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.