Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Glover
Hi chad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Howdy! I am a Texan living in Kansas City. I have been making things out of leather since I worked at GY Saddle and Tack in Marshall, TX, when I was in college back in 2003. Since then, I have sought to hone my craft by making all sorts of things from leather. Over the years I have mainly made custom projects, but have found that I like making a few things really well and offering those designs. Everything I make is small batch, so you rarely find two things alike. I still love working with the customer to make custom projects and involve them in the process. I mainly source leather that is tanned in the USA and love getting to work with Herman Oak Leather from the oldest tannery in the USA which is located in St. Louis, MO.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to craftsmanship is rarely smooth. I have learned that mistakes are a part of the process. We live in a flawed world, we are flawed people, and therefore problems will occur. When they do, it’s how you respond that matters. I have taken apart almost as many projects as I have put together. I have learned patience and perseverance amid setbacks. Amid the challenges I still love rolling out a new hide in the shop and getting to work. The road to business has presented its challenges as well. Craftmanship is not the same as running a business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Simply put, I make things out of leather. I have a small shop in the Kansas City area where I craft goods from various types of leather. Every item is handmade from the best materials you can buy in the USA. I am known for making leather products that are rugged, refined, and timeless. I am most proud of the bags I make. I make a duffle bag resembling an old-world trunk and I love to make them out of Bison and Horse leather. What sets me apart from others is the materials I use, the craftsmanship I offer, and the time spent working with the customer to get exactly what they want.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I give all the glory to God for allowing me to meet some amazing people during my life as a craftsman. The people who taught me the most about leatherwork are Glenn and Sheri Yates. I met them at church on a fateful Wednesday evening and they invited me to visit them at their home where they eventually taught me skills to make things out of leather that I use to this day. They gave me tools I still use in my shop over 20 years later and even though Glenn has since gone to heaven I still hear his voice in my head coaching me on how to do things in the shop.
Pricing:
- avg side of leather $150-$350
- avg cost of bag $250-$750
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gloverleather.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloverleather/?next=%2F&hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chad.glover.85
