Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Todd Hutchins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Todd, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I previously was employed with ABF Freight and worked long hours. I always had the dream of being self employed. Once I started doing leather work, I really enjoyed it and used to dream what it would be like to quit my job and work for myself making leather products. When I met my wife, she highly encouraged me to follow that dream and the time to do it was now. So I quit my full time job and jumped into developing more leather products and attended more events, ventured out on Facebook. Best decision I ever made.

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.

A neighbor down the road dabbled in leather work and I always found it interesting. One day I asked him to make me a set of saddle bags and he told me No – you can make them yourself. I spent a day with him and he taught me how to make the bags. I went out and bought an old Singer sewing machine and spent my free time making myself leather products. Friends seen my products and would ask if I could make them one so I started doing that. Upon meeting my wife, she encouraged me to put the products on FACEBOOK and start a website. The business slowly grew and we partnered with BARNES PRCA rodeo which gave us huge exposure. We are proud that everything is handmade by us right here in the USA. We purchase our leather from within the US. We back our products 100%. Wallets are our backbone of our business. We are always developing new styles along with new products. Leather patch hats have been a huge hit in the past couple years. We produce leather patch hats for businesses all over the country.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

All of our products are handmade by myself and my wife. I had a neighbor that lived down the road that tinkered in leather sewing. I asked him to make me a saddle bag and he said no but I will teach you how to make one. So I spent an afternoon at his place and he guided me through making a saddle bag. I really enjoyed the concept of making it with my own hands so I started to think of other things I could make for myself. I invested in an old singer sewing machine and made a few things for myself. People seen my items and asked if I could make some for them and it just expanded from there.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think that we are a small family business based out of Northern Wisconsin has helped our reputation in the market. When they call our business – we physically answer the call. You speak with the owners and we stand behind our products – American Made!

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: hutch leather works
• Facebook: Hutch Leather Works

Image Credits
these are our own pictures