I first attempted leather working in the form of a key wallet when I was a child. While it turned out rather crude, the process left an indelible impression on me. I didn't know then that twenty-some years later, at the encouragement of my new bride, I would be starting a side business out of the garage of our home in Georgia doing leatherwork.
I've always enjoyed working with my hands and making things. I've made knives, tried wood carving, been a welder, a baker, a gunsmith, I sketch from time to time, dabble in calligraphy, and generally enjoy anything that involves physically making things. I value high-quality goods, especially those that are made in America by other small businesses. It seems that for a long time people only wanted the cheapest, fastest-made product they could get. Thankfully, in the past ten or fifteen years, we've seen a resurgence of artisans and fine craftsmanship here in America due to people's desire to have well-made, heirloom-quality products. People want things that are solid and genuine, not cheap and discardable. But having a well-made product isn't quite enough. I believe if you are going to spend your hard-earned money on something that is finely crafted and going to last through your grandchildren's lifetime, it should also speak to your soul. Every single thing I make, I make as though I am keeping it for my own use. I make my leather products to be functional, durable, as well as look good and make their owner proud while fulfilling their purpose. Each item represents my business, and my name, and thus I will only turn out the highest quality products that I am capable of, even if it means sometimes I must make something more than once before I send it out.
“He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
USMC Eagle, Globe, and Anchor
I currently source American-made leathers and thread from businesses in the state of Maine, and buckles and other hardware from Massachusetts. I make it part of my mission to support other small American businesses. The more we can support our own citizens, the more we support our own Great Nation. Let's Keep America Great!
You may be wondering about the Steel Rain Provisions logo…
I created it from a conglomeration of things that have special meaning to me. The initial shape is actually that of the Colorado Flag hanging vertically with the edges cropped off. I was born and raised in Colorado and the Rocky Mountains will always be home. The two peaks in the center are Pikes Peak and Sentinel Point, which I could see from my house every day growing up. I have climbed both several times. “Steel Rain” was my battalion motto when I was in the Marine Corps. I was in 5/10, an artillery battalion out of Camp Lejeune. Steel Rain is a nice way of referring to the effects of using an airburst round. The word “Provisions” I used because I wanted something that conveyed the ruggedness of my products. The word contains the feeling of preparing for expeditions and high adventure in mountains and desert lands. I began this endeavor in the spring of 2017, and I am proud that my products are all American-Made.