Pivot, Prosper, & Persevere

What does it really take to run a business? In this episode, we sit down with a second-generation business owner who grew up in the trenches, stepped away, and came back to take the reins. We talk about the reality behind the “freedom” of ownership, why discipline matters more than flexibility, and what it looks like to lead a team without losing respect. From pushing through hard days to taking calculated risks and honoring the legacy you’ve been given, this conversation takes a look at what it actually takes to build something that lasts.

Most beginner leathercrafters think branding starts with a logo—but that’s not what actually drives sales. In this episode, I break down why your brand is really your reputation, whether you’ve been intentional about it or not, and how it’s already shaping the way customers see your work. We’ll walk through four key questions—what you make, who you make it for, what problem it solves, and how you serve your customers—that will give you clarity and direction so your brand starts working for you instead of against you. If you’re serious about building a leathercraft business that actually grows, not just making products, I want to invite you to my online workshop, Craft a Strong Business—check it out here: https://twentythreeplus.com/pages/craft-a-strong-business

If you’re not consistently reviewing your pricing, your craft business could be losing money without you even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with a professional machinist from the metal fabrication industry to break down how rising costs, overlooked expenses, and emotional decision-making can slowly destroy your margins. We talk through both the technical side of pricing your work correctly and the mindset shift required to confidently raise your prices. Whether you’re just starting your craft business or you’ve been at it for years, this episode will help you protect your profits and build a business that actually lasts.

Does it feel like it’s hard to stand out and sell in a crowded market? In this episode, I break down why low barrier of entry products create crowded markets and what you can do to stand out. Whether it’s focusing on one product, leveling up your skills, or adding capabilities others don’t have, I’ll show you simple ways to separate yourself and start selling more.

If you’re trying to grow your leathercraft business and feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode is for you. One of the biggest mistakes beginner leathercrafters make is trying to build everything—wallets, belts, bags, custom orders—without ever developing or focusing on one product line. In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I break down why doing less is actually the fastest path to growth and how narrowing your focus can help you build skill, consistency, and real momentum in your business.

If you’re trying to figure out how to go full-time in your leathercraft business, you might be focusing on the wrong thing. Most makers believe they need to increase their income first—but in this episode, we break down why taking control of your personal finances and lowering your expenses can actually get you there faster.We talk through how to evaluate your budget, identify what you really need to live on, and create a realistic path from part-time to full-time without the pressure of constantly chasing more sales. If you’re a beginner leather crafter or side hustler ready to make the leap, this episode will give you a practical strategy to start moving forward today.

If your leathercraft business isn’t getting sales, the problem might not be your product—it’s your marketing. In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I break down the biggest mistake beginner leather crafters make when using social media and why treating your page like a billboard is costing you customers. Instead, I’ll show you how to approach your content like a storefront—inviting people into your story, building trust, and creating real connection that leads to sales. If you’re just getting started or struggling to turn followers into buyers, this episode will help you fix your approach and start seeing results.

What happens when you stop being “just a number” at a company and decide to bet on yourself? In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I sit down with an entrepreneur who walked away from the security of a traditional job and took a gamble on buying a business. Without even looking at the numbers, he focused on the opportunity he saw and the vision he had for what the business could become. A decade later, that risk has paid off.This conversation dives into the mindset behind entrepreneurship—treating people well, listening for opportunities in everyday conversations, solving real problems, and having the resilience to keep moving forward when challenges arise. Beyond building a successful business, he’s also built something even more valuable: a life that protects time with his family. If you’re thinking about leaving your job, starting a business, or taking the leap into entrepreneurship, this episode will give you the encouragement to bet on yourself.

In this episode of the Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere Podcast, we explore how a side hustle can become the perfect retirement career. Today’s guest spent years serving as a firefighter while quietly building a taxidermy business on the side. By focusing on quality work, creating demand, and building a reputation over time, he was able to transition seamlessly from a full-time W-2 career into running his own business doing something he truly enjoys.If you’ve ever thought about starting a side hustle, building a retirement business, or creating an exit plan from your W-2 job, this conversation will give you practical insight and encouragement. Learn how starting small, building demand, and thinking long-term can help turn a passion or hobby into a business that supports you in the next chapter of life.

If you run a handmade business and feel stuck trying to grow, this episode is for you. In this solo episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I break down the biggest marketing advantage most crafters, leatherworkers, and makers are completely overlooking. If you build your products by hand — leather goods, silverwork, crochet, woodworking, or any craft — you already have powerful content and connection built into your business. People buy from those they know, like, and trust. The problem? Too many makers stay hidden in the shop instead of showing the process that builds that trust.We’re talking practical craft business marketing strategies, how to sell handmade products without feeling fake, and why marketing should never be the bottleneck in your small business. If you want to grow your leathercraft business, handmade brand, or creative side hustle without relying on ads, this episode will challenge you to stop hiding and start leveraging what makes you different.

In this episode, Joe Meling sits down with Don Gonzales to talk about what it really takes to build a successful leathercraft business — starting with apprenticeship and ending with marketing that actually works.Too many makers focus only on improving their skills. Skill matters. But skill alone doesn’t build a business.Don shares how learning through apprenticeship can fast-track your growth as a leatherworker — not just technically, but professionally. Then we dive into one of the most overlooked truths in small business:You cannot wait to be discovered.If you want your leathercraft business to grow, you have to get in front of your customers. Go to them. Show up. Build relationships. Market intentionally.This conversation is for:• Leatherworkers wanting to turn pro• Small business owners trying to scale• Makers stuck waiting for sales• Entrepreneurs building a craft-based brand• Anyone serious about growing in 2026 and beyondIn this episode we cover:• The value of apprenticeship in skill development• Why mentorship accelerates business growth• The marketing mindset shift most makers need• How to get in front of your ideal customers• What it really takes to pivot, prosper, and persevereIf you’re serious about turning leathercraft into a real business — this episode will challenge you.Subscribe for weekly conversations with entrepreneurs, makers, and business builders who are willing to share the real journey.

What happens when you bet on yourself — with zero experience and zero contacts?In this episode of Pivot, Prosper, and Persevere, I sit down with Steven Van Plew to talk about what it really looks like to enter a brand-new industry with nothing but belief, work ethic, and the willingness to outwork the competition.Steven shares how he:• Broke into an industry with no network• Built his reputation from scratch• Took massive risks and gambled on himself• Outworked the competition• Pivoted into a completely different industry — and did it againIf you’re starting over in business, thinking about making a pivot, or questioning whether you have what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, this conversation is for you.Success doesn’t always come from connections.It comes from conviction, consistency, and courage.Whether you’re launching your first business, building a personal brand, or stepping into a new industry, this episode will challenge you to take the bet on yourself.Subscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, mindset, business pivots, and the real stories behind success.

You don’t need all the skills before you start - you need the courage to take the first step.This entrepreneur stepped far outside his comfort zone and built businesses he had no formal training to run. Through determination, adaptability, and grit, he found success, learned the skills along the way, and ultimately redefined what freedom and fulfillment look like for him. This conversation is for makers, crafters, and small business owners who feel stuck waiting to be “ready.” If you’ve ever questioned your path, your skills, or what success is supposed to look like - this one’s for you.Skills can be learned. Courage has to come first. 

Many people fear treating their hobby as a business because they don’t want to lose the joy they had in it to start. A business is what you create it to be and it can’t steal your joy unless you let it. Being intentional, learning to set boundaries, and having a clear vision can allow you to protect your joy. 

Many people stay stuck where they’re at due to a fear of failure. Failure is a perception and a decision. Making a pivot on your career is not a failure when done in the right way. There is a lot of your past or current career that will actually carry you forward into the future stronger. 

Taking on the mindset of an owner while you are still an employee not only helps you bring more to the table, but it also helps develop your skills while you’re in your current position. Riley Waggoner has worked hard and dedicated himself over the last 4 years to build his skills both personally and professionally. I love his perspective that he shares on catching and casting vision. It’s been an honor to have a front row seat to the journey Riley has been on both personally and professionally. 

At 29 years old, Ryan Gill made the decision to go “all in”. He invested everything he had to start a new business with no guarantee of success. He started by himself with 1 dump truck. 21 years later, along with his business partners, they sold their business to the largest construction company in the world. The path to success was anything but a straight line for Ryan, but his refusal to fail paired with a desire to grow saw him through tough decisions and an almost devastating downturn. 

Follow along as we visit with entrepreneurs ranging from main street makers to international business owners. The stories are diverse but the principal is that same. There is a certain mental toughness that comes with entrepreneurship. Some people have it going in, some develop it along the way, while others get discouraged and quit before reaching their full potential. When we face troubles and bumps in the road, its helpful to pull strength from another person's testimony. If someone has made it through something similar to what you're facing then that's proof enough that you can do it too. Even stories from other industries can parallel the struggles, thoughts, emotions, and situations that you have or might run into. Join us as we pull strength and encouragement from amazing people willing to share their stories, setbacks, and strategies.

This is a trailer for what's to come in this podcast!