Meet MIlton Putman | Apparel/textile manufacture, public speaker, personal fitness and health trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with MIlton Putman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MIlton, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Business is much like life in a sense. Both involve challenges, decisions, and growth. Business often requires adaptability, persistence, and learning from experiences, much like life itself. The biggest challenge is faith. If you’re not willing to believe that Elohim have blessed, you to carry out your vision. Then you have already set yourself up for failure. Blessed are those who believe without seeing. John 20:29

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
MILTON PUTMAN is a public speaker, community leader, and Harvard University Entrepreneurship certified business owner on a deliberate mission.

CEO and founder of Complete Image Manufacturing (CIM), Putman is former executive director of the Detroit Garment Group, a non-profit that educates, inspires, and promotes local Detroit-based fashion brands and designers. He is also a former board member of the National Entrepreneur Association and of Detroit Fashion Community, as well as a 2022 recipient of D-Business Magazine’s 30 in Their Thirties award. In March 2023, Putman’s rising success in apparel development and production provided him the opportunity to speak on textile manufacturing at the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) Executive Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Founded by Putman along with his partner Terra Carter, CIM is their apparel, textile, and product development manufacturing company. Located in Detroit (Michigan), the CIM mission is to bring “made in America,” micro-manufacturing to emerging apparel and fashion industry brands across the country and beyond.

The company seeks to provide startup designers and brand owners with an innovative platform showcasing the creativity in their merchandise while helping them grow their retail distribution portfolios. The CIM vision is to create a culture where not only are successful brands developed across the U.S., but to also create an automotive-industry-inspired hub, featuring automotive-like manufacturing operations and processes.

Leaving what many would view as his enviable automotive industry employment security, Putman also pivoted away from a multitude of long-standing volunteer obligations to devote his full focus to the business of CIM.

Milton Putman and Complete Image Manufacturing objectives include establishing skilled trades programs, creating jobs, and generating garment industry business opportunities of all kinds, in the heart of Detroit, for generations to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit offers a diverse range of attractions. Here are some suggestions:

1. Jazz Music: Check out the historic Cliff Bell’s, a renowned jazz club. The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe and Baker’s Keyboard Lounge are also great choices.

2. Eatery: Visit the Eastern Market for a variety of food vendors and restaurants. Slows Bar BQ and Lafayette Coney Island are famous for their Detroit-style food.

3. Art Museum: The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a must-visit, featuring an extensive collection of art from various eras.

4. Sports Games: Catch a Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park or a Detroit Pistons basketball game at Little Caesars Arena, depending on the season.

These are just a few options to get you started, but Detroit has much more to offer. Be sure to check the latest schedules and availability when planning your visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I like to shoutout Elohim for blessings me the vision and walking with me while on this journey. Shoutout to my team COO Terra Carter, Director of Sales Janay Bost, Marketing Angelo Austin, Business Analysis Robert Jackson, Production Manager Justin McKinstry, Sales Rep Deontae Mckinstry, and Digital Design Troy Mckinstry. I can’t forget my loving family, my sons Dasan and Alex, my mom, brother, sister, and nephews and nieces..

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Website: www.cimanufacturing.org

Instagram: @cimanufacturing

Linkedin: Complete Image Manufacturing

Facebook: MIlton Putman