TrooperChuck Report post Posted January 23, 2009 Without the folks who run the Tandy Leather Factories, and other leather supply businesses, we'd be unable to continue our hobby/business/madness. So, in recognition of the work they do, who's your favorite leather supply person? PERSON, not business. Mine is Cheryl, the manager of the Spokane, WA Leather Factory. Every time I go in there, she makes me feel like her favorite customer. No matter how busy or hectic it is in the shop, she'll drop what she's doing to help me find what I need. When I had questions about starting my own business, she got me pointed in the right direction. She's awesome. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timbo Report post Posted January 24, 2009 My favorite is Steven Siegel of Siegel of California. I have dealt with him personally on a couple of occasions and cannot say enough nice things about him. He's a great person who honestly cares about his customers happiness and running an honest business!!! He will go the extra mile to make you happy. Tim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timd Report post Posted January 25, 2009 I'll have to say Chris Hatter, manager of the Harrisburg, PA TLF. When I was getting started, I used to order direct from Tandy's web site, which would then be faxed to Harrisburg, since at that time it was the closest store. Chris called me and told me just to call her and I'd get my orders alot faster. So we built a phone relation, since she's a 2 1/2 hour drive away. I've driven out there probably 6 times in the last 4 years, and ever since the first visit, she's recognized and welcomed me. Always cheerful, always helpful. So yup, Chris Hatter gets my vote. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rcsaddles Report post Posted January 26, 2009 I would have to say Luke at Sheridan Leather. Whenever I talk to him whether on the phone or in person, he has the time to explain whatever I ask and has some suggestions for the right leather for the job or just a suggestion on something to try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skip Report post Posted January 26, 2009 I would have to say that I have been really appreciative of all those who run small leather operations. Sherry in the Salt Lake City Leather Factory, Lee and Bob Douglass of Douglas tools, Berry King, Steven Siegel of Siegel Leather of California. just about everyone I have come in contact with in the leather trades has been genually gracious and helpful. thanks goes out to them all!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rdb Report post Posted January 26, 2009 I remember Mr. Seigel from the early 1970s , when they were doing business in Boston. Visiting that store, and dealing with those people are some of my fondest memories. I doubt that has changed. As yet, I have not done business with them in these "modern times", but I expect things will have changed very little in service. And I will have no problem dealing with them, as the situation arises. Peter at Waterhouse Leather in Massachusetts has been a pleasure to deal with, service and quality has been excellent. My favorite, and present central supplier is Tim at Zack White's in Ramseur, NC. It's an old school business, run with a very few people, with all the pluses and minuses associated with that. Tim really tries to find and develop good leathers, and so far I've not been let down. I can't speak for everyone, but my dealings with them have been top notch. He started out in the 70s too. Hundreds of shows each year, making and selling belts, etc. He's been there, done that, and is still physically making leathergoods at his place...way cool. He knows what we are all up against. It shows in his business. ( I'm probably biased on this, because I live only a half hour away...lol). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildrose Report post Posted January 26, 2009 I'll have to say Chris Hatter, manager of the Harrisburg, PA TLF. When I was getting started, I used to order direct from Tandy's web site, which would then be faxed to Harrisburg, since at that time it was the closest store. Chris called me and told me just to call her and I'd get my orders alot faster. So we built a phone relation, since she's a 2 1/2 hour drive away. I've driven out there probably 6 times in the last 4 years, and ever since the first visit, she's recognized and welcomed me. Always cheerful, always helpful. So yup, Chris Hatter gets my vote. Chris! Gosh I've not talked to her in ages. Yup, she's great. I dealt with her a few times when I lived in that area. Mostly I went to the Allentown Tandy store. My vote (since I can only pick one) is going to Jeff Oakford at the new Allentown store. Great guy, always helpful, great sense of humor - and not bad looking either!!! (lol, I likely shouldn't have added that part....but couldn't resist) I remember he and Talina had just gotten there from TX and we had a bad snow/ice storm. It was like a "welcome to PA" for them! Now I have to mail order everything, since there's nothing down here in Southwest VA. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timd Report post Posted January 26, 2009 I go to the Allentown store too, and you're right, Jeff's great. We make a day of it either way, Harrisburg and Bass Pro Shops, or Allentown and Cabela's, and with either, Dinner at Shady Maple Smorgasbord...yum yum....lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildrose Report post Posted January 27, 2009 Uh Oh! Now I'm going to start in the begging dept. that you please not tell him I said he's good looking..... He'd likely laugh his head off, knowing him... Ahhhh Cabela's - I used to work there, actually. Did you know that's the biggest one in the country? The average visitor time is 4 HOURS. Amazing store. Not a great place to work though. At least not the dept. I was in. Some really nice people though. I don't know that smorgasbord though? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted January 27, 2009 The Shady Maple is not too far from Smucker's Harness Shop (thread not hijacked). Food so good your tongue will knock your brains out. I don't know the name of the location, but its close to Blue Ball, Honey Brooke, East Earl, New Holland, Lancaster etc.. It is in the middle of Amish country, next door is a grocery store with hitching rails for horses and buggies. On weekdays, you will likely see farmers working with teams and horse drawn equipment. I recently found a Saurbier head knife in an antiques mall nearby. I believe he was a sword maker during the Wah of Nothun Agression. Oh Linda and another lady who's name I can't recall at the moment at Windmill Saddlery are always pleasant and helpful. Kevin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildrose Report post Posted January 27, 2009 okay, I know the area you're talking about now. I used to pass through the Honey Brook region on my way down from PA to DE. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timd Report post Posted January 27, 2009 (edited) " Food so good your tongue will knock your brains out." Amen to that!It's actually in East Earl. Tried to stop by Smucker's, but they close so dang early. Edited January 27, 2009 by Timd1159 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
losthelm Report post Posted February 3, 2009 I'm new to the board I like linda over at http://www.steffanleather.com/ great person to deal with its a small shop but carrys a varity of stuff. I usualy spend hours looking though the old stock in tiny bins that line the walls. Just watch out for Milo he will untie your shoes if given the chance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
