What does it take to scale from a teenage hobbyist to running a manufacturing brand with a seven-person team? How do you shift from craftsman to founder without losing what makes your work exceptional?

This episode explores the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and strategic clarity required to pursue something truly exceptional.

In Episode 16, Nate Walker shares how he built Lost Dutchman Leather from a Tandy starter kit at age 13 to a direct-to-consumer manufacturing brand. He walks through his evolution from solopreneur to leading a team, the importance of painting a clear vision for your people, and why founders must be mission-oriented above all else. Nate breaks down how he manages rapid growth, builds systems that scale, and why he's unapologetic about breaking away from traditional craft norms to pursue his vision.

GUEST: Nate Walker

Founder of Lost Dutchman Leather, a direct-to-consumer leather goods manufacturing brand. Nate has built his business from a teenage hobby into a scaled operation with a growing team, all while staying focused on exceptional craftsmanship and strategic growth.

Instagram: @lostdutchmanleather

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Meet Nate & Lost Dutchman Leather

02:48 - From Tandy Kit to Full-Time Business

05:10 - Shifting Identity: Artisan to Manufacturer

07:32 - Leading with Vision & Exceptionalism

17:15 - Systems, Processes & Strategic Planning

32:15 - Building Brand Identity & Market Positioning

45:20 - Lessons from Scaling Fast

52:10 - Breaking Away from Craft Norms

54:04 - Identify Your Outcome & Attack It

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:

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HOSTS:

Odin Clack - https://www.instagram.com/odinleather

Michael Magnus - https://www.instagram.com/magnusopus

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 marketing expert and founder of www.learnleathercraft.com), we explore everything from personal project updates to marketing strategies, retail challenges, and the business side of making.

New episodes are released on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

Enjoying the podcast? Please share it with someone who you think would find value in the conversations. If these conversations have helped your business and you're interested in supporting the show, visit our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/beyondtheworkbench

Edited and produced by Instrumental Media: https://instrumental.media/

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