BEYOND THE WORKBENCH - EPISODE 11YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION
What does it take to carve out a unique space in the leathercraft industry and scale a home-based business while working as a firefighter? This episode explores finding your niche, building a team, and staying creative when you make your own rules.
In Episode 11, Justin Fitzwater shares how he built Fitzwater Leather by focusing on the fire service niche—creating custom badges, plaques, and gear for firefighters across the country. He walks through the decision to bring on contractors, managing a home-based workshop with a growing team, and the challenges of balancing full-time fire service with running a leather business. This conversation digs into the importance of innovation, staying open to new ideas, and not limiting yourself to what's always been done in the craft.
GUEST: Justin FitzwaterFirefighter and owner of Fitzwater Leather, specializing in fire service leather goods. Justin has built a business serving firefighters nationwide while maintaining his career in the fire service, and he's passionate about expanding what's possible in leathercraft.Instagram: @fitzwaterleather
TIMESTAMPS:
00:26 - Meet Justin & Fire Service Leather
01:35 - Managing a Home Workshop with a Team
04:03 - The Tipping Point: When to Hire Help
08:48 - Building a Business with Vision
16:18 - Partnership & Family Legacy
39:19 - Breaking the Rules in Your Craft
44:42 - Custom Tools & Innovation
48:00 - Weirdest Thing in Your Shop
54:50 - Keeping Creativity Wide Open
57:05 - Connect with Fitzwater Leather
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1boT5ABgRjIDEGyi7bEbjdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-workbench/id1816987809All Platforms: https://www.beyondtheworkbench.com/
FOLLOW BEYOND THE WORKBENCH:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheworkbenchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheworkbenchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-the-Workbench/61576775047322/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-workbench/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench
HOSTS:Odin Clack - @odinleatherMichael Magnus - @magnusopus
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life. Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench
Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media
#BeyondTheWorkbench #Podcast #Leathercraft #LeatherWorking #Entrepreneurship #MakerCommunity #SmallBusiness #MakerBusiness #BusinessStrategy #FireService #ScalingBusiness
What if your biggest mistakes are actually your best teachers? Odin and Magnus explore how failure—both at the workbench and in business—often leads to the most valuable lessons.
In this episode, we dive into the value of failure in craft and business. From Michael's recent attempt to make a belt to lessons learned through trial and error, we explore how mistakes can lead to growth, creativity, and better results.
Topics discussed:
• The value of failure in craft and business
• Michael's recent belt-making attempt and lessons learned
• How mistakes lead to growth and creativity
• Learning from trial and error at the workbench
• Applying lessons from failure to business decisions
• Why failure matters more than we think
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Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
How does a craft rooted in tradition adapt to a changing world? Ryan King of King's Saddlery joins Odin and Magnus to explore the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future of leatherwork.
In this conversation with Ryan King, we explore timeless lessons passed down through generations at King's Saddlery, while confronting the realities of a changing industry—from the decline of custom saddles to the adoption of new digital tools.
Guest: Ryan King
Craftsman at King's Saddlery, carrying forward generations of saddle-making tradition while adapting to the evolving landscape of modern leatherwork.
Topics discussed:
• Timeless lessons from King's Saddlery (respect for customers, paying employees first, quality work)
• The decline of custom saddles and industry changes
• Adoption of new digital tools in traditional craft
• Shift from guarded secrets to open teaching culture
• What values remain important as the craft evolves
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
When should a maker shift from custom work to production? And what does that transition really look like? Odin and Magnus have a casual catch-up conversation about the tough choices that come with growing a craft business.
In this episode, we dive into preparing for Q4, handling bulk orders, and deciding when to say no to custom work. We break down the differences between wholesale, bulk, and white-label manufacturing, and explore why understanding your "why" matters most when scaling.
Topics discussed:
• Preparing for Q4 and handling bulk orders
• Deciding when to say no to custom work
• Differences between wholesale, bulk, and white-label manufacturing
• Understanding your "why" when growing your business
• Leadership and mentorship in small businesses
• Story of a seven-year-old entrepreneur hustling dog collars for charity
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
What do corporate sales and custom saddle making have in common? More than you'd think. Jeff Bean of CJ Bean Saddlery joins Odin and Magnus to share how the principles of good salesmanship translate directly to craftsmanship and business success.
In this conversation with Jeff Bean, we explore lessons that carried over from corporate sales to saddle making: why listening matters more than pitching, how to approach pricing with confidence, and how honesty and long-term trust fuel lasting success.
Guest: Jeff Bean
Designer and craftsman at CJ Bean Saddlery, with a diverse background spanning corporate sales and entrepreneurship before finding his calling in custom saddle making.
Topics discussed:
• Jeff's journey from corporate sales to custom saddle making
• Why listening matters more than pitching
• Approaching pricing with confidence
• How honesty and long-term trust fuel business success
• Lessons that carry across industries
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
What makes a leathercraft show more than just an event? Odin and Magnus reflect on the Heart of Texas Leathercraft Show in Waco, Texas—a gathering that brings together artists, learners, vendors, and friends who keep the craft alive.
In this episode, we dive into our experience at the Heart of Texas show, sharing key insights from the classes we taught and reflecting on the value of catching up in person with members of the online leathercraft community.
Topics discussed:
• Recap of the Heart of Texas Leathercraft Show in Waco
• Key insights from the classes Odin and Magnus taught
• Favorite purchases and finds from the show
• The value of in-person connection within the maker community
• Why these shows matter beyond business
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
How do you fund your leathercraft business without going broke? In this episode, Odin and Magnus share practical strategies for making the leap from hobbyist to business owner while keeping your finances intact.
In this episode, we dive into how to make tools pay for themselves, avoid the trap of chasing others' success, and when strategic debt might actually accelerate growth.
Topics discussed:
• Making the leap from hobbyist to business owner
• Making tools pay for themselves
• Avoiding the trap of chasing others' success
• When strategic debt might accelerate growth
• Setting realistic goals and staying fearless in sales
• Reconnecting with mentors for fresh perspective
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
How do you turn a shared passion into a thriving brand? Garrett and Amanda Willis of Grit Mercantile join Odin and Magnus to share their journey of building a leathercraft business rooted in authenticity and connection.
In this conversation with Garrett and Amanda Willis, we explore how they craft items meant to become part of their customers' lives, and how embracing both creativity and business realities has fueled their growth.
Guests: Garrett and Amanda Willis
Founders of Grit Mercantile, a husband-and-wife leathercraft team known for creating products that tell stories and become part of their customers' lives.
Topics discussed:
• Building a cohesive brand rooted in authenticity
• Navigating markets and overcoming perfectionism
• Balancing promotion with production
• Smart merchandising and genuine customer connection
• Lessons from building a business as a husband-and-wife team
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
How do you balance the craft you love with the business demands that keep growing? In this episode, Odin and Magnus explore the tension between making and managing.
In this episode, we dive into redesigning and scaling product production, navigating delegation, and the importance of continually evaluating your business.
Topics discussed:
• Balancing craft and business demands
• Redesigning products and scaling production
• The role of family in small businesses
• How curiosity can fuel creativity and growth (including AI)
• The hidden heroes behind great brands
• Staying creatively fulfilled while running a thriving workshop
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
What makes a brand worth fighting over? In this conversation, Odin Clack and Michael Magnus are joined by Dave Munson, Founder of Saddleback Leather Co., to talk about building a business that lasts generations.
In this conversation with Dave Munson, we explore branding, building a business with longevity in mind, and his new book "They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead."
Guest: Dave Munson
Founder of Saddleback Leather Co., author, and entrepreneur known for building one of the most recognized leather brands in the world.
Topics discussed:
• Building a brand with generational longevity
• Lessons from Dave's entrepreneurial journey
• Dave's new book and the story behind the title
• What makes a business worth fighting over
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!
What does it take to finally start the podcast you've been talking about? Sometimes it just takes the right moment. In this inaugural episode, Odin Clack and Michael Magnus launch Beyond the Workbench from the 30th Anniversary Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show.
In this episode, we dive into why Odin and Magnus finally pulled the trigger on starting the podcast, and Odin shares his insights and takeaways from attending the Rocky Mountain show for the first time.
Topics discussed:
• Starting the podcast and finding the right moment
• Odin's first experience at the Rocky Mountain Leather Trade Show
• Key insights and learnings from the show
• Setting the tone for Beyond the Workbench
---
Beyond the Workbench casually dives into the world of leathercraft, entrepreneurship, and modern maker life.
Hosted by Odin Clack (full-time leatherworker and retail owner) and Michael Magnus (leather historian and marketing expert), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making. Whether you're running a maker business or just love hearing how small businesses adapt and grow---this is your spot.
New episodes every other Thursday.
Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondtheworkbenchpodcast
Connect with us on Instagram @beyondtheworkbench
Enjoy the episode!