Build a Better Business

Description

Michael Magnus and Odin Clack

Whitney Center for the Arts – WCA 235

Friday 05/16 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

All skill levels welcome!

Workshop Description: Led by business owners Odin Clack (Odin Leather Goods) and Michael Magnus (Co-Founder of Elktracks Studio, Magnus Opus), this workshop is focused on developing your business strategy. Throughout this lecture-driven class, the goal is to help students find direction for their business, determine their product mix, learn how to measure success, and develop a plan on how to get there. This class welcomes businesses of all stages and sizes and encourages questions and curiosity. The intention of the class is for students to walk out with a notebook full of ideas and a proactive plan for meeting some of their business goals.

Materials to bring: Notebook, pencil/pen, curiosity, and lots of questions.

Workshop Instructor: Michael Magnus is a former TCU Advertising Professor who now shares marketing insights dedicated specifically to the needs of the leatherworker. Over the last 10 years, Magnus has worked with some of the largest brands in the leathercraft industry, guiding digital strategy, publicity, and eCommerce. His experience offers a diverse collection of insights and ideas that can be applied to growing your business. Prior to working in the leather industry, Magnus had a career in the film industry, designing sets and props for movies, television shows, and commercials. Additionally, his resume includes having run his own advertising agency, co-founding a software company, fundraising for nonprofits, public relations, social media marketing, and much more. Magnus currently serves as a Senior SEO Specialist for Mouser Electronics (a Berkshire Hathaway Company) while supporting small businesses and non-profits through ongoing consulting. He is also the co-founder of Elktracks Studio, working with Jim Linnell to provide online leathercraft instruction over the last 7 years. An established writer, some of Magnus’ favorite content to have published was working with his daughter on “Caragh’s Kids Crafts” for the Leather Crafter’s Journal last year.

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 per cancellation.

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

• No refunds for workshops after Friday, May 9, 2025.