlot Goods?
Sandlot Goods is Kansas City’s only hat manufacturer dedicated to establishing itself as a national brand, specializing in high-quality hats produced locally.
How has media exposure impacted Sandlot Goods?
Media exposure from programs such as ABC World News Tonight and Good Morning America has significantly boosted brand recognition and customer engagement, leading to an increase in orders and potential partnerships.
What is the HelpingHats initiative?
The HelpingHats initiative provides nonprofits with an opportunity to fundraise through custom apparel without upfront costs, promoting local manufacturing and community support.
How many hats does Sandlot Goods produce daily?
Sandlot Goods produces approximately 400 hats daily, which are sold and distributed across the U.S. and internationally.
What are Sandlot Goods’ plans for future expansion?
Sandlot Goods plans to enter strategic licensing agreements with various sports teams outside the Midwest to enhance brand recognition further.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Daily Production | 400 hats |
| Media Recognition | Featured on ABC World News Tonight and Good Morning America |
| Initiative | HelpingHats for nonprofit fundraising |
| Community Support | Strong backing from local Kansas City community |
| Future Plans | Licensing agreements and brand expansion |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Park 39 Transforms Former School into Nonprofit Hub in Kansas City
Additional Resources
- Startland News: Sandlot Goods National Spotlight
- ABC News: Made in America – Missouri Hat Company Hopes to Revive Kansas
- KSHB: In-House Manufacturing Gives KC Company Leg Up Amid Tariffs
- Startland News: Sandlot Goods Made in USA
- Bold Journey: Meet Thomas McIntyre
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Google Search: Sandlot Goods
- Google Scholar: Sandlot Goods
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sandlot Goods
- Google News: Sandlot Goods
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
