It’s not the desire to start a business that gets the job done. The willingness to take a chance and the resilience to push forward when it’s hard is what actually leads to success. Scott set out a goal to start a leather business and has followed through. He decided on a product line, refined his skills, and took it to the marketplace. 

In this episode we talk about taking calculated risk, understanding your customer, and being willing to fail & adjust. If you are looking to survive your first year in business and want a healthy dose of inspiration, then this episode is for you.

 Most people think success in leathercraft comes down to talent—but that belief is exactly what holds them back. In this episode, we break down the real path to growth: skill stacking. From learning the fundamentals of tooling to building pricing, marketing, and production skills, success isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about doing the right things in the right order.

 If you’re serious about growing your business and want help stacking the right skills, check out my workshop, Craft a Strong Business here:

https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business

What does it really take to run a business? In this episode, we sit down with a second-generation business owner who grew up in the trenches, stepped away, and came back to take the reins. We talk about the reality behind the “freedom” of ownership, why discipline matters more than flexibility, and what it looks like to lead a team without losing respect. From pushing through hard days to taking calculated risks and honoring the legacy you’ve been given, this conversation takes a look at what it actually takes to build something that lasts.

Most beginner leathercrafters think branding starts with a logo—but that’s not what actually drives sales. In this episode, I break down why your brand is really your reputation, whether you’ve been intentional about it or not, and how it’s already shaping the way customers see your work. We’ll walk through four key questions—what you make, who you make it for, what problem it solves, and how you serve your customers—that will give you clarity and direction so your brand starts working for you instead of against you. 

If you’re serious about building a leathercraft business that actually grows, not just making products, I want to invite you to my online workshop, Craft a Strong Business—check it out here: 

https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business

If you’re not consistently reviewing your pricing, your craft business could be losing money without you even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with a professional machinist from the metal fabrication industry to break down how rising costs, overlooked expenses, and emotional decision-making can slowly destroy your margins. We talk through both the technical side of pricing your work correctly and the mindset shift required to confidently raise your prices. Whether you’re just starting your craft business or you’ve been at it for years, this episode will help you protect your profits and build a business that actually lasts.

Does it feel like it’s hard to stand out and sell in a crowded market? In this episode, I break down why low barrier of entry products create crowded markets and what you can do to stand out. Whether it’s focusing on one product, leveling up your skills, or adding capabilities others don’t have, I’ll show you simple ways to separate yourself and start selling more.

If you’re trying to grow your leathercraft business and feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode is for you. One of the biggest mistakes beginner leathercrafters make is trying to build everything—wallets, belts, bags, custom orders—without ever developing or focusing on one product line. In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I break down why doing less is actually the fastest path to growth and how narrowing your focus can help you build skill, consistency, and real momentum in your business.

If you’re trying to figure out how to go full-time in your leathercraft business, you might be focusing on the wrong thing. Most makers believe they need to increase their income first—but in this episode, we break down why taking control of your personal finances and lowering your expenses can actually get you there faster.

We talk through how to evaluate your budget, identify what you really need to live on, and create a realistic path from part-time to full-time without the pressure of constantly chasing more sales. If you’re a beginner leather crafter or side hustler ready to make the leap, this episode will give you a practical strategy to start moving forward today.

If your leathercraft business isn’t getting sales, the problem might not be your product—it’s your marketing. In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I break down the biggest mistake beginner leather crafters make when using social media and why treating your page like a billboard is costing you customers. Instead, I’ll show you how to approach your content like a storefront—inviting people into your story, building trust, and creating real connection that leads to sales. If you’re just getting started or struggling to turn followers into buyers, this episode will help you fix your approach and start seeing results.

What happens when you stop being “just a number” at a company and decide to bet on yourself? In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I sit down with an entrepreneur who walked away from the security of a traditional job and took a gamble on buying a business. Without even looking at the numbers, he focused on the opportunity he saw and the vision he had for what the business could become. A decade later, that risk has paid off.

This conversation dives into the mindset behind entrepreneurship—treating people well, listening for opportunities in everyday conversations, solving real problems, and having the resilience to keep moving forward when challenges arise. Beyond building a successful business, he’s also built something even more valuable: a life that protects time with his family. If you’re thinking about leaving your job, starting a business, or taking the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode will give you the encouragement to bet on yourself.