The whole subsidiary structure of corporations is probably one of the biggest factors for me getting into DIY alternatives, from food to anything else worth having. Food, was probably the first most noticeable trend for me and was what pushed me into growing my own and mostly from heirloom seeds. Not that I worry that there is going to be some sort of sudden product apocalypse, or anything like that, but brand name legacy or pride of ownership/loyalty, went out the window for me, decades ago, and DIY things tend to fill that void. Comparatively, things I have made myself, whether it be speakers, amps, fishing rods, tools and whatnot, feel rather rare, and perhaps even priceless.
I like Harmon products though and have owned some memorable products by them over the years. I like how their manufacturing power tends to bring products for everyone that punch well above their price point and how they are strong with innovation. That and, if the product doesn't stick, they end up being often times, greatly clearance priced.
