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

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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.

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Enjoy the episode!