I AM ONLY A CRAFTSMAN to premier on PBS, October 16, 2026
SHERIDAN, WYOMING, October 1, 2026 – This feature-length film follows master carver James F. Jackson and Japanese leather artist Taka Otsuka on a journey through Japan’s vibrant leatherworking world. More than a look at the trade, the film explores how Wyoming’s iconic Sheridan-style carving became an international bridge—proving that true craftsmanship is a profound form of art rooted in humility, friendship, and tradition.
The Film
I Am Only a Craftsman is a documentary film by Sheridan County Travel & Tourism. Watch its digital premiere at 8 p.m. MT Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, on the Wyoming PBS YouTube channel, followed by its broadcast premiere at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, on Wyoming PBS.
The Filmmaker
Salvatore “Max” Brown is a Wyoming writer and filmmaker with more than a decade of experience in global film production. In his 20s, he lived and worked throughout Asia, co-founding a commercial production company in Taiwan and serving as a bilingual first assistant director on international advertising campaigns, working between English-speaking directors and Chinese-speaking crews.
Now based in the American West, Brown develops and directs documentary and narrative projects that explore cultural inheritance and global unity. He also produces branded content and Wyoming tourism campaigns.
His recent feature documentary, I Am Only a Craftsman, follows a trans-Pacific friendship between two master leather carvers in Wyoming and Japan, and is currently on the festival circuit. Brown’s screenwriting has been recognized on the Black List and in national competitions. His commercial and branded work includes campaigns for clients such as Rolls-Royce, Delta Air Lines, Wrangler and The Walking Dead: Survivors. Across every project, he draws on a wide base of craft and industry experience, from directing, producing, and editing to narrative development, post-production supervision, public relations, and location management.
DG LeatherCraft Launches ApprenticeShip
MOULTON, TEXAS, September 1, 2026 – DG LeatherCraft has launched ApprenticeShip, a structured, performance-based training program for leatherworkers who want a clear path to improve their craft.
Created by Don Gonzales, the program grew from years of teaching and one recurring need: there are more opportunities than ever to learn leathercraft, but few structured ways for craftsmen to measure their growth and prove their developing skills.
“I wanted to build a path,” Gonzales said.
ApprenticeShip follows a simple philosophy: Study. Practice. Prove. Participants progress through four levels—Apprentice, Journeyman, Artisan, and Maker—combining education with hands-on work, project turn-ins, evaluation, and earned advancement.
The inaugural Apprentice group launched in 2026 with a limited number of seats, which have now been filled. DG LeatherCraft plans to open additional enrollment as the program grows and the team is confident it can continue serving members well.
The goal is simple: give serious leatherworkers a structured path to develop real ability, while contributing to the continued growth and strength of the leathercraft trade.
Vaughan Gators Lands Largest Alligator to Date
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA, September 6, 2026 – Broderick Vaughan of Vaughan Gators marked a major milestone on September 6th with the harvest of his largest alligator to date – a massive 12-foot-9-inch alligator from Lake Talquin near Tallahassee, Florida. It beats his previous record of 12-foot, 8-inches, dating back to 2015.
The impressive animal represents a significant achievement for Broderick, whose work with alligators extends beyond the hunt and into the traditional craft of working with their hides. The size and quality of the animal provides an exceptional hide for leatherwork and preserves a piece of Florida’s iconic wildlife through a time-honored craft.
The successful harvest adds another memorable chapter to Vaughan Gators’ growing history and highlights the connection between Florida’s alligator hunting tradition and the leatherworking community.
About Vaughan Gators:
Vaughan Gators is a Florida-based nuisance alligator trapping, processing, and leatherworking operation focused on the responsible harvest and utilization of alligator hides for traditional leathercraft.
Hermann Oak Leather Company Announces Fifth-Generation Family Ownership
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 28, 2026 — Hermann Oak Leather Company announced that, effective May 31, 2026, ownership of the company has transitioned to Drew Gulick, great-great-grandson of founder L. C. Hermann, continuing the company’s legacy of family ownership into its fifth generation.
Gulick acquired the business from cousins Missy Hermann Pydo and Kati Hermann Mawhiney following a thoughtful succession process that was nearly two years in the making.
“For our customers, this transition means continuity,” said Gulick. “The values that Shep Hermann instilled in Hermann Oak—a relentless focus on quality, consistency, satisfied customers, and a culture built on respect—will continue to guide every decision we make. At the same time, we will never stop looking for ways to improve. Continuous improvement has always been part of our culture, and we will continue investing in our people, our processes, and our capabilities so we can serve our customers even better in the years ahead.”
Gulick said he chose to acquire the company because of his confidence in its people and his admiration for the customers who transform Hermann Oak leather into some of the world’s finest handcrafted products.
Founded in 1881 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Hermann Oak Leather Company continues to serve leatherworkers around the world with premium vegetable-tanned leather.