Today we’d like to introduce you to David Montalvo.
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I first experienced leatherworking in 1976 in a 10th grade Arts & Crafts class and quickly became obsessed with learning as much as I could about the trade. Later I met my mentor, Mr. Leonard Galvin who was a well known saddle maker and leather worker. He was such a nice man and became a close friend and teacher. I also learned a lot from my own research and reading about the leather crafting industry. It was a bit more difficult than it would be nowadays with YouTube and the internet.
I entered the San Antonio Fire Department in 1979 and continued leatherworking on my days off. I made many custom leather products for my fellow firefighters, police officers, friends and family. My custom leather company has always stayed a home-based business. In 1995, I named the business Montalvo Leather and still operate under that name today. I enjoy meeting new clients, making friends, networking, learning new techniques and being challenged with new projects. I offer handmade leather products, repair, restoration and customization. I have a website (MontalvoLeather.com) and I’m on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
My leather products are all handcrafted from an original pattern, cut from a hide of leather, glued, stitched and finished the traditional way without the use of computers, laser cutters or mass-produced methods. All products are guaranteed for life and built to become an heirloom. If I’m not working on leather in my shop, I’m either working out, playing drums or facilitating a community drum circle. I have a beautiful, loving wife, Nikki, Cameron (son), Hailee (daughter), Noah (grandson) and Landyn (grandson),
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s going on 50 years since I started my leather journey. The road has been challenging at times due to life’s unexpected events and the economic impacts, but it has been very rewarding and successful thanks to God who ultimately has been in control. He has blessed me with the health, wisdom and skills needed to accomplish the tasks each day in the leather shop,
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Montalvo Leather, I offer handcrafted leather products and repair. I handmake anything out of leather with the exception of saddles, boots, clothing and upholstery. I am known for spending the necessary time with my clients to make sure we are both on the same page and openly share the design phase, leather selection, thread and hardware options to make sure the end product is to their standards and satisfaction. All products are made to last and someday become an heirloom passed down to the next generation.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be a sponge and soak in as much knowledge, technique and expertise as possible from every source you can imagine.
Pricing:
- All pricing is based on the individual product since they mostly are custom ordered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MontalvoLeather.com
- Instagram: @montalvoleather
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montalvoleather
