The Legacy Behind Hermann Oak Leather with Drew Gulick

The Legacy Behind Hermann Oak Leather with Drew Gulick

In this episode, I sit down with Drew Gulick, president and CEO of Hermann Oak Leather, to talk about what makes great leather truly great. As the fifth-generation owner of one of the most respected tanneries in the industry, Drew gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the quality, care, and tanning process that have made Hermann Oak a trusted name among leather crafters for generations. But this conversation goes far beyond leather. We also dig into the business principles, generational leadership, and strong foundation that have allowed Hermann Oak to continue growing and serving makers for more than a century. Whether you are a beginning leather crafter trying to understand better materials or a business owner wanting to build something that lasts, this episode is packed with insight on craftsmanship, consistency, and building a business the right way.

Why Beginner Leather Crafters Get Discouraged

In this episode, I’m talking about why beginner leather crafters often get discouraged and how managing expectations can make a big difference. We’ll look at skill growth, project quality, business results, and social media comparisons, along with practical ways to keep practicing, build confidence, and stack small wins over time. If you’re serious about wanting to move leather craft from a hobby to a business, join me for my next online even, Craft a Strong Business. Click the link below for more information. https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business [https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business]

5 Things We’ve Learned The Hard Way While Running A Family Business

In this episode, Marti and I sit down to talk through five lessons we’ve learned the hard way while running a family business. We share an honest look at what it takes to build a business together, from learning that just because we can do everything doesn’t mean we should, to understanding the real cost of chasing every new idea. We also talk about communication, protecting family time, building better systems, and why profit matters more than just chasing revenue. If you’re building a craft business, working with family, or trying to grow without burning out, this conversation is a reminder that success is not just about working harder—it’s about getting clearer on what really matters.

Making The Most of Your Time

In this solo episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, we’re diving into one of the biggest excuses that holds entrepreneurs back: “I just don’t have enough time.” The truth is, we all get the same 24 hours—it’s not about finding more time, it’s about making better decisions with the time we already have. If you’ve been waiting for the “right season” to start your business, grow your skills, or take the next step, this episode is the reminder that the perfect time rarely shows up—you have to intentionally make time for what matters most.

Surviving The First Year of Business

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.