Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Jumpp.
Hi Tony, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In the summer of 2013 I ended up making a rudimentary sheath out of wood and leather. It was quite horrible for something thrown together out if recycled leather. It really peaked my interest and got the gears somewhat moving. 3 years later I needed a holster for a pistol I had and had no luck finding one and my engineer at my firehouse suggested I make my own. The knife sheath I made popped into my brain and wanted to give it another try. So I started researching and found a local leather shop near me. They guided me in what I would need and how to make it. After a week or so of working on it I had a somewhat usable holster. I posted it along side some other things I made from the excess leather. I had a brother from my motorcycle club ask me to make the same holster for him. I refind that pattern I had and sent him the finished product. He posted it to his Facebook and soon other people began asking for a belt then a wallet and it sort of took off from there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Its definitely been a rough road. I didn’t really have a teacher for some of the items people were requesting so there was a fair amount of trial and error.
One of the biggest struggles was the lack of an adequate work space when I first started out. I was working from the kitchen table, worked on the couch and had to figure out where to store everything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
So i make a little of everything from wallets and belts to holsters and knife sheaths.
I’m most known for my belts. In today’s world most “leather” from stores are made from cheap paper thin leather that doesn’t last 3 months after you buy it. I like to tell customer I can show you right on the cow where I make every piece.
What sets me apart is my level of customization and making sure that the customers idea makes it from their idea to the finished product. I ask alot of questions when it comes to making sure you get what you want.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Find out where the people are that you want to be around are at and start going there. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. What worked for me was always having my contact info ready weather it be a card or my social networks. One thing that worked for me with networking was relating to people. You tell someone that relates to an area of their life and they are more likely to remember you, especially if you can make them laugh.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FnuJ2SPEX/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@firedupleatherworks?_r=1&_t=ZP-982xGtljtGx
