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