We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Colin Crowley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Colin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

When I was working for my first fire department we were allowed to make our own leather fire helmet shields. There was only one guy I knew at the time making custom shields and his wait list was 6 months long. I happened to be working an extra shift with another firefighter who had just picked up leather working and was showing me all of his tools, what they all were used for, and the basics of how to work with leather. I had grown up with parents who are both artistically inclined, and received my degree in art from SDSU, so figured, I could probably figure it out. I went to a local leather supply store and fumbled my way through all the equipment and leather to find a “starter tool kit”, an affordable side of leather, and an alphabet stamp set from eBay with the basic information I got from the guy at work. From there I started tracing templates from my department issued shield and adjusting it for the look I wanted. I drew up my first shield and went to work making it. From there it was a lot of trial and error, and many mistakes. I was lucky enough to have a few leather supply stores in my area and the people that worked there were always willing to help and answer questions.

Knowing what I know now, I could have sped up my learning by reaching out to the other firefighters I worked with who were already doing leather work and asking them for help. I could have sped up my skill level in leather working and the business side of things a lot by seeking out help from those people already doing it.

I think the most essential skill in leather working and as a maker, is not being afraid to make mistakes. There is so much trial and error involved in anything creative that it is so important to try it, mess up, try it again, etc. I have learned so much by trying out an idea, asking my fire department friends and my creative friends to critique my work, and then adjusting it from there.

The biggest obstacle that got in the way of learning more was probably my stubbornness. By not asking for help from those I knew who were working with leather and running a small business, I could have skipped a lot of long hours fixing mistakes had I just asked for advice and learned from the basic issues of those who came before me who had already figured out.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Colin Crowley and I am married with three children. I am a Fire Captain based in Southern California. I started working with leather and created my side leather business about 13 years ago. I got into leather working because I wanted my own custom leather helmet shield for work, and the fireman that everyone was using for leather shields had a waitlist of 6 months, so I decided to try it myself. At the same time, there was another fireman who wanted to do the same thing and showed me his tools, and helped answer some questions, and that’s really how it began. Originally, I was solely focused on fire related gear, creating custom/unique items specifically for irefighters – leather helmet shields, turnout belts, radio straps/holsters and suspenders. Over time, and with some encouragement from my wife, I expanded my offerings and began making everyday leather goods, such as – leather bracelets, Dopp kits/toiletry bags/catchall/valet trays, everyday belts, dog collars, earrings and more. I also enjoy wood working and we have added customized wood products, such as custom frames, name signs, earrings, and more.

One of the things that I think sets me apart, is that a client can come to me with a basic idea and I can transform that idea into an actual piece for them. I am able to create fully customized pieces, including drawing the idea from just a concept. For example for our custom leather shields, customers come to me with something they scratched down on paper, or even just a thought of – I want a palm tree, city logo and station number, and then I take that and design the shield from there. Customers can chose everything from the color of the leather, to the color of the thread for stitching, to the paint colors we use on the shield.

We recently added a co2 laser to our shop, which allows us to further customize items for our clients even further than we could before. The laser allows us to make extremely detailed stamps, and cut intricate designs, which we could not do by hand.

Another problem we solve, is that customers can come to us and ask for a completely custom item, and we will do our best to figure out how to create it. For instance, we have had requests for a custom leather pick guard for a guitar, a large leather bound notebook cover, bible cover, presentation knife sheaths, and others.

We also use the highest quality leather for our products, so our products are meant to last. Unlike the mass produced products you can find at your large retailers and are made with lower grade leather, or sometimes even faux leather. Being that we started this leather company making goods for firefighters, it is our goal that the products withstand the wear and tear of being on the job.

I feel the most proud when I get clients coming back to me year after year with additional requests for items. Also, when a customer reaches out to me years later to let me know they still have their item and they still love it! I take pride in each and every item that I make, and want my items to be of the highest quality for my customers.

What I want clients to know, is that everything is completely customizable and we use the highest quality leather that is made to last. We take pride and really enjoy creating pieces that you will be able to carry with you for years.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to take someone’s idea or vision and actually bring it to life in the form of a physical object. It is very rewarding to see and hear people’s reactions to receiving their custom item, and then to be able to see that item action – maybe even on a call years later.

Also, when fellow makers or creatives reach out and admire my work, or have questions about what materials I am using, or how I did something. I used to be on the other end, (and sometimes still am as we are always still growing), so I feel accomplished and grateful that I can now share my knowledge with others who are trying to learn.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My leather making journey began as a hobby, and has evolved over time. My goal or mission is to grow Hook and Ladder Leather to be more than just a little side business. We would love for this to grow and be successful and be a family-owned business for many years to come. Over the past year we have also expanded and have added several wood creations to our offerings. We have been utilizing our laser and have done several custom wood projects.

Contact Info:

• Website: msha.ke/hookandladderleather
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hookandladderleather
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/hookandladderleather

Image Credits
Hook and Ladder Leather