Monday Mornings with Cary and Willie

Today we discussed everything from best business practices to cat feces...we got you covered!

Dan Schwarz (no relation!) is a premier bootmaker from Dillon, Montana. We had fun catching up with him for this week's pod.

Horacio Victorica is a rancher and saddlemaker from Uruguay and has a very unique story to tell about how he became a saddler as well as some of the cultural aspects of ranching in South America.

If you've had an eye on the bit and spur world, you'll know about Ryan Looper, a Texas craftsman. He has been coming on strong lately and we're honored to have him on the pod this week.

Joey Wenger is a saddlemaker from Pennsylvania who specializes in arena saddles. He has a lot of things going on with treemaking and saddles. You'll enjoy this visit!

Clinton Hole is a saddlemaker and horseman from the Yukon...Oklahoma that is. We think you'll enjoy Clinton's story.

Tanner Crow is a topflight silversmith and buckle maker and we're convinced that you can't outwork Tanner. Hear his story and more this week!

Odin Clack is a leather craftsman and entrepreneur. He has a lot of insight on marketing and branding...definitely worth a listen!

Matt Wanner is a top knotch saddler and the top of the food chain in management at Burns Saddlery in Salina, Utah. We had a lot of fun catching up with Matt.

Bill Ferreira is a repeater on our pod. We spoke with him earlier about some of the themes we discuss here. This is a deep dive into the thought processes of craftsmen.

Marc Brogger is a long time saddlemaker from Montana. His old school ways of building saddles has served him well. You'll enjoy this visit with Marc.

Shane Hendren is a silversmith from Albuquerque, New Mexico and a well-educated man. You'll learn a lot on this pod.

We were able to scoop a visit with Shawn Didyoung, a silver and goldsmith from Billings, Montana who works for a large jewelry outfit. He gives us some insight on the current state of affairs with the prices of gold and silver. Shawn is one of the newest TCAA members.

Listen in while we cover several very important topics with Chuck Stormes. Chuck's been busy to say the least!

Cotton Elliot is a long-time Texas bit and spurmaker. He tells stories of trip hammers, Billy Klapper, and pranks. Tune in and find out more about this Texas icon.

Kevin Urbach is a veteran saddlemaker from the great state of Oregon and we're sure you'll find his story interesting. We let Willie talk a little bit in this one.

The accolades and awards have been piling up for Nancy Martiny so we invited her back to the pod. We dig deep into her story on this week's episode.

You won't want to miss this visit with a legendary figure in the saddlemaking world...Ken Tipton of Tip's Western of Winnemucca, Nevada.

Laddan Ledbetter is silversmith from Texas who we caught up with this morning. Anyone who knows Laddan has stories to tell.

Today we took a few minutes to catch our breath after a whirlwind week for both of us. We talk about in-person classes vs video content and throw in a few war stories.

Sarah Garvey is a premiere leathersmith from Arizona. We had a lot of fun visiting with her about her journey and process of craftsmanship and artistry. Everyone will get something out of this great visit!

Shawna Erickson is a long-time silver engraver from Alberta, Canada. She has a great story to tell about growing up on a dairy and driving two hours one way to a job where she began her silversmith career. Shawna is a three-time cancer survivor.

Peter Brophy is a top-knotch saddler from down under. He talks about his journey of saddle and tree making along other tales that you'll like. If you're not following Peter's work, you should be.

Travis Finley is a spurmaker located in North Carolina who specializes in roughstock spurs. In fact, he is the go-to guy for nearly all the top riders in the PRCA. Last year 14 out of the 15 NFR qualifiers in bull riding were using Travis' spurs. But this podcast doesn't deal with much of that. This is an in-depth discussion about marketing. Have a listen...

Gregg Clark is a silversmith from the panhandle of Texas. We won't hold that against him. You'll like to hear the story of his journey. Gregg is one of those up-and-coming artists who is worth keeping an eye on.

Today we caught up with brand new TCAA members Shawn Didyoung (silversmith from Billings, Montana) and Larry Lorang (bit and spur maker from Great Falls, Montana).They share their perspective on the week spent in Oklahoma City and their experiences as brand new members.

Today we caught up with an up-and-coming saddler from Texas. Learn more about Calvin Waters' approach to saddlemaking, leatherworking, life, and biz on this week's podcast.

Back when we had Doug Krause on some months ago we knew that we needed to invite him back. This visit is a deep dive into some of the components of creativity. You'll enjoy this ramble.

Sam Alfano is a legendary engraver, designer, and educator. What a privilege to have him on our show!

Stewart Williamson is a long time bit and spurmaker from Taos, New Mexico. You like this ramble with the once-shy Stewie!

Clint Haverty is a legend in the performance horse world. We've had him on before and wanted to hear more of his story as the newest TCAA affiliate. Find out more about this position within our organization.

Jim Linnell was employed by the Tandy Leather Company for nearly 40 decades and teaches ten of thousands of students in-person and online even though he's been 'retired' since 2017. Jim is known the world over for his leather instruction and has some great advice for all of us. Listen to the end!

After a two week break, we're back! See what these two have going!

Ben Geisler is a father, husband, saddler, and a communicator par excellence. You'll get something out of this wide ranging discussion with Ben.

Clair Kehrberg is a top flight leather craftsman from John Day, Oregon. We had fun sitting down for a visit on how she arrived at where she is today.

Kelly McRae is a silversmith from southern Alberta. She is a veteran of battle and a very engaging person...find out what she's been up to!

Mark Dahl is the dean of American bit and spur makers. Full Stop. You'll enjoy listening to his story. We promise.

Rube Woolsey is a team roper and four time NFR qualifier, George Strait team roping champion, and long time teacher of his craft. You'll like this visit with one of the great ropers.

Scott Jason Hall is an accomplished engraver and cowboy. Find out how he arrived at where he is today! If you're not following him on FB...you should be.

Adam Tanner is a top flight saddlemaker from Weatherford, Texas. We're having fun catching up with people like Adam. His determination, dedication, drive is inspiring and motivating...you'll like this visit we had with him!

We couldn't resist the opportunity to have Mike Capron back on the pod. We dig into the world of art and had time for some cowboy stories too!

Clint Wilkinson is a top knotch leatherworker who also has an upscale retail store in Denton, Texas. We heard about his story and how he has been able to build out a successful custom shop along with a very nice retail experience.

We caught with TJ Schwarz, knife maker this week and discussed some of the ideas surrounding the question of how businesses/ideas/individuals establish a 'legacy brand'.

Randy Bloomer is the founder and CEO of Bloomer Trailers. Willie was able to snatch him away from a busy schedule for a visit. Most of you know of Bloomer Trailers...if you haven't, you should check them out and tune in to this visit.

Bob Hickman is founder, prez, CEO, chief cook and bottle washer at Hickman Saddlery in Post Falls, Idaho and Aldersyde, Alberta. Everyone can learn something from Bob!

Bill Ferriera is a former paniolo, a cowboy, and a rawhide braider now living in Montana. You'll like this visit with a top knotch craftsman and human being!

We caught up with John Willemsma and got a report on how the gathering of saddlemakers went last week at Pedro Pedrini's shop outside of Elko, Nevada. We're never too old to learn!