BtW: Build a Better Business

Description

Michael Magnus

Whitney Center for the Arts – WCA 235

Friday 05/15 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Running a leather business is more than making great products; it’s about having a clear plan for success. In this strategy-driven workshop, Beyond the Workbench (BtW) co-hosts Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (Elktracks Studio, Magnus Opus) will help you step back and think bigger about your business. You’ll learn how to define your direction, refine your product mix, set meaningful goals, and create a roadmap that works for where you are today and where you want to go tomorrow. If you’ve ever felt like you’re busy, but not always moving forward, this class will help you find clarity and momentum. While it pairs perfectly with How to Market Your Business (which covers the promotional tactics to grow your reach), Build A Better Business gives you the big-picture foundation that makes every marketing effort more effective.

Materials to bring: Note taking materials.

Workshop Instructor: Michael Magnus is an entrepreneur, marketer, and educator, bringing over two decades of business experience to the leather industry. After working with some of the industry’s most well-known brands, he started the podcast “Beyond the Workbench” with co-host Odin Clack to share small-business advice for leatherworkers. He is also the founder of LearnLeathercraft.com, an online learning platform that allows artists to distribute their videos, books, and patterns.

Odin Clack traded in a cushy corporate job in Digital Marketing in 2017 to pursue growing his small leather goods brand. He first began working with leather in 2012 and quickly caught the bug. It didn’t take long for him to merge his two worlds. What started off as an experiment turned into a hobby, then a business, and finally a brand. With the help of a thoughtful website, a well-planned social media strategy, and many late nights and early mornings, the business began to take off in 2014. With the help of a small team – anchored by his wife, Rachelle, Odin Leather Goods has expanded to include two retail stores and a well-appointed manufacturing workshop. They have a solid catalog of products – belts, wallets, bags, satchels, totes, and pouches – all with a simple but inspired Southern style. Their list of clients includes many big brands you likely know. The business has expanded to include white-label manufacturing, events, brand activations, classes, templates, patterns, and other custom offerings. Odin’s corporate background and transparent community-focused approach give a fresh angle to an age-old craft and business – where Made by Hand and Made in America are still viable options. You can find Odin and his team active on Instagram and YouTube – where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at things – and shop with him at www.OdinLeatherGoods.com.

Workshop Sponsors:

CANCELLATION POLICY

• There is a $25 administration fee for canceling a workshop.

• The cost of each workshop will be refunded minus the $25 fee.

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, May 1, 2026.