My Story

After six years of military service – two spent overseas – I came home searching for purpose beyond the uniform. Like many veterans, I wrestled with the transition to civilian life and the invisible weight that often follows. I tried to fill the void with books and games, but nothing quite scratched the itch for meaningful creation.

Then, one Christmas, my wife gifted me a small forge built from a couple of firebricks. That simple gesture rekindled something deep within me—a connection to my great-grandfather, who worked as a blacksmith after immigrating to America. For a while, I found peace in the rhythm of hammer and steel. But as the toll of Army life caught up to me—degenerative disc disease, nerve pain, and all the rest—I had to set aside the anvil.

It wasn’t long before I found another craft that spoke to me. At a small market, I met a leatherworker whose passion for the trade reminded me of my own lost spark. With my wife’s support, I dove headfirst into learning the art of leathercraft. What began in our garage with a few tools and scraps of leather has grown into S.P. Forge & Leather—a brand built on craftsmanship, simplicity, and intentional living.

Today, my workbench sits not just in a garage, but on our growing homestead in Northern Iowa. My wife and I are building a life rooted in self-reliance and purpose — growing food, managing the land, and finding balance between hard work and quiet moments. Every piece I craft reflects those same values: slow, deliberate creation over mass production, and quality that stands the test of time.

Each collection I release is intentionally small—limited-run drops made by hand from full-grain leather, stitched with care, and designed to last a lifetime. These aren’t factory-made products; they’re tangible reminders that simplicity and craftsmanship still matter in a fast-paced world.

Thank you for being part of this journey—for supporting not just a craft, but a way of life.

—Justin