Today we’d like to introduce you to Wayne Christensen
Hi Wayne, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in leather started when a neighbor, moving out, gave me a 55-gallon drum of scrap leather. I visited a local leather store where I met the manager Don McGown and purchased a beginner’s tool kit. Don was a lifesaver, his patience and encouragement kept me from quitting when I mangled my first projects. A few years later, I was learning from masters like Bob Beard and Peter Main, and by 1990, leatherwork was no longer a hobby, it was my full-time job. No regrets since.
In 1995, Tandy’s new manager asked me to teach an advanced leathercraft class, one night a week. In 1999, when Tandy closed its retail stores, a friend opened a supply shop for crafters and scouts. I moved my workbench in, helped run it, and began teaching both a beginner’s and an advanced class. Ten years ago, I added another beginner’s class and Three years after that I opened another night for an intermediate class as well as a 2nd night for an advanced leathercraft class giving those that go through the stages of my class the opportunity to have Two years of leathercraft training.
Teaching has been the best part. For 20 years, I have taught Boy Scouts their Leathercraft merit badge and visited schools to show kids the craft. Now, stuck at the shop more, I offer free classes to teachers and counselors so they can pass it on. My students keep me sharp—they’ve pushed me further than I’d have gone alone. I’ve hosted pros like Bob Beard and Jeff Mosby, too, and still take classes myself to share new tricks with my customers and students.
I’ve also had the pleasure of hosting other accomplished instructors like Bob Beard and Jeff Mosby, and I always encourage my students to learn from every expert they can. I keep learning, too—every new technique I master is something I’m eager to share with my customers.
In 2001, I took over as the full-time manager of Standing Bear’s Trading Post while running my custom leather business. Then, in June 2006, after William “Standing Bear” Kimmey passed away, his family entrusted me with the store. It’s a heavy honor that I carry with pride every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth? Hardly. Keeping Standing Bear’s Trading Post open for 25 years is a fight every day. Back in ’99, our original supplier, shut down its retail stores and went to catalog and online only. Later, another company bought them, started reopening corporate stores under the original company name, and came after independents like us. They offered to buy us out, and when I said no, they plunked a store right in our backyard. A corporate guy flat-out told me it was to run us off. What’s kept us alive? The leatherwork classes I teach five nights a week. They pull in new folks who end up buying from us, so we are struggling but surviving.
Then there’s the price war. People want the cheapest deal, and big stores have the edge. Some come in, pick my brain, and walk away to buy elsewhere. It stings, but I don’t stop giving advice. I figure the ones who stick around, who see the value in what I offer, they’re the ones keeping this place going. That’s how I get by.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Standing Bear’s Trading Post, Leather by WC, has been around since 1999. We have been selling leathercraft supplies and teaching people how to do leatherwork for 25 years. We’re a one-stop shop: supplies, lessons, and custom pieces. I’ve been at this over 40 years, so whether someone’s after a hide, a tool, or a hand-stitched belt, I’ve got them covered. We give discounts to youth groups, active military, veterans, law enforcement, first responders, and members of The Leathercraft Guild. Supporting the youth, those that keep the community and country safe and healthy as well as those that are a part of the local leathercraft guild.
What sets us apart? The classes. I teach five nights a week, 52 students total, including 16 beginners. Locals can sign up for a six-month course that is an A-Z comprehensive course. It’s hands-on, start-to-finish training that keeps this craft breathing. If someone is not local, I am happy to help via phone, email or video chat if needed. That personal touch, plus 25 years as a supply hub and 40 years of custom work, makes us different. Big stores can’t match that.
Brand-wise, I’ve got two moments I’m damn proud of. In ’99, I was the only leather artist invited to show my work at The Fuller Museum of Art for their “Hand Crafted for Outdoor Sports” exhibit. Felt good to stand out like that. Then, on September 28, 2013, I received the Al Stohlman Award for Achievement in Leathercraft. That one’s special, means I’ve left a mark on this trade.
What do I want readers to know? We’re here for your leather journey—supplies, lessons, custom jobs, whatever you need. I’m keeping this craft alive, one student, one piece at a time. Come by if you’re serious about it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Hands down, my favorite childhood memory is going to rodeos with my great uncle and watching my uncle compete. My great uncle was a bronc rider and although I never saw him ride in his prime, he’d put on a specialty act, driving me around the arena in a pony cart.
My uncle, though, he was a bulldogger, wrestling steers in the dirt. Those days have stuck with me through the years.
These childhood memories are also a part of me doing leatherwork, I grew up around it while going to the rodeos and was always a fan of western movies and series.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sbearstradingpost.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/standingbears/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StandingBearsTradingPost
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/standing-bear’s-trading-post/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/StandingBears
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sbearstradingpost
- Other: https://linktr.ee/StandingBears
