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Johnson, Vermont - November 13, 2009

Johnson Woolen Mills has been a centerpiece of this village for nearly 170 years. Today, finding fresh approaches for its familiar products.

"I knew this is where I was supposed to be," Stacy Manosh said.

Manosh is the fourth generation to make and sell wool outdoor gear, but Manosh-- with a rhythm that would outpace the Energizer Bunny-- is the first woman to ever run the brand. Its popularity with hunters used to make this a boy's club.

"For a woman to own and run a business? NO! But then with luck, finally it ended up I could get the company. I'm just living my dream," she said.

She still manages the men's line with a former marketing slogan in mind: "The quality lasts long after the price is forgotten." But she also has a line of coats, vests, and accessories for kids and is expanding the women's collection well beyond the familiar green and red checks.

But Manosh's most ingenious idea may be what's keeping her staff of 35 employed.

"The Japanese are really our best customer, Jack," she said. "We would probably be out of business without them."

She's aggressively courted customers in Japan, mostly through trade shows, managing to tell her story in a way that connects with consumers there.

"The Japanese have a great respect for heritage," she explained.

We spoke on the phone to Michi Ishabashi, a merchandiser for Japanese stores, who says his culture's respect for its elders extends to a business that's been in one place for so long. Plus he says, young people in Japan like the United States, see these products as sturdy, and can make special requests like pattern changes.

"They love the history behind the product, and it's still made in the USA." Ishabashi said. "Of course, the quality is good, and also Stacy and her staff are very flexible."

Johnson Woolen Mills' top 10 accounts are all in Japan, with number one on that list buying 200,000 individual pieces last year. They call these goods "teiban"-- basic items for daily life.

"You can tell from my accent, Japanese in not my forte," production manager Deb Willey said.

Workers like Deb Willey now have to match Japanese characters from order forms to the labels they sew into the garments.

"So we know which label goes with which item," Willey said.

There's one big word the company has learned from Japan.

"I can say yes: HAI!" Manosh demonstrated.

And she'll keep saying yes to foreign orders and business. After American workers have so often seen their jobs shipped overseas, this reversal of that-- this fascination from Japan-- has helped re-energize an old name.

"Every day is awesome," Manosh said.

And is keeping Johnson Woolen Mills Made in Vermont.

"And we're all very proud of that," Willey said.

Vermont customers have it easier than Japanese buyers when it comes to buying the garments. Johnson Woolen Mills operates a factory store on Route 15 in Johnson. Click here for more information.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont