Why This Silicon Valley Academic Chose Wood, Puzzles, and American Manufacturing

What happens when an electrical engineering professor decides to skip the MBA and just… start a business? For Dr. Maya Gupta, it led to Artifact Puzzles — one of the most distinctive puzzle companies in the country. Today, AAM President Scott Paul speaks with Dr. Gupta about how she bought a laser cutter, built a manufacturing operation from scratch in Silicon Valley, and grew Artifact Puzzles into a 15-year-old business now based in Port Townsend, Wash. They discuss her patented approach to puzzle design, how co-locating design and production drives innovation, surviving the COVID puzzle boom-and-bust cycle, and why manufacturing in America lets her offer something no overseas competitor can match: piece replacements, tight customer relationships, and puzzles that spark genuine joy. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories on U.S. trade policy, buying American, and protecting American jobs. Guest Resources https://www.artifactpuzzles.com Resources & Links 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide Sign up for our daily newsletter, Daily Digest. or our bi-weekly version, ManufactureThis Check out our Made In America Directory And sign our petition to bring shipbuilding back to America! https://act.americanmanufacturing.org/ships You can also listen wherever you get podcasts Apple Podcasts Spotify Socials X: @KeepItMadeInUSA Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanmanufacturing Instagram: www.instagram.com/americanmanufacturing