President Bill Clinton, founder of Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Foundation, visited Shinola in Detroit today. The Foundation has economic empowerment as a core mission, so the visit to Detroit makes sense. It doesn’t hurt that Mr. Clinton is a major watch collector. Clinton wore a Timex Ironman and LIP watch while in office, but since has been seen wearing watches made by Jaeger-LeCoultre, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Panerai.

The Detroit watch factory (we also visited about a year ago) is inside the College for Creative Studies in Midtown Detroit. Shinola also makes bicycles, journals, leather goods, and yes, that famous shoe polish.

President Clinton said, “Shinola is a great example of how we can continue to build and expand America’s manufacturing capabilities while creating jobs. It’s exciting to see how the brand is playing its part in the economic revitalization that’s happening in the city of Detroit.” Also touring the factory with Clinton were Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and US Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Shinola has always been proud of their part in revitalizing Detroit and this visit is emblematic of that American-made pride. Shinola CEO Steve Bock said, “Having President Clinton visit our headquarters in Detroit was a great honor and true highlight for the team. We hope Shinola can act as a business model that can be replicated in cities like Detroit across the US.” Shinola recently added two new lines to their watch collection and we’re sure they were pleased to show them off to the Mayor, Senator and President Clinton. shinola.com