Quality leather products, a family business
By Holly Drake
Roy Wengerd and his family started making belts in their basement in 1994. Now R.W. Leather is a premier maker of leather products.
Wengerd started in the leather business working for another local leather shop in 1992. He spent two years learning the trade of leatherworking from two different leather shops, then he ventured out on his own.
After three and a half years working out of the basement, the Wengerds moved their store to an 1,800-square-foot shop on the hill above their house, before expanding once more in early 2008 to a new facility nearly twice the size.
Wengerd originally sold his leather products in craft stores in Berlin and Sugarcreek. As the operation grew, he ventured into wholesale. Finding that his sense of quality could not compete with wholesale prices, Wengerd began selling the products himself.
The family owned and operated business stays busy keeping an array of inventory in their store just south of Walnut Creek. Along with belts, R.W. Leather makes and sells purses, wallets, leashes, collars, and more. They also stock sheep skin products including throws, rugs, and seatbelt covers. Other novelty handmade items made here include key chains, sleigh bells, coasters, and fanny packs.
As for the belts, they come in every size, from something that fits small children to extra long. No size is too long, according to Wengerd. The belts are embossed, stitched, made out of full grain leather. Quality men’s, women’s, and children’s belts, work belts, and dress belts are offered at reasonable prices.
All R.W. Leather belts are guaranteed not to crack or break. All of the leather used is US vegetable tanned leather so they are environmentally friendly. Wengerd purchases the leather and cuts and creates the products in-house with the help of his family.
While there are other leather shops in the area, most specialize in horse harnesses or collars. The shops that do sell leather goods don’t make them in-house, said Wengerd. R.W. Leather is a unique shop in Holmes County and worth a visit.
People come from every part of Ohio, and all over the country, to visit R.W. Leather. “We have a lot of repeat customers from out of state,” said Wengerd.
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, turn off SR 39 just past Walnut Creek and travel the short distance to R.W. Leather.
