Jake Starr: The Recycled Firefighter
We talk with Jake Starr, a 12 yr veteran firefighter, who makes and sells wallets, belts, and bags out of decommissioned fire hose and U.S. Combat boot leather.
The Unofficial Shopify Podcast · Kurt Elster
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Show Notes
Jake Starr, a 12 yr veteran firefighter, always enjoyed making his own gear by hand. He worked with leather and fashioned gear that included backpacking hammocks. After joining the Louisville fire department, Jake’s need to create handmade goods would not go extinguished.
A few years ago his department was getting ready to replace older hoses. He asked his Chief if he could take some of the discarded hoses to create iPad sleeves and explore other ideas. After working long shifts at the Firehouse, he would head home and put in work from behind a sewing machine.
Learn:
- How Instagram Photography and a great story fueled his marketing and growth
- How small-scale manufacturing can lead to large scale profits
- When to source a US Manufacturer
- Dealing with copycats
- and following your passion
Links:
Check out http://www.RecycledFirefighter.com and be sure to to follow @RecycledFirefighter on Instagram.
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